What's wrong with circuit training?
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DR2501 that's a great workout! Enjoy! Mine changes every time I go so I never know what the WOD is even if the little gym I go to isn't a Crossfit one. The trained intersperses compound lifts with fast paced cardio exercises and we end with either Tabata or sprints or abs.
I enjoy circuits. There's no time wasted and no time to get bored. Best of all, I'm done in 45 minutes (sometimes even less if it is deadlift day).0 -
There is nothing wrong with it. Most of my workouts are circuit based. I don't want to focus on just lifting or just cardio on any given day. I'm a cyclist and I love mud runs, hiking, backpacking, etc. Circuit training seems to be the most useful for my body.
I don't ever buy in to anyone else's idea of what MY fitness routine should look like.0 -
I do circuit training 3-4 times a week and enjoy it massively as I never get bored, I love the fact it constantly challenges my mental and physical strength.0
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I used to do it and the cardio portion was plyometrics which I hated. Right now my goals are different. That and the area that is specifically for circuit training is always taken up by old people or those who don't want to use the other machines and you can't do a circuit properly.0
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DR2501 that's a great workout! Enjoy! Mine changes every time I go so I never know what the WOD is even if the little gym I go to isn't a Crossfit one. The trained intersperses compound lifts with fast paced cardio exercises and we end with either Tabata or sprints or abs.
I enjoy circuits. There's no time wasted and no time to get bored. Best of all, I'm done in 45 minutes (sometimes even less if it is deadlift day).
Thanks I will (afterwards) lol!
I agree about the recovery days, I have a few little cardio workouts I used to do in between but now I cycle to work 12 miles per day anyway so I don't generally bother.0 -
There is nothing wrong with circuit training.
It's just that for some reason around here the "lift heavy" crew is very vocal and narrow minded. Anything outside of "lift heavy" is wrong to them.
Holy generalization batman.....I started lifting heavy when I was pretty much the only girl here doing it and I really do not consider myself narrow minded, as are most of my heavy lifting friend. Just don't expect us to suggest yoga when someone complain that they are not getting the results they want0 -
I see a lot of negativity around here toward circuit training as an exercise choice. Could some of you knowledgeable folks clarify why circuit training is a bad option, for those who enjoy it, or at least where the negativity comes from?
There are quite a number of "lift heavy" zealots on here who weigh in on almost everything with that mantra.
There is nothing inherently wrong with any form of exercise, as long as it's giving you the outcomes you want.
You're not going to build significant muscle from it and it's not particularly sports specific, but it is a pretty good CV workout.0 -
The challenge I have found in circuit training is how to safely increase weight on the various compound moves. I am not an experienced lifter. I worry about proper and safe form in the movements as I increase my weight.0
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Depends on your training goals. I've done circuit training with kettlebells and various body weight/plyometric exercises. And I love barbell complexes. I went through a period of nearly a year in which circuits are all I was doing. It's definitely good at making you feel like you got your *kitten* kicked, so if that's your goal, go for it.
But I'm against circuit training as the main element of your training program because if you're working at a serious level of intensity, you can only do circuit training (effectively) two or three times a week. It puts the same amount of strain on your central nervous system as a heavy (compound) lifting session, but with circuits, you're not going to retain as much lean mass because you're using loading parameters that are more suited to endurance training than strength training. And you can't do both at the same time unless you are really smart about your splits and your recovery practices because it's just too much intensity for the average person to recover from.
I think a BRIEF circuit-style HIIT workout done as a finisher to a heavy lifting session can be a good alternative to traditional cardio, but we're talking 10 minutes. 15 minutes, tops. I typically do 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest for 10 rounds of whatever I'm working on that day (KB snatches/swings, goblet squats, BB complexes, jumping rope, burpees, etc.). I wouldn't do it on non-lifting days (I firmly believe that recovery is more than half the equation), and I certainly wouldn't do 20 or 30 minutes of legit circuit training right after lifting. I would argue that if you CAN do such a thing, you aren't lifting heavy enough.
TL/DR: if your goal is just to be sucking wind when you're done working out, then circuit train until you pass out. If you want to be stronger and leaner, I think there are more effective training methods.0 -
There are a couple of circuit training programs that seem to emphasize speed over form. One comes to mind, although it varies from box to box. When you do your reps really fast, you tend to rely on momentum rather than muscles to move the weights and put yourself at risk for injury. Add to it that a lot of the proponents of this kind of training tend to come across as elitist ("I can do 30 pullups in a minute" etc etc) and it can give a bad name to circuit training.
Note that I'm not saying all circuit training is like this. Most probably isn't. But the vocal minority tend to give it a bad rep. Just like a couple of vocal heavy lifters give all of us a bad name. (See … I lift heavy … and usually in a bit of a circuit format … and I try not to be narrow minded).
In general, I agree with the "do what you enjoy doing" and "any moving is better than no moving" statements. The only thing I would add is to make sure you're doing it in a way that is not going to put you at risk for injury.0 -
I see a lot of negativity around here toward circuit training as an exercise choice. Could some of you knowledgeable folks clarify why circuit training is a bad option, for those who enjoy it, or at least where the negativity comes from?
There are quite a number of "lift heavy" zealots on here who weigh in on almost everything with that mantra.
There is nothing inherently wrong with any form of exercise, as long as it's giving you the outcomes you want.
You're not going to build significant muscle from it and it's not particularly sports specific, but it is a pretty good CV workout.
'Significant' muscle is subjective though. I'm not Arnie huge in my pic but my muscle was built using kettlebell circuit training only.0 -
I've never heard anyone being specifically negative towards circuit training...I have heard negativity in RE to excessive cardio...so perhaps the negativity you are seeing is in relation to someone doing cardio, cardio, and more cardio...which isn't a very inspired or balanced fitness regimen.
circuit training can absolutely be an outstanding workout...but if it's done on top of just other cardio, you reach a point of diminishing returns and would get more bang for your buck so to speak by employing a true resistance routine rather than another endurance routine.0 -
my only issue with circuit training is that your form is going to break down, and it tends to lead to bad habits...
I do mostly compound lifts, but I usually through in one circuit per week, usually on Sundays...
Oh, and my second problem with circuits is people who try to set up a five station circuit at peak times in the gym = rude0 -
TL/DR: if your goal is just to be sucking wind when you're done working out, then circuit train until you pass out. If you want to be stronger and leaner, I think there are more effective training methods.
That depends largely on the fitness level and body composition of the client.
IMO Circuit training can be a valuable tool. In an overweight beginner who may be in a position that:
a) They do not have a high volume/intensity requirement to produce adaptations
b) They benefit from additional energy expenditure
Circuit training can be a very, very good choice and I'd even argue that they will get stronger and have positive effects on skeletal muscle.
Simply put: It's about matching the training modality to the needs and preferences of the client. Circuit training is a tool. It's going to be a great choice for some and bad for others.0 -
There is nothing wrong with circuit training.
It's just that for some reason around here the "lift heavy" crew is very vocal and narrow minded. Anything outside of "lift heavy" is wrong to them.
< lifts heavy and could care less what other people do ....sorry, I do not fit into you pre-conceived notions...0 -
I haven't heard any. Circuit training is effective and especially those with tight schedules is a good way to go.I see a lot of negativity around here toward circuit training as an exercise choice. Could some of you knowledgeable folks clarify why circuit training is a bad option, for those who enjoy it, or at least where the negativity comes from?
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
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Lol I can see how circuit training at the gym could cause problems. I'm glad I work out at home so this isn't an issue. Plus, I get to workout in barefeet so double win
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I've seen several posts denigrating the overall quality and efficiency of a circuit training workout, in comparison to other forms of exercise (usually HIIT or lifting heavy). Some comments in this very thread have varying degrees of negativity toward circuit training. It's also becoming clear to me that what any of us call 'circuit training' isn't necessarily what another MFP member thinks of when they read the term. For an example of this, see the explanation of using iso machines for circuit training, rather than compound lifts, kettlebells, or plyometrics.
I don't think there is anything wrong with it as long as you are not that jerkoff at the gym that uses 1/3 of the total gym and hogs 1/2 of the free weights blocking everyone else from doing their thing so you can jump from circuit to circuit. Its just rude at that point.
^^^ This exactly.
I haven't heard anyone yet say that circuit training is bad or no good or whatever you said people here thought. OP, where did you get the idea that MFP members think circuit training is not good, or whatever your words were?0 -
I've seen several posts denigrating the overall quality and efficiency of a circuit training workout, in comparison to other forms of exercise (usually HIIT or lifting heavy). Some comments in this very thread have varying degrees of negativity toward circuit training. It's also becoming clear to me that what any of us call 'circuit training' isn't necessarily what another MFP member thinks of when they read the term. For an example of this, see the explanation of using iso machines for circuit training, rather than compound lifts, kettlebells, or plyometrics.
I don't think there is anything wrong with it as long as you are not that jerkoff at the gym that uses 1/3 of the total gym and hogs 1/2 of the free weights blocking everyone else from doing their thing so you can jump from circuit to circuit. Its just rude at that point.
^^^ This exactly.
I haven't heard anyone yet say that circuit training is bad or no good or whatever you said people here thought. OP, where did you get the idea that MFP members think circuit training is not good, or whatever your words were?
People like to ignore context and turn everything into a black and white situation when with most things, there's a massive middle ground.0 -
There is nothing wrong with circuit training.
It's just that for some reason around here the "lift heavy" crew is very vocal and narrow minded. Anything outside of "lift heavy" is wrong to them.
I lift heavy- and I love circuit training.
I do both.
I think the biggest issue with circuits is when people try to monopolize equipment at peak hours or don't realize that they don't get to hold up equipment and get mad when someone uses a toy in their rotation.
I do some combination of body weight- free weight/db/bb weights for curcuits- OR if I have one machine I really want to use in a circuit- I'll do that thing then do my whole circuit around that machine- no other machines- no leaving anywhere- I stay right there- I'll use the seat for incline/decline things- so I don't wonder off and leave it. I also don't do this at peak hours- only when it's dead.
There is nothing wrong with the training- it's the people who feel they are entitled to hog equipment then get self righteous and standoffish when you use it. That's the issue. otherwise- have at it. It's a lot of fun- and it can be great quick bit of cardio for those of you "I hate cardio" people. (like me)0 -
Agreed. When I hear the term 'circuit training' I assume the person is referring to a weights based routine where the exercises are done in succession with little or no rest (a circuit). That circuit is usually then repeated, often several times.
I guess isolation exercises could be included, but I would also expect compound exercises to make up the bulk of it (i.e. squats, overhead presses, rows). It seems its not that clear-cut though.0 -
well you can circuit train ANYTHING you want- it does't have to be all machines- I have done sprints and dead lifts- technically it's a circuit- of 2. If you wanted to compound lift in circuits- it would just be called cross fit =p
either way- it's possible. It's just a style of training.
It's like interval training- I hate that people ONLY associate it with cardio/running. It's not- it's just a WAY to train.
You can circuit any sets of exercise (although if you want to get technical about it- 2 would be super setting not circuits- but still the principle is the same)0 -
I'd usually take circuit training to be a more muscular endurance/cardio routine, often involving stuff like push ups, burpees, some running and so on. My work unit used to be a boxing gym and there's still eight or so circuit training 'stations' painted on the floor, which I presume (from when I did boxing somewhere else), they quite likely did on the boxing timing of 3 minutes on / 1 minute off or similar.
As above and like with food, there is no 'good' or 'bad' exercise, apart from that which actively harms you - it's just a case of matching the exercise to the needs.
I expect circuit training as I'm thinking it would be a decent preperation for off road motorcycle riding for instance - you're preparing for a wide range of quick but still a bit strenuous actions with out much rest inbetween using most of your body.
From both my research and personal experience I've certainly become a bit evangelical about heavy weights - for losing weight and effort vs results they seem to be one of the best options, but certainly far from the only option and they aren't going to assist the cardio side nearly as much as my idea of circuit training.0 -
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To me circuit training is very effective but you should receive a solid orientation and have some grounding in lifting weights (proper form etc.) before starting a routine. At my gym I have seen personal trainers who push newbies to the point that they look like they are going to have a heart (or panic) attack during their first session. On the opposite end of the spectrum I see trainers who take their time, explain the theory and science of each exercise, motivate and progressively challenge clients. Of course, trainers aren't necessary and videos, websites and books can provide great preparation for starting and fine-tuning your workouts. Any exercise routine should be well thought but circuit training, which by definition is very fast, requires special attention in order to avoid injury.
I would say that there is nothing wrong with circuit training but the old adage "anything worth doing is worth doing right" holds.0 -
The best exercise is the one you will enjoy doing and will do regularly.
^This0 -
Holy generalization batman.....I started lifting heavy when I was pretty much the only girl here doing it and I really do not consider myself narrow minded, as are most of my heavy lifting friend.It's just that for some reason around here the "lift heavy" crew is very vocal and narrow minded. Anything outside of "lift heavy" is wrong to them.
I'd make two observations about this.
The first would be that frequently at least one response in a thread will be a simple two word response, which of the majority of questioners is completely meaningless. Whilst resistance training may be part of the answer that does need some amplification.
The other observation is that it does seem to come with a degree of exclusivity, lifting at the expense of all other training. Whilst that may be appropriate for some it's frequently said without reference to the goals of the questioner. What I find interesting is that many respondents who are CV heavy trainers will advocate some resistance training as necessary, that balance doesn't tend to be reflected from the other direction.
That said I can see some of the negativity from some around CV work being predicated on principally machines or workout DVDs as the source.0 -
'Significant' muscle is subjective though. I'm not Arnie huge in my pic but my muscle was built using kettlebell circuit training only.
Indeed, and it's a question of fitness objectives. For a middle to long distance runner upper body mass becomes more of a hindrance than a help so something like bodyweight or moderately weighted free weights will give the strength and endurance gains required.
All comes down to the most appropriate exercise being the one that supports the fitness goals expected.0 -
These are the people I like to call workout snobs. Just ignore negativity when it comes to exercise and do what you like. Everyone has an opinion and most of the time it's based on some stupid broscience theory.
^^ This
On a website dedicated to fitness, it's no surprising that some workout snobs are here. I've never heard anyone speak negatively about circuit training as a concept, but nothing surprises me on MFP.0
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