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Circuit training
Circuit training is a new addition in the field of Physical Training, beginning
around the 1950's, with exercises, such as Boxercise and Body Pump.
The aim of Circuit Training is a progressive development of the muscular respiratory
systems and Circuit training exercises are an excellent way to build strength
and stamina simultaneously. During the past few years resistance exercises have
been added to many training programmes in an effort to boost muscle power and
decrease their risk of injury.
In Circuit training participants are treated as individuals and not a mass
collection of people, pushing themselves to their own limits with minimum direction
from the instructor.
Circuit training improves all round physical fitness, as opposed to fitness
for a specific sport. A sportsman training for his activity therefore would
be foolish to depend entirely on circuit training. However, skill related circuits
could easily be implemented into other sessions.
Muscular and respiratory systems can only be improved through hard work, adequate
rest and nutrition. Circuit training is a firm base to increase endurance, but
must be regular and sustained over a long period for the benefits to be seen.
Starting at a low level intensity circuit training should be gradually increased,
with a progressive load being placed on the cardiovascular system from session
to session to get the full effects of circuit training.
Before starting circuit training you should always determine the reason for
taking part and always keep your aim within sight.
Circuit training is unlike weight training, where the weight trainer works
at a maximum weight level with the weight that they can successfully handle
for a definite number of repetitions. Circuit training exercises are selected
and arranged so that all factors of fitness and the overload principle are considered.
The principle of circuit training is that the exerciser works at sub-maximum
level over a period of time with either no rest, or minimal rest between exercises.
During circuit training the whole musculature of the body is exercised and
exercises should be varied enough to cover the full range of movement for particular
groups of muscles.
Circuit training follows a logical sequence with an easy to follow plan. When
the circuit becomes more complicated in its make-up the plan is designed to
still be easy to follow. Limitations on time, class size, and equipment available
all affect how circuit training is conducted.
The success of circuit training normally depends on the Instructors personality
and the participant’s abilities. During the exercises no cheating is allowed
as correct performance of exercises must be insisted on, if cheating methods
are allowed the benefits gained will be reduced considerably.
There are many types of training circuits ranging from complete beginner to
advance. Some of the circuits ideas are explained in the links on the right
side of the screen.
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