The Spin On Circuit Training
Cara's Fitness Blog
Cara Foote is a certified personal trainer with the Fitness Zone in Carmel and a group fitness instructor with NIFS in downtown Indianapolis. She can be contacted at fitnessblog@theindychannel.com.INDIANAPOLIS -- What's the hot new craze in the fitness industry lately? Circuit training.You may have noticed small workout studios called Curves popping up on every street corner these days. These are circuit training studios.
Even big gyms such as Bally's are developing 30-minute circuit training classes.If you are not familiar with circuit training, it consists of moving from machine to machine quickly, or incorporating small cardio sets in between each machine.Basically, you work out as hard as possible with little rest in between stations, for about 30 minutes (although you can always do it longer -- I promise it wouldn't kill you!).People are in such a hurry these days that they want a quick, get-in-and-get-out type of workout that will not interfere with their normal routine.The question remains, however, how efficient is this type of training, really helpful?Circuit training is great for burning calories -- it is actually one of the best, most efficient ways to burn fat. It also builds muscle when some type of resistance lifting is incorporated.Circuit training aids in maintaining a healthy body, however, this speedy workout could lead to injury if you are not concentrating on the movements at all times. Such quick motions require lots of focus. Without it you could definitely pull a muscle.Also, if your goal is for a major body change, this workout is not enough and should be supplemented with longer, more specific sessions.Circuit training is great for the man or woman on the go -– it is quick and tough. At the same time, don't rely purely on this quick format if you want a total body overhaul. Just incorporate circuit training into a totally busy day for a quick fix, and remember -- concentrate!Would you like to get Cara's weekly blog delivered to your e-mail inbox? Click here to sign up for free!
|
|
Even big gyms such as Bally's are developing 30-minute circuit training classes.If you are not familiar with circuit training, it consists of moving from machine to machine quickly, or incorporating small cardio sets in between each machine.Basically, you work out as hard as possible with little rest in between stations, for about 30 minutes (although you can always do it longer -- I promise it wouldn't kill you!).People are in such a hurry these days that they want a quick, get-in-and-get-out type of workout that will not interfere with their normal routine.The question remains, however, how efficient is this type of training, really helpful?Circuit training is great for burning calories -- it is actually one of the best, most efficient ways to burn fat. It also builds muscle when some type of resistance lifting is incorporated.Circuit training aids in maintaining a healthy body, however, this speedy workout could lead to injury if you are not concentrating on the movements at all times. Such quick motions require lots of focus. Without it you could definitely pull a muscle.Also, if your goal is for a major body change, this workout is not enough and should be supplemented with longer, more specific sessions.Circuit training is great for the man or woman on the go -– it is quick and tough. At the same time, don't rely purely on this quick format if you want a total body overhaul. Just incorporate circuit training into a totally busy day for a quick fix, and remember -- concentrate! Previous Blogs:
- June 28, 2004: Exercise: What's Your Motivation?
- June 21, 2004: Low-Carb Diets: Is This Fad A Fraud?
- June 14, 2004: Pilates: Another Fad Or The Real Deal?
Copyright 2004 by TheIndyChannel.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
