Cardiovascular fitness and strength training exercise circuit 

Who likes circuit training classes? 

Circuit training is for people ages 18 and older who are looking for a complete body workout. This fun circuit training exercise class with your peers in a gym setting incorporates cardiovascular fitness and strength training in every workout as you rotate through an aerobic exercise circuit led by an instructor. 

What is a circuit training class? 

Circuit training is a high impact and high intensity workout in which participants do various exercises to improve their strength and cardiovascular health. The instructor sets up stations with a different piece of gym equipment at each station, and the instructor tells participants what to do there. The variety of gym equipment keeps things interesting: medicine balls, wall balls, Bosu balls, TRX straps, aerobic steps, body bar, dumbbells, kettlebells, battle ropes, yoga balls and resistance bands. 

Exercises may include plyometrics (jumping), squats, deadlifts, shoulder presses, bicep curls, pushups, pullups, mountain climbers, burpees, jumping jacks, triceps' dips, sit ups for core work, and various battle rope exercises. The instructor demos each exercise with a few repetitions, coaches participants, watches to correct form and prevent injury, and ensures the proper muscle groups are being worked. You’ll do exercises to strengthen every muscle group: quads, hamstrings, calves, glutes, hips, shoulders, biceps, triceps, traps, back and chest.    

Exercises are usually timed, 30 seconds to a minute and a half each. Members move to the next station when the timer sounds or the instructor says to move. Each station is equally intense, geared for people looking for high intensity and high impact exercises.  

Instructors usually play background music during this class to keep participants energized. Come ready to sweat, as weightlifting and cardio exercises move quickly, but not to the beat of the music. The circuit has people facing each other so they can talk and engage in friendly competition – it's time to show up and perform. Members have fun working out together and encouraging each other.    

This class is different every time it meets, with lots of variety in the circuit exercises and different combinations. The Pierremont instructor said she changes the routine every day, so participants can look forward to something new, fun and exciting every single class. 

When and where does the circuit training class meet? 

Different circuit training classes may have different meeting schedules. For example, circuit training classes at WK Pierremont Wellness Center meet four days of the week, Monday through Thursday, at the TRX Tower. Each class meeting is 50 minutes. Look for a circuit training class schedule at a WK Fitness & Wellness Center near you.  

Why do circuit training? 

Members who do circuit training can expect to improve their overall fitness with increased cardio endurance, muscle definition and strength. Participants say this class is fun and enjoyable. They also report mental benefits – the intensity helps the body release endorphins, a happy hormone that eases pain and increases feelings of well-being. Resistance training also can increase insulin sensitivity and help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, depression and Alzheimer’s. As you age, you have natural muscle loss, and the circuit training class can help you prevent that, also. Come have fun with your workouts as you work toward a more physically fit future!