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Hi, I'm wondering what your opinion is on circuit training? An example of what were doing right now is on machines for all body muscles. We do 3 sets on one machine. Each set is 30 sec. long, 15 sec. rest, then step up box for 30 sec. then back to the next rep. After the third rep, you move on to the next machine w/out doing the step up box. I've also done free weights and targeted a specific muscle group, which I don't mind either. I just wondered if this was as effective as the free weights and if it's okay to mix it up periodically? Thanks.
Susan
Manti, UT
Answer: Susan,
What a great question! One of the many reasons for "fitness failure" in today's world is because people are literally inundated with supposedly useful fitness and nutrition programs, but there is so much information that no one knows which information is the truth!
The bottom line when it comes to exercise is that anything you do that causes you to challenge your musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments) and your cardiovascular system (heart, lungs, circulation) is going to be good for you, provided it does not cause injury.
If you are on a very specific and detailed fitness program such as that assigned to you by a fitness professional, then there may be reasons to do or not do certain types of activities. However, for general health and weight loss - which is what most of you reading this page are after - the only "bad" exercise modality is one that causes you to be injured, or one that does not challenge you enough.
I wrote an article awhile ago entitled 'What the Heck is an Exercise Modality and Why Should I Care?' and it is worth you taking a look at it in order to understand concepts such as changing up your exercise routine and trying different things.
Circuit training itself is an incredible form of exercise! When done properly, it continually cycles your body through the aerobic and the anaerobic energy pathways, it provides excellent resistant exercise challenges, and it also keeps your heart rate up higher than a "standard" resistance exercise session.
So, to answer your question, Susan, I will state that you already have! Yes, this is a very effective form of exercise, although "mixing it up" and throwing in different exercise modalities is going to be the key to long-term weight loss and success!
For more questions about positive thinking, health, self improvement, or the Law of Attraction, please return to the Questions page, check out some other requests, and feel free to submit your own question!
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Aaron Potts is the owner and the creator of the Today is that Day website. His message to the world: "YOU are in charge, and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise!" If you found this information useful, check out his eBook 'Mental Meltdown: Weight Loss Begins in the Mind', or click below to make a small donation to help Aaron continue to provide powerful, informative, and useful content so you can enjoy your life to the fullest!
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