Introduction
Circuit training may be defined simply as a combination of exercises rapidly following each other in a circuit kind of formation, mostly aimed at reducing the fat content, muscle building and creating body fitness. With the current lifestyles, where junk food consumption has been increasing, exercises are more than mandatory so as to live a healthy life free from illnesses caused by accumulation of these fats and sugars in the body. People should turn to circuit training for effective health management and physical fitness (Brooks para. 3).
This paper gives a description of circuit training and its benefits (mainly the health related benefits) which ensure a health, stress free individual in life. The paper also focuses on lifestyle of modern people including their eating and training habits.
Description
Circuit training can be practiced by any person irrespective of career or size. It involves moving from one type of exercise to another in succession fo0r a period of time in the circuit. It can be adjusted to suit the individual needs and experience. The main aim in circuit training is that the individual keeps moving and gets minimal breaks during the exercises. It includes aerobics and resistance training which aim at losing fat, toning up muscles, and respiratory fitness. It can be practiced individually or in a group, thus making it more fun (Brooks para. 5). When all the exercises are complete, the circuit also gets completed. Generally, there are several benefits of circuit training, which include; it does not require gym equipment which may be expensive to purchase; it can be done in any size area of work out; working as a group makes it fun; and it can be customized to suit any sport. Circuit training sessions are short, making it more enjoyable and suitable for individuals especially those who are mostly busy.
Health benefits
The health based benefits are described in term of the human body to respond to the exercises. The major thing in circuit training is that it can be structured in order to suit the whole body. This means that the mind, muscles, and internal organs of the individual all benefit. According to Stemke (para. 2), participants having just traditional weight lifting programs had an improved cardio-fitness by 12%, and a 17% strength increase, while those practicing circuit training had a 17% cardio-fitness and a 22% of strength increase. The individual who practices circuit training always has improved fitness and a reduced risk of contracting heart ailments; this means that he has a healthier heart, lung, and bones. The exercises in circuit training help to eliminate excess fats found in the body, which are responsible for blocking the cardiovascular system of an individual leading to stroke or other heart complications (Mejia 272). The individual is also protected from obesity which is the accumulation of fats in the body of an individual. Circuit training burns or reduces body fat by 3%. (Stemke para. 4).
Individuals who have routine practice of circuit training will also have better aerobic capacity, strength, and flexibility. Aerobics help to burn the fats, allow flow of oxygen and circulation of blood and build up body tissues and muscles. Improving the circuit training into more strong exercises make the aerobic system have greater strength and higher fat burning ability and rate. Activities such as jogging, jumping jacks, step-ups, and jumping rope are some of those that can be increased to have a higher aerobic rate (Bird, Smith, & James 24).
The secret behind circuit training is its use of low resistance and high repetitions; here, one experiences less fatigue. Changing from one exercise to another gives the different muscles time to recover so that they can be used again effectively, as time passes on, one can increase the number of circuits hence increasing muscle strength and endurance (Men’s Health Books & Men’s Health 91).
The use of many muscles of the body at the same time in any circuit training leads to a high demand on the cardiovascular system to supply oxygen, and glucose to the muscles. This action leads to a strong heart and lungs. Individuals involved in circuit training also have reduced incidences of health complications since they have healthy bodies. Circuit training can also lead to better mental health growth. When the whole body is at peace the stress is reduced from the mind.
Conclusion
With the benefits of circuit training being limitless, the modern person can embrace the chance to live a better healthier life, which is stress free. Hospitals are nowadays filled by people with heart related illnesses which may include obesity, and to some extent stroke. Majority of these people can be saved simply by embracing circuit training sessions as part of their wellness program. Too much work without play normally leads to poor health and body fitness. Even with the economic situations forcing people to be overly busy to make ends meet, a balancing act should always be sought to ensure a healthy society. With just a little practice a day combined with proper eating habits (balanced diet and less junk food), there will be guarantee for a longer, safer, and healthier life.
Work Cited
Bird, Stephen R., Smith, Andy & James, Kate. Exercise benefits and prescription. Cheltenham, Nelson Thomes Ltd. 2002. Web.
Brooks, Jack. “The Benefits of Circuit Training.” The Benefits of Circuit Training. 2009. Web.
Mejia, Michael. Men’s Health Better Body Blueprint: The Start-Right, Stick-to-It Strength Training plan. NY, Rodale Inc. 2006. Web.
Men’s Health Books & Men’s Health. The Complete Book of Men’s Health: The Definitive, Illustrated Guide to Healthy Living Exercise and Sex. NY, Rodale. 2002. Web.
Stemke, Kathy. “The benefits of Circuit Training.” The Benefits of Circuit Training. 2009. Web.