Step VS Circuit Training

Kyliechristie

So I've been going to the gym for about 8 weeks now and been finding the boot camp type circuit classes the absolute hardest. Last week I got a HRM and to my surprise, the "easier" step class I am doing is shredding way more calories per minute than these circuits! What other surprises am I in for? And what do you find to be the most effective workouts? My goal is to drop my body fat percentage down (currently about 26%). I am not so worried about the weight loss on the scales (although i keep weighing myself which is in direct conflict with my goal). I can't wait to see how many I burn during RPM on Thursday.

adrianneboyd

Both are great cardio work outs, but you need to listen to you body for sure! If your body responds more to the step class (more consistant movement) then stick with that for a while. In a couple of months, switch it up and keep your body guessing. Switch to the circuit training for a month and then swap back to step! You'll burn tons!!!! Keep up the great work and you'll hit your goal in no time!

Edithrenee

when i use the HRM i burn more jogging and step aerobics. I do circuit also but it does not burn as many calories however everyone i talk to says it is the muscle you gain from it that helps burn fat over all. So I still do the strength training for sure, but i trying to lose so i still have to get cardio in there with it on those days.

Huffdogg

Straight cardio activity, on a HRM, will definitely always burn more calories. That's pretty well an established fact. Circuit training (assuming you're talking about strength training circuits), however, may actually burn more calories in the long run. Strength training damages your muscles slightly, and they spend the next 24-48 hours rebuilding, which increases their caloric demands on your system, effectively burning extra calories for another day or two.

Now, that having been said, Step aerobics, often scoffed at these days, is an extremely good calorie burn. For one, it engages throughout its entire duration the large muscles in your whole lower body, some of the largest in your body. Also, every time you step up on that riser, you are lifting your entire body weight. If you're on a "moderate" pace step routine (2 beats/second), you're doing that 120 times per minute. That's a hell of a burn. I've used simple step aerobics as my primary form of cardio for 2.5 years and it has lost me 65+ lbs (as much as a 75 lb loss before I got sloppy and regained some).

Kyliechristie

Thanks for all your comments. I agree that I am definately getting benefits from both routines and enjoy both so will keep mixing it up:)