Over the years, I have seen many exercise trends come and go. Of all the workouts I have tried, circuit training is, by far, the best way to get maximum benefits in a minimal amount of time. So, it’s the best workout for those of us who lead a busy life.

What Exactly is Circuit Training?

Circuit training is a type of workout that involves rotating through a circuit of specific exercises targeting different muscle groups. Each set of exercises is completed by doing a particular number of repetitions. After that, you’ll move to another activity for the same amount of repetitions, with no rest in between. Because you can move through the circuit of exercises fairly quickly, an entire workout session can usually be completed in as little as 30 minutes

Circuit training is a flexible form of exercise that can be adjusted in various ways to target certain muscle groups. An efficient circuit training workout incorporates exercises that target muscles of both the upper and lower body, which will increase overall strength.

While incorporating the use of cardio equipment in circuit training is not necessary, the most effective workouts combine cardio sessions using a stationary bike, or an elliptical trainer or treadmill, with sets of exercises using dumbbells or a kettlebell.

One of the advantages of circuit training is you can customize your workout to suit your individual needs. If you are new to working out with dumbbells, there are many printable dumbbell exercise charts available online for free. There are also many videos online featuring personal trainers who teach proper form for these exercises. If you prefer using a kettlebell in place of the dumbbells, there are also printable charts for kettlebell exercises. Likewise, there are videos by personal trainers who teach proper form while performing kettlebell exercises.

When I circuit train at home, I alternate sets on an elliptical trainer with dumbbell/lower body sets. With the dumbbell/lower body sets, I combine upper body dumbbell moves with simultaneous lower body moves, such as lunges, squats and leg lifts. Moving the upper and lower body together helps maintain a steady aerobic heart rate. I complete three alternating sets in my workout session.

If you don’t have access to cardio equipment, you can either increase the number of repetitions in the dumbbell/lower body sessions, or run or walk in place between each set.

It is always best to consult with your health care provider before starting any new exercise program.