Not really circuit training...but...
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Lyadeia
Posts: 4,603 Member
OK, I have been working out slightly differently this particular week than in the past just to try something new.
In the past, I would either a total body or a split routine workout with 3 sets of each exercise. Do a set, rest, repeat...then move on to the next exercise, etc.
This week I have a total body plan using 8 exercises. All 3 workouts (I go 3 days a week, different exercises each time) go in the same pattern of chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps, quads, hams, back, calves. I have not been doing what I would call a formal rest period between sets, because I have been doing the chest exercise for 1 set, then moving on to shoulders, etc. to the end and then resting for about 2-3 minutes and repeating all 8 again for 3 total cycles.
I have not lowered my weight, in fact I have been able to progress as usual, and I am lifting as heavy as I can for 8-12 reps. I suppose the walking from place to place to get the desired weight, go to the squat rack, etc. would be considered "rest" but I am not counting a particular time frame for it. I just get there, drink a little water if needed, and do the next exercise.
My thinking was that I shouldn't be tiring the muscles out too much where less weight would be needed as in standard circuit training because I technically have about 15 minutes between sets of the same exercise. However, because I am constantly moving around, I have been getting my workouts done in about 45 minutes instead of an hour and my heart rate has been way up there the whole time.
Of course, before joining the gym I was more of a cardio junkie, and this tends to give me my old cardio high, so to speak. But, is this going to be effective for my goals?
What I want to do right now is lower my body fat while preserving as much lean muscle as possible and gain strength. When I get to the desired body fat level, I will go to more "traditional" bodybuilding workouts to try to bulk and then cut again to get where I just want to be.
In the past, I would either a total body or a split routine workout with 3 sets of each exercise. Do a set, rest, repeat...then move on to the next exercise, etc.
This week I have a total body plan using 8 exercises. All 3 workouts (I go 3 days a week, different exercises each time) go in the same pattern of chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps, quads, hams, back, calves. I have not been doing what I would call a formal rest period between sets, because I have been doing the chest exercise for 1 set, then moving on to shoulders, etc. to the end and then resting for about 2-3 minutes and repeating all 8 again for 3 total cycles.
I have not lowered my weight, in fact I have been able to progress as usual, and I am lifting as heavy as I can for 8-12 reps. I suppose the walking from place to place to get the desired weight, go to the squat rack, etc. would be considered "rest" but I am not counting a particular time frame for it. I just get there, drink a little water if needed, and do the next exercise.
My thinking was that I shouldn't be tiring the muscles out too much where less weight would be needed as in standard circuit training because I technically have about 15 minutes between sets of the same exercise. However, because I am constantly moving around, I have been getting my workouts done in about 45 minutes instead of an hour and my heart rate has been way up there the whole time.
Of course, before joining the gym I was more of a cardio junkie, and this tends to give me my old cardio high, so to speak. But, is this going to be effective for my goals?
What I want to do right now is lower my body fat while preserving as much lean muscle as possible and gain strength. When I get to the desired body fat level, I will go to more "traditional" bodybuilding workouts to try to bulk and then cut again to get where I just want to be.
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If you're able to increase in reps and add weight over the course of time then it's likely going to be reasonably effective I would imagine. I'm speculating of course.
Is there a reason you don't want to incorporate more standard training now?
I would do back before all of your arm lifts in that sequence though. Put back immediately after chest, IMO.0 -
I have a couple of reasons for trying something different right now, mainly time. I have been able to finish workouts this week sooner than weeks past even though there's the same total amounts of sets. Also, I was simply thinking that by adding a more cardio effect I could possibly burn more calories through the workout while at the same time work on strength and preserve lean mass with the heavy weights. I didn't know if that thinking was too off base, though.
Thanks for the tip with the order of exercises. I will put back after chest for my next workout in the morning.0
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