Circuit training has always been a great way to get in a good workout. Combining strength training and cardiovascular work, it covers all the bases. If you want to change up your workouts and make them as efficient as possible, here’s why you should try circuit training.

It’s Fun

Circuit training involves a series of strength exercises and cardiovascular work that you cycle through one to three times during a session. You’ll either perform a specific number of reps for each exercise, or perform it for a certain period of time. In between sets, you’ll rest for a few minutes, and then begin again until you’ve completed every set. With all the constant changes, you won’t have time to get bored.

It’s Fast

If you’re short on time and always feel guilty that you only have 20-30 minutes to devote to a workout, no worries! That’s all you’ll need for a good circuit training session. In this short amount of time, you can build up strength and increase cardiovascular health just by following a simple cycle of repeated exercises. It’s a workout that touches on every level of fitness, which is why you don’t need to spend a long time on each session.

It’s Effective

Circuit training targets all your muscles – including your heart – which makes for an ideal full-body workout. Cardiovascular workouts aren’t necessarily designed to strengthen muscles, and strength training doesn’t always involve cardio work. By mixing these two components, you’re getting the best of both worlds, which is a huge benefit to your health.

It’s Customizable

Every aspect of circuit training is customizable, so you can make it work for your exact needs. It doesn’t matter what your fitness level is – you can do simpler, easier exercises or really push yourself into high-octane work. If you sit at a desk for work, you can customize your workout to focus on strengthening your back, core, and shoulders. Do it at home, do it at the gym. Do it any way that works for you!

Head over to HIIT4Fit or the gym at the Midland YMCA to take advantage of their top-notch equipment, or check out YouTube for a variety of videos on how to get started with effective circuit training workouts from home or in the 24-hour fitness center here at Anatole on Briarwood. Follow our blog for more health tips and trends.