The
term circuit training simply refers to a group of different exercises that are
done back to back in a round-robin "circuit" fashion. This is
contrasted with the more traditional method of doing multiple sets of a single
exercise before moving on to the next exercise. Circuit training can be
utilized with any exercises under the sun, from weight lifting to machines to
bodyweight exercise and even bouts of walking or running.
Circuit training has many benefits. The first benefit
is that it is much more time efficient. By doing different exercises back to
back, it minimizes rest time in between sets and a lot more work is
accomplished in a shorter period of time. The second main benefit is an
increase in caloric expenditure over traditional methods. This is due to less
rest (or no rest) when switching from one exercise to the next.