Circuit Training

An easy way to get in shape

The circuits most women are familiar with are the type found in women-only fitness clubs, such as Curves. That is too say traditional women’s circuits consist of a room full of different types of weight machines interspersed with cardio stations. Up-beat music plays as a voice instructs the women to move from one station to the next. Usually two or three rounds completes a 30 minute workout circuit.

The resistance in circuit machines is often provided by hydraulics, but that isn’t the only way to do a circuit. Other resistance methods such as free weights, bands and weight stations can provide the same results. Sometimes weight trainers do circuits consisting of strength moves and stretches.

Circuit training with a home gym

If you have the right equipment there’s no reason you can’t set up a circuit with your own home gym. If you haven’t purchased one yet make sure to take a few things into consideration if you want to use it for circuit training.

• Easy changing between exercises - If you’re going to doing a circuit you’ll need to be able to change any cables or attachments quickly so you don’t break your stride. Find out what’s involved in this process with the gym you want and if you get the chance try it out for yourself to see if it’s really easy-change.
• Upper and lower body capable - When circuit training it’s important to work all the muscle groups in your body. If your machine only lets you work the upper body you’ll have to add moves like squats to get full-body benefits.
• Cardio or stretching stations - One of the most important parts of a circuit is the cardio or flexibility portion. Some home gyms have cardio rowing included, in which case you’ve got part of it covered. Other great cardio methods are skipping ropes, hula hoops and any sort of aerobics such as jumping jacks and running in place. If you want to do flexibility moves it’s best to find stretches that use the same muscles you just worked. Posting instructional pictures nearby can make it easier.
  

The bottom line

You could buy hydraulic circuit weight machines for your home, but that would cost thousands of dollars and take up way too much space. If you want the benefits of a circuit but don’t want to join a gym, it just takes a little planning. Besides, if you use your imagination you can come up with a circuit that’s more personalized and offers much more variety than any you’d find at a gym.