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How do I Choose the Best Circuit Training Programs?

J.B. Todd
J.B. Todd

Circuit training combines cardio and strength training routines into a comprehensive workout program. Choosing circuit training programs can be a difficult process. There are many different ways a person can use circuit training in his workouts, and choosing the best programs typically depends on the desired result. For example, he can vary the exercises and the amount of time he rests in between each set to get a total body workout. The number of repetitions performed in each exercise can also be changed up, which can increase muscle definition. Experimentation may be the way to choose the best circuit training programs, and mixing up routines can often produce better results.

Circuit training programs can be designed to fit a person’s fitness goals. If he wants to gain strength, the circuit training exercises can be done with moderate or heavy weight, for a smaller number of repetitions. If the person wants to increase his muscle definition, he would use lighter weights and perform higher repetitions. A balanced approach can also be used, combining circuit strength training with circuit fitness training.

Push-ups can be part of a circuit training routine.
Push-ups can be part of a circuit training routine.

The best results are often achieved by doing several different circuit training routines over a period of time. Changing the type of circuit training equipment can also help produce a person’s desired results. If he becomes bored with a particular routine, he can switch the order of the weight circuit training to help stimulate muscle growth.

If a person has never attempted circuit training, he should start slow since this type of workout can be more tiring than a regular weight training program. As he adjusts to the speed of the workout, he can add more exercises or use different equipment to keep progressing. Changing the days of the circuit training workout is another way to keep the body from adapting, which can cause progress to slow.

A person must lift heavy weights in low repetitions in order to build muscle mass.
A person must lift heavy weights in low repetitions in order to build muscle mass.

Circuit training for women can be an effective addition to an overall workout program. If a woman already does a regular cardiovascular workout, she can increase her performance by using circuit training programs that are done with little or no rest between exercises. As she progresses, she can choose to increase the amount of rest between each exercise, or increase the weights used to build muscle mass or increase definition as needed.

Circuit training programs combined with a healthy diet can help a person achieve the look he wants. He can adjust his workout and caloric intake on a regular basis to work on the specific areas he feels need improving. Switching between circuit training programs and regular weightlifting routines may produce faster results since the muscles will have to adapt to the change.

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    • Push-ups can be part of a circuit training routine.
      By: Ken Hurst
      Push-ups can be part of a circuit training routine.
    • A person must lift heavy weights in low repetitions in order to build muscle mass.
      By: Christopher Howey
      A person must lift heavy weights in low repetitions in order to build muscle mass.