These days, everyone has some sort of weight loss or fitness goal. Whether you are thin or overweight, in shape or out of shape, you most likely want to exercise for one reason or another. Because of this, there are many different exercise places and programs all competing for your business and your money. Some work better than others, and some don't work at all! There are exercise DVDs, different types of gyms and personal trainers - just to name a few. Some gyms have classes and workout machines, some include an exercise circuit, and some only focus on circuit training. I am sure that almost everyone has heard both good and bad opinions about circuit training, and you may have even tried it, or know someone who has. I highly recommend this type of exercise, because I have seen it work for other people, but most of all because it has worked for me!
Circuit training is made up of a group of exercise machines placed in a circle (obviously!) large enough to give people space to move around a bit. Each machine focuses on a different part of the body, and there are also mats placed in specific spots around the circuit for cardio work. Depending on how large the circuit is, a number of people can be training on the circuit at the same time, as long as everyone respects the time limits of each station. These circuits are planned strategically, and each workout station is in the right spot to maximize the workout benefits.Some circuits are self monitored, and some are supervised by a fitness trainer. If you are at a gym that focuses mainly on circuit training, you are guaranteed to have a trained expert there at all times if you have any questions or problems. This can give you some of the benefits of having a personal trainer without your having to pay anything extra for it! Circuit training gyms are usually smaller and cheaper than the bigger gyms, and this is great because you get to save some money while getting to know other people with the same goals as you. This also gives you added support from your fellow exercisers. Circuit gyms are usually gender specific as well, since there a lot of women out there who refuse to workout in front of the opposite sex.
Another benefit of circuit training is the constant change and movement it provides. You are never stuck on the same machine, doing to same exercise for longer than 10-15 minutes before you get to move onto another one. You will never get bored on a circuit! Circuit training is also great for those who think they don't have time to workout. A lot of people don't have extra hours in their day to exercise, but circuits don't usually take longer than 30 minutes to complete, and most people can do it on their lunch break and still have time to eat and run errands.
