Is circuit training the most efficient way to train?
There have been many fitness trends that have come and gone. Do you remember Tae Bo, with Billy Blanks? You don’t see it much anymore, but it was hugely popular in the 90s. Circuit training, however, seems to be a lasting one, and today we’ll take a closer look at it.
What is circuit training?
Circuit training means doing a series of exercises one after another in a circuit format. You repeat the same round several times, with short rest intervals in between. The type and intensity of the exercises can vary.
It differs from traditional strength training, where you perform multiple sets of a single exercise, with relatively longer rest periods.
The benefits of circuit training
Circuit training has two major advantages: it saves you a lot of time, and because of the short rest periods, it’s also good for your cardiovascular fitness.
Typically, exercises that engage large muscle groups are selected for circuit training. This causes your heart rate to rise quickly. Because you rest less, you’re constantly active, giving your body a strong metabolic stimulus throughout the session.
Who is this training suitable for?
Circuit training can be used for a wide variety of training goals. If your goal is to build general strength and endurance, you’re definitely in the right place. Even if you’re more focused on building muscle and less on cardio, this form of training can still be a good choice.
However, for true bodybuilding or powerlifting, circuit training is less suitable. If you’re 100% focused on improving your endurance for something like a marathon, circuit training can be a valuable tool during the preparation phase.
Is circuit training the most efficient training method?
To summarize, circuit training can indeed be considered the most efficient training method if your goal is to improve general strength and conditioning. You can get a quality workout in a short amount of time.
Even those aiming for more muscle mass can use this strategy in a preparatory phase. The same goes for someone in general preparation for a running event. But for pure hypertrophy, power training, or very specific conditioning goals, traditional training methods remain the better choice.