Circuit Training Routines

Circuit training is essentially performing different exercises in a series. For instance, you may start with a series of upright rows followed by a set of squats and then curls. Many people today consider weight lifting exercises as an integral part of circuit training. However, you may as well include aerobic and anaerobic exercises into your circuit training routines. Depending on the type of exercises you include in your routines, circuit training workouts are normally carried out with a short or no break in between the various exercises.

Regardless of where you are carrying out the exercises, circuit training routines are important for the following reasons:

• To improve muscle endurance and condition

• Whole body workouts may be carried out to keep the body fit. These should be carried out two to four times in a week.

• They are time efficient and reduce the amount of time you spend in the gym.

Weight Lifting Exercises

To effectively carry out this circuit training routine, you will require dumbbells, barbells, weight machines and kettle bells. Just like any other circuit training routine, this routine comprises of a series of exercises, including the following:

• Stretching to warm up for the routine

• 10 to 15 bench press repetitions

• About 15 pull downs or pull-ups

• 10 to 15 repetitions of leg press exercise

• Not less than 10 woodchopper squats

• 10 to 15 arm snatch lifts on every arm

• 10 to 15 repetitions of push press exercise

• The dumbbell mix – this comprises of multiple exercises like bicep curls, squats, triceps extensions and the military press in one movement. Each of these exercises should be repeated 10 to 15 times.

• Bent over rows, which should be repeated 10 to 15 times.

All these exercises are meant to work out the muscles on the upper part of the body, the kinetic links as well as the leg muscles. This will, in turn, enhance movement of all body parts.

Bodyweight Full-Body Exercise Routine

This is a full body circuit workout that is aimed at alternating lower body and upper body exercises, starting with the rather challenging and non-stop exercises and then proceeding to the moderate cardio exercises. Some of the exercises that may be incorporated into this routine are:

• Body stretches to warm up and prepare for the circuit workout

• 20 to 30 repetitions of squats

• The maximum number of pull-ups you can manage without taking a break

• About 10 lunges for each leg

• The maximum number of push ups you can manage in a minute

• The maximum number of sit-ups you can handle in a minute

• Lower back extension exercises for a minute

These circuit training routine exercises are ideal for working out the push and pull muscles on the upper part of the body, the legs as well as the torso front and back.

Classic Push and Pull Training Routine

If you are looking for a workout routine that will allow you to split your upper body and lower body exercises on alternating days, this is the circuit training routine for you. The training routine comprises of the following exercises:

• Stretches to warm up for the workout

• 50 percent of the maximum number of pull-ups and pushups you can manage without stopping

• The maximum number of bench press repetitions you can manage

• 10 to 20 repetitions of bicep curls

• 10 to 20 bent over rows

• 50 abs of choice repetitions

• 10 to 20 repetitions of dips

• About 10 wide, 10 regular and 10 reverse grip pull-downs

• The maximum number of pushups you can handle

• 10 to 20 repetitions of reverse flies

Mixing these exercises appropriately will allow you to achieve your workout goals within the shortest time possible and without having to spend a lot of time at the gym.

Evaluate the Time You Have for the Workout

In simple terms, circuit training workouts entail repeating the preset number of ‘stations’ until your time runs out. In this regard, it is important that you know the time you have for the exercises. With this information, you can then determine the number of ‘stations’ you need and the type of exercises to incorporate into the routine. For instance, you should choose the more strenuous exercises, if you have limited time at your disposal. For effective results, you should allocate 10 to 45 minutes of your time to your preferred circuit training routine every day.

Incorporate an Exercise for the Upper Body

To reap the best from circuit training routines, you need to use whatever you have at hand effectively. If you are not carrying out the routine at a gym, you need to use your body by incorporating the various exercises for the upper part of the body. You may also choose to work out every part of the upper body independently in a series of exercise repetitions. For instance, you may start with shoulder presses, followed by triceps dips, bent-over rows, standing dumbbell curls and then pushups.

Incorporate an Exercise for the Lower Body

To ensure that you work out the lower part of the body as well, you should ensure that your circuit training routine includes exercises that are aimed at working out this part of the body. Some of the lower body exercises you may incorporate into your routine include sumo squats, calf raises, supermans, walking lunges and dead lifts.

Include a Compound Exercise

Although weight lifting exercises are great, you will also need to include an exercise that will increase body movements, hence raises the rate of heart beat. Such exercises are referred to as compound exercises and include mountain climbers, jumping lunges, bench hop-overs, thrusters, single-arm swing and clean

Carefully Select Your Sprint

Based on various research findings, fast sprints are very effective at burning fat in the body, especially in the stomach area. As such, it is advisable that you have a cardio exercise, such as running, rowing, cycling, stair climbing and jumping rope in your circuit training routines. Such exercises should be carried out vigorously for at least a minute.

Include a Resting Periodin Between the Exercises

After a series of strenuous exercises, it is advisable to rest for a minute. During the break, you may take a drink or set the music in preparation for the next round. After the break, you may resume your workout routine.