What Is an Exercise Circuit
The exercise circuit is one of the most effective ways to get fit, but it can also be difficult to set up and use. If you're not sure how to do an exercise circuit or what equipment you need for one, this article will give you all the information that you need.
An exercise circuit is a series of exercises that are done one after the other, with no rest in between.
What is an exercise circuit? Well, instead of taking a break between each exercise or group of exercises, you simply go from one exercise to the next.
Circuits are also called "supersets."
This refers to the fact that instead of completing all three sets of an exercise before moving on to another exercise, you move directly from one set to another set while only resting briefly at the end of every superset.
They may also be called supersets because the results you get from them will make you look like a superhero!
The exercises involved in a circuit can be aerobic or strength training exercises.
The length of time required for each circuit will vary, but many circuits last from 30 seconds to 2-3 minutes at most.
When done correctly, circuits can be more effective than regular cardio workout routines because they recruit multiple large muscle groups at once and allow you to burn calories faster.
In addition, strength training exercises provide more benefits than cardiovascular activity alone by strengthening bones, improving balance and coordination, increasing metabolism and improving posture.
Here are some examples of aerobic (cardiovascular) exercises:
-
running (jogging/sprinting)
-
cycling (stationary bike)
-
swimming
-
rowing machine
Here are some examples of strength training exercises:
-
pushups
-
pull ups/chin ups
-
squats
-
lunges
When doing a strength training circuit, usually each exercise requires only one set to complete the exercise.
Sets are defined as the number of repetitions (reps) and/or time taken to complete an exercise.
How many sets you should do depends on your fitness level and how long you plan on working out for. The goal is not to be able to lift heavy weights, but rather focus on using proper form with lighter weights in order to build up muscle endurance and shape your body over time.
Each exercise should be completed slowly and correctly, with constant tension on the muscles throughout the movement.
Once you're done with each exercise, it's important to rest and recover. This allows your muscles to rebuild themselves and get stronger so they can better handle the demands of future workouts.
If you want to know what is an exercise circuit you can do at home, try picking a few exercises from this list that work well together:
-
Side lunges with arm curl
-
Squat to overhead extension
-
Forward lunge with tricep kickback
-
Plie squat with front arm raises
In a circuit, you complete the exercises in an order that makes sense for your workout goals.
How you order your exercise circuit is important. It depends on your goals and fitness level, as well as the equipment that's available to you.
For example, if you don’t have access to weights or kettlebells, it would make sense for you to start with bodyweight exercises.
Or maybe you're someone who can already do several sets of push-ups and pull-ups but wants to challenge themselves further; in this case, a circuit that begins with squats and ends with wall sits would be more suitable for your needs.
If none of these options seem like what will work best for your personal routine, don't worry!
There are plenty more ways to design circuits—it just takes some creativity (and maybe some trial-and-error).
Conclusion
When you do an exercise circuit, it is important to remember that your goal should be good form and proper technique.
This means keeping the muscles tight throughout each exercise and completing every rep slowly so that you can avoid injury.
When thinking about what is an exercise, the answer is that it is a great way to get a complete workout in a short amount of time while also giving your body a little break between sets.
