i used to do it , it works but it strains a lot of your body . it is over all a good work out you just need to stick to it like every other workout

I, too, quite like the 30 minute express workout and have noticed positive results from using it. However, I only plan to use it for a little while longer as I get re-accustomed to going to a gym and then will use it when limited on time. It's a good, thorough workout, but there are better cardio and weight training options.

My main issue with the circuit training, however, is how many people use the express workout area for non-circuit training workouts.

I haven't tried it yet...looks too intimidating to me...I'd rather use the regular machines and the elliptical and treadmill for cardio.

It's one hell of a workout, but don't let it itimidate you! I've been doing this since about the 450lbs mark so I'm sure you can too.

I too have been doing it since I started back at PF, however I also get annoyed with those who use the area as they please for non-circuit training. It messes the rest of us up who really want to use for what it's for!

OMG!!!!! I know exactly how you feel. The 30 minute express room isn't your personal workout room. If you're not in there to follow the circuit as it's intended, GTFO!!!!!:explode: :mad: :grumble:

My partner and I have actually confronted people who are in the circuit area using it for non-circuit training and messing the rest of us up in our workouts. They tend to be snippy about it, but I've noticed those confronted don't use it for non-circuit training again!

Be sure to bring it up to the attention of the staff as well. They should be monitoring the area and can help you out with people that are in there not using the circuit properly.

i have been wondering the same thing i dont go over there anymore because i have no idea

If you enter it in under aerobics as "circuit training, general" you should get a good ballpark on the calories burned.

I'm a 6-footer and I can torch some calories!

I like to do that routine when the gym is crowded and I'm short on time or I haven't done any strength training in a few days. It helps get me back on track. If I have more time, I cherrypick the other machines or do some more cardio. Adding on the ab coaster is good to do as well -- especially if you are in a hurry, which I seem to be most of the time.

I also find that fewer people float into the circuit training area if it's busy. I don't mind if they come in, I just wish they'd get out of the way when someone who is following the plan gets close to them.

I'm going to do the circuit tonight after work!

I too have been doing it since I started back at PF, however I also get annoyed with those who use the area as they please for non-circuit training. It messes the rest of us up who really want to use for what it's for!

I almost lost it yesterday. I was the only 1 in the express area actually there for the express workout. There were about 10 other people in there and totally messing up my flow! Lol I had to skip machines and wait for ones to open up. Not cool. I'd love PF even more if it wasn't for this.

I too have been doing it since I started back at PF, however I also get annoyed with those who use the area as they please for non-circuit training. It messes the rest of us up who really want to use for what it's for!

OMG!!!!! I know exactly how you feel. The 30 minute express room isn't your personal workout room. If you're not in there to follow the circuit as it's intended, GTFO!!!!!:explode: :mad: :grumble:

This 100 times over! I love the 30 minute express but at my PF ppl use it however they want. Some ppl just skip all the step boxes, I esp. hate that, only because all of those machines are out on the regular workout area somewhere. If you just wanted to do those machines GO OUT THERE, AND GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY! I see a lot of larger men using them and walking out half way though too, which is better cuz at least they are doing the stuff in order, not skipping around as they please.

It's all I'm going to do until i am down to my target measurements, then I'll move to the main floor. I start with 12 min abs, do the 30 minute express and then do short set of progressive weights for my back. Just a bit under an hour. I borrowed one of those arm-band metabolic devices from a friend for a week and for me, 30 min express is about 650 cals. I really push it, though. I do an average of 30 steps on each box and 15 reps at 75% max weight. I took the class with the trainer which was incredibly helpful and helped me set a perfect starting pace.

Please, don't let either the circuit or the people in it intimidate you. If people are being jerks, go to the desk and ask for help. They will move people along and direct them to the exact same machines on the main floor. I just say, "Please hurry up, I have a heart-rate to maintain."

I go over there and use it sometimes and I love the machines. I love that they have a light instead of a spoken message like Curves did when I used to go there ("change stations now") so that I can use my own music. The music at curves was just kind of annoying. This is so much nicer.

Caveat though... I am one of those who doesn't use the steps ..I go do the treadmill or bike then check out the circuit. Often there is no one over there, I go pretty late. So when that case then I just do the machines following the light. If others are there and skipping the step will be messing up someone else, I'll jog in place or do zumba-esque moves next to a step when I'm supposed to be doing the cardio/step part again following the light. At my PF a lot of people go over there do two one or two machines then just SIT there, through several light changes, kinda drives me nuts.

As to why no steps....at my planet fitness the steps are just too darn tall for me to go up and down on them for a whole circuit without some serious knee pain, and they also aren't attached to the floor and kind of tippy. It seems odd in a gym that seems kind of geared towards the new to exercise or out of shape. I wish they had a two level step, or one of those shorter step aerobics steps I've seen around. I've been doing other exercises to build up the leg and hip muscles which I'm hoping will help.

I started out using the circuit for the weights because when I first started going I had no clue what machines to use, and that made it simple. Last time I was there I wrote down the names of all the machines in the circuit, then did the same ones on the main floor. It took much longer and was a bit frustrating though, they only have one other app/crunch machine, and one other triceps extension machine, and the first is very popular and the second seems to be a common loitering spot, but at least now I've got an alternative if a lot of people are on the circuit.

I love the 30 minute workout. I kicks your butt if done right. I run the circuit 3 times a week.

I like the 30minute express. I have been a member with my Planet Fitness for a while and just got back into it. I utilize the machines and the steps or i may jog in place, squats or something else as long as Im moving around. Im a little over 300 so the circut is my go to place after the treadmill warm-up.

My PF does not allow people to use the area incorrectly, and if someone is taking advantagenof the area, they kindly remind them they are in the wrong area.

I started PF last week and fell in love with the 30 minute express, my PF has a sign where if your using the machines and not doing the circuit that you can lose your membership. I haven't seen anyone violate this but one person and she didn't speak English, so I'm assuming she couldn't read it as well. She jumped right in front of me and I had to wait luckily it was the last machine I had to do.