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How aerobically fit can I get from circuit training?
Mark Raynsford says ...
Your questions should really be How fit cardiovascular can I get through circuit training, as true aerobic fitness or training, is that where you can take in and process oxygen, so therefore at a steady pace or level, which circuit training should not be. It should be fairly anaerobic, where you are working hard for a period of time, with a small period of recovery and repeating.
But in answer (!) yes,a good circuit training session, combining cardio work with resistance work, covering the full body will be very beneficial for fitness levels if done 2-3 times a week, and is great for general conditioning.
Mark Raynsford, Personal Trainer, Marks PT
Michael Cowen says ...
That depends to a large extent on the type of circuit.
The majority of circuits are focusing on more than just cardiovascular exercise so if aerobic fitness is your goal it may not be your best option to circuit train. However, for the majority of people providing they push themselves there are still significant gains in aerobic fitness to be made form circuit training as long as their heart rate remains elevated throughout. Also the different demands of circuit training may well improve overall fitness for many people especially recreational exercisers which will allow them to train harder when focusing specifically on aerobic training.
Michael Cowen, Personal Trainer, Westwoods Health Club, Edinburgh
Claire Wyness says ...
Circuit training can be a great “all over” fitness programme. It is however very difficult to measure how aerobically fit you will get as it really depends on how much you put into it and how the circuit is put together. Usually however, circuits are a mix of weights using high reps and low weights for endurance training and cardio exercises. I would certainly place circuits high on the list of a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time, especially if you enjoy a challenge.
Claire Wyness, Personal Trainer
Mike Heatlie says ...
This depends greatly on the intensity and duration of your circuit training. My question would be why do you want to be aerobically fit? You could gain quality aerobic fitness by improving your overall physical activity, however if you have to run for bus I'd bet yo'dd be found wanting.
In order to change our physiology we must place enough quality stress on our systems so I would strongly advise that you participate in circuit training at a progressive level. Your goal should be to increase the intensity of each exercise and reduce the rest periods between those exercises. Forget all about trying to be aerobically fit, get yourself even fitter by handling higher intensities, this leads to reduced stress, fat loss, quality lean muscle tissue, as it produces the correct anabolic hormones as a result of the lactic acid production. Go for it!
Mike Heatlie, Personal Trainer, Mike Heatlie Personal Training
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