As our world becomes more high-tech we have fewer and fewer reasons to get up and move. We work harder and longer hours and more is expected of us in our daily lives, but our movement is less than it was just 15 years ago. Traditionally, the first thing to go when technology has us sitting at our desks or lounging on the couch is daily activity. Why is that? We do not need to be in peak physical condition to provide for our families anymore, our computers do that for us. Shopping for the holidays can be done sitting in your chair at the office or home. Not to mention that this blast of technology has made us a less social society. What ways we can move more in less time? Circuit training can be a fun way to lose weight, feel better and improve your health.
“Research shows that exercise adherence increases when people work out in groups and that the social aspects of group exercise are meaningful reasons people continue with it” Circuit Training is traditionally done with 8 to 12 different exercises that can be tailored to a person or group of people with minimal rest between exercises. The advantages of this type of training are that you can keep your heart rate up and also get the benefits of cardio and resistance training all at one time. There has been much research on the benefits of circuit training, and “results have important implications for individuals designing programs targeting body composition and muscular endurance enhancement.” European Journal Of Applied Physiology [Eur J Appl Physiol] 2007 May; Vol. 100 (1), pp. 1-17. Date of Electronic Publication: 2007 Jan 20.
If fat loss and better overall conditioning is your goal, than circuit training will work well for you. A benefit of group circuit classes is that you can bring along a friend. Not only do you have to be held accountable to your trainer, you can also be motivated by your friends in the class. Idea Health and Fitness states, “that exercise adherence increases when people work out in groups and that the social aspects of group exercise are meaningful reasons people continue with it.” As a society we are spending more and more time alone and human beings are by nature an extremely social species.
As a trainer a big concern I hear from people first starting out is that they think going to the gym is stale and monotonous. A great feature of circuit training and using the group circuit plan with a trainer is the creativity it brings to the class. Classes can be outside or inside and can incorporate traditional weight training and competition between class goers for excitement. With a little imagination the possibilities are endless for circuit classes. Another advantage of a group circuit class conducted by a trainer is that each exercise can be progressed or regressed depending on the individual performing the exercise. Dr. Kravitz, a coordinator of exercise science and a researcher at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, found that people will start a class with real vigor and not continue because they do not feel they can perform the exercises being presented. Others will just stay away from these classes and continue with their own self monitored program with little or no results. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced exerciser, circuit training can be a great way to spice up a workout and kick start some results. Not only will you get the benefits of resistance training, but the fast pace of a circuit class can deliver a good cardio workout as well. Join us at X Factor Fitness Solutions for you very own customized circuit training class. If you have some friends bring them along and we will help you begin getting your results.
Tags: Activity, Bootcamp, Buddy Workouts, Circuit Training, Group Training, Weight Loss
Molly wrote on March 4, 2010 at 3:39 pm
I like this! Great post!
Jessica wrote on April 8, 2010 at 7:53 am
Awesome post.
Gabriele Spachtholz wrote on April 17, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I found this blog on digg.com social bookmarking site. I liked it and gave you a fave! By the way I also really like your blog theme! Did you create it yourself or can I download it from somehwere?
Matt Trudo wrote on April 19, 2010 at 4:07 pm
We created it ourselves. Thanks for the compliments, we put a lot of work into our site, and our clients. It is nice to get positive feedback.
Harry Eardley wrote on April 23, 2010 at 3:47 am
I used to work at a fitness club. The owner told me only about 30 to 40 percent of the members actually attended the gym, with aerobics like everything else it is the work you put in.
Matt Trudo wrote on April 23, 2010 at 9:58 am
Seems to follow that you get what you train for. Everyone seems to want the easy way out, looking for the magic pill or “guaranteed workout”, but few people are willing to be consistent on a well balanced workout plan. I spend a lot of time trying to motivate people to do the sensible things what lead to succes, you just have to put the work in.
Timmy Volmar wrote on May 2, 2010 at 1:23 am
Hey could I quote some of the content here in this entry if I provide a link back to your site?
Matt Trudo wrote on May 2, 2010 at 10:30 am
Absolutely. We try to put information out there for everyone. Thank you for your interest.
Las Vegas wrote on May 12, 2010 at 12:21 am
I need desperately to get in shape. I’m approaching 40 and OUT OF SHAPE! So much so that everyday tasks are hard to do and sometimes breathtaking. I want to go to the gym, I feel better after I do, but gosh it is so hard to just GO. Any advise?
Matt Trudo wrote on May 12, 2010 at 9:48 am
Just like with anything difficult, it is hard to take the first steps, especially with difficult things that take time. Sometimes is helps to have someone who is waiting for you to show up like a work out buddy or a trainer. At times when we otherwise would blow it off someone waiting for you can help provide some external motivation. Also, making sure that you have a place to work out that is motivating for you (as opposed to a place that you dread to go) is helpful as well. There are all kinds of facilities ranging from the corporate box to the private studio. In the end, all you have to worry about is getting there today, then do that every day. One quote I say a lot that I like is “how we live our days is how we live our lives.” In the end it is what we do every day that leads to our results. Good luck and don’t give up. YOU CAN DO IT!
Nova Sensel wrote on May 13, 2010 at 4:34 pm
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Carl Mckinnon wrote on May 26, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Thank you for the great post – I had fun reading it! I always enjoy this blog.
Courtney Mainella wrote on June 1, 2010 at 2:43 am
I am in my fifties. I have been a semi-health nut since forever. I get exercise approximately six days a week, aerobic and weight training. I eat right. I drink very little beer. I like beer and would drink more of it, except at my age it is hard to keep my weight where I want it. Also, I like being able to do the things that I do because of my health that others at my age simply can’t do. I am an avid outdoorsman, (hunting, fishing, golf, etc.)
Courtney Pel wrote on June 7, 2010 at 12:25 am
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Matt Trudo wrote on June 8, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Thank you, we do our best. Sometimes the info is a little “rich” but we try to get to the point and inform people. Thanks for your encouragement.
Chase Mcnevin wrote on June 19, 2010 at 4:08 am
love the blog, thanks for sharing your thoughts
Teller wrote on July 8, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Here’s a comment. Great advice =) Thanks