Benefits of Circuit Training || Total Body and Less Time

Week 2 of The Fresh Start Fitness Challenge included a circuit workout of 8 exercises to be performed 6 times during the week. I’d often read about circuit training but never actually tried it. I completed 8 of the FSFC circuit routine this week and loved it.

16 repetitions of each

  • squats plus shoulder press
  • pushups
  • lunges plus bicep hammer curls
  • bent over reverse flys
  • tricep dips
  • plank
  • bridge
  • v-sit core rotation

What is a circuit workout? 

After looking at a variety of circuit workouts the routines typically:

  1. alternate between muscle groups allowing for adequate recovery
  2. include a rest interval of 30-90 seconds
  3. allow for 1-3 minutes between circuits
  4. combine cardio training and resistance training

What are the benefits of a circuit workout?

  1. a total body workout
  2. an easy way to combine cardio benefits and strength training in one workout
  3. routines can be easily created for all fitness levels
  4. can be done at home or at the gym and with or without equipment
  5. shortened workout time

Pinterest is a great resource for circuit workouts! Check out my Workout Board for complete circuit routines.

 Have you ever tried circuit training? 

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Comments: 22

  1. jenna September 16, 2012 at 9:08 am Reply

    i definitely need to be doing more circuit training. i tend to get into habits and stick to running and yoga, but the idea of circuits always are in the back of my mind, i just don’t really do them like i should! haha. spa love!

  2. Glenneth September 16, 2012 at 9:38 am Reply

    i need to get back into circuit training. have just been concentrating on cardio (Walking and spinning). enjoy your sunday! spa love!
    Glenneth recently posted..Let’s Play 25 Questions.My Profile

  3. Tamara September 16, 2012 at 11:01 am Reply

    So glad you’re enjoying the workouts Jill! Thanks for writing about the Challenge!
    Tamara recently posted..5 tips to up the intensity of your strength workoutsMy Profile

  4. Laura September 16, 2012 at 2:58 pm Reply

    I was doing Tina’s best body boot camp the last 6 weeks or so, and she incorporated a lot of circuit training, too. I was amazed how much I could work up a sweat in these workouts! Definitely a great way to get in full body strength training.
    Laura recently posted..Kathy’s Journey to Marathon Maniac!My Profile

  5. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero September 16, 2012 at 6:01 pm Reply

    I really like circuit training, but am bad about just falling into my old habits (long, slow, distance running). I hope to do more circuit work when i am completely healthy again post injury.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted..Football Frenzy: Weekend WorkoutMy Profile

  6. Kate September 16, 2012 at 6:04 pm Reply

    This is a great post. You know what, I love circuit training, but I haven’t ever done it properly – this is really, really helpful! I’ve never been good at rest :-P
    Kate recently posted..Top 5: Marathon Training – what they don’t tell you (2)My Profile

  7. Noelle McKenzie September 16, 2012 at 9:16 pm Reply

    Yes I love circuits or high intensity intervals. As you said it’s a great way to combine cardio and strength training all in one and you burn more calories long after your workout is even over! Time is precious so maximize your workout in the shortest time possible =)
    Noelle McKenzie recently posted..Gourmet cuisine made easy with Hello FreshMy Profile

  8. Heather September 16, 2012 at 9:47 pm Reply

    I love circuits, they are great workouts and make me sweat a lot and my muscles like jello!

  9. Jenelle September 16, 2012 at 9:58 pm Reply

    love it, awesome post!
    Jenelle recently posted..Strides Against Hunger 5k Run/WalkMy Profile

  10. Danielle @ itsaharleyyylife September 16, 2012 at 9:59 pm Reply

    I love turning ot pinterest to get ideas for workouts! That website was the best invention in the world!
    Danielle @ itsaharleyyylife recently posted..Recipe: Pot RoastMy Profile

  11. lindsay September 16, 2012 at 10:11 pm Reply

    those are my absolute favorite! So effective too!

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