Sorry for sounding dumb but...

curly1980

What is this classed as? Strength training? Resistance training? Is there a difference?

I go to a ladies only circuit based gym and use machines mixed in with free weights (I only use 5-10kg, they don't have higher than 10)

I do a mix of leg adductions and abductions, chest press, a pull down and push up (arms) machine, leg curls and extensions as well as using the weights to do bicep curls, "pec decks", crunches etc.

I apologise for sounding so dense but I want to know if its worthwhile as I'm tied in for another 6 months yet. The resistance level on most of the machines is set at an average of 20kg.

ChrisLindsay9

My understanding is that resistance training/circuit training emphasizes muscular endurance, whereas strength training focuses on increasing overall strength/power. If you're training at the topmost resistance levels with the machines and using the heaviest handweights for 10+ reps, you're probably doing more circuit training/resistance training than strength training. Strength training would often have fewer reps that end at complete failure (inability to perform one more rep).

Determining whether it's worthwhile can depend on several factors (your personal goals, time committment, etc.). Strength training often requires a longer workout, due to the rest breaks in between sets, so a workout will likely last anywhere between 45-90 minutes, and may not necessarily hit all the muscle groups. Circuit training will typically be shorter (20-45 minutes) and will hit all the muscle groups.

In a simplistic way, circuit training is more about stimulating the muscles during a workout. And strength training is more about annihilating the muscles during a workout.

At least, that is my understanding. If I'm wrong or something needs corrected/elaborated, then I hope someone can jump in and provide a better explanation.

Cherimoose

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"What is this classed as? Strength training? Resistance training? "
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The terms basically mean the same thing. You use some form of resistance (freeweights, machine, body weight etc) so that you get fatigued relatively quick (30-60 seconds, typically) - as opposed to "cardio", where you do hundreds of repetitions at a lighter resistance.

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"I want to know if its worthwhile as I'm tied in for another 6 months yet. "
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It's better than doing nothing, but try to switch to a freeweight based program. Machines don't replicate how we use our body in the real world (standing, using your core, balancing, etc). Maybe you can sell your membership to someone?

If you must use the machines, try to do more sets on the "compound exercises", which is where more than 1 joint moves (leg press, chest press, row, shoulder press), and fewer sets the "isolation exercises" (1 joint moves, like adductor, curls, etc). Compound exercises work more muscles (more calories burned), and they're more functional.