Are you tired of your regular gym routine and looking for something more challenging? Circuit training might be the answer for you. But wait, should you do circuit training before or after weights? This is a common question for those who are new to circuit training. In this post, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both and help you decide which one works best for you.
The ultimate goal of circuit training is to improve your overall fitness level by targeting different muscle groups in a single workout session. The workouts consist of a series of exercises performed back-to-back with little to no rest in between. The benefits of circuit training include improved endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health. However, circuit training can also be quite challenging and exhausting, especially for beginners.
If you're wondering whether to do circuit training before or after weights, the answer is - it depends on your goals. If your main goal is to build muscle mass and increase strength, then it's best to do weight training first. This is because weight training requires a lot of energy and focus, and doing it after circuit training can compromise your form and technique. On the other hand, if your main goal is to improve your endurance and cardiovascular health, then it's best to do circuit training first.
Circuit Training Before Weights
If you decide to do circuit training before weights, you'll be able to maximize your cardiovascular endurance and burn more calories. This is because circuit training is a high-intensity workout that increases your heart rate and keeps it elevated throughout the session. By doing it before weights, you'll be able to warm up your muscles and prepare them for the weight training session. Plus, you'll have enough energy to complete the circuit without feeling too fatigued.
Personally, I prefer doing circuit training before weights because it helps me get in the right mindset for the workout. I feel more energized and focused, and I'm able to push myself harder. However, it's important to note that doing circuit training before weights can be quite challenging, especially if you're not used to it. You might feel more fatigued during the weight training session, which can affect your overall performance.
Circuit Training After Weights
If you decide to do circuit training after weights, you'll be able to focus on building muscle mass and increasing strength. This is because weight training requires a lot of energy and focus, and doing it first ensures that you have enough energy to complete the session without feeling too fatigued. Additionally, doing circuit training after weights can help you burn more calories and improve your overall endurance.
Personally, I find it harder to do circuit training after weights because I'm already fatigued from the weight training session. However, some people prefer doing it this way because they feel more accomplished after completing the weight training session. It's important to note that doing circuit training after weights can be challenging, especially if you're doing high-intensity circuits.
The Pros and Cons of Circuit Training Before or After Weights
Here's a summary of the pros and cons of doing circuit training before or after weights:
Pros of Circuit Training Before Weights:
- Maximizes cardiovascular endurance
- Burns more calories
- Warms up your muscles for weight training
- Helps you get in the right mindset for the workout
Cons of Circuit Training Before Weights:
- Can be quite challenging, especially for beginners
- Might affect your overall performance during weight training
Pros of Circuit Training After Weights:
- Focuses on building muscle mass and increasing strength
- Ensures that you have enough energy for weight training
- Burns more calories and improves overall endurance
- Can make you feel more accomplished after completing the weight training session
Cons of Circuit Training After Weights:
- Can be challenging, especially if you're already fatigued from weight training
Question and Answer
Q: How long should a circuit training session be?
A: A typical circuit training session lasts between 20-45 minutes, depending on your fitness level and goals.
Q: What exercises should I include in my circuit training session?
A: You can include a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, pull-ups, and planks.
Q: How often should I do circuit training?
A: It's recommended to do circuit training 2-3 times a week, with at least 1 rest day in between.
Q: Can I do circuit training and weight training on the same day?
A: Yes, you can do both on the same day. However, it's important to give your muscles enough time to recover between sessions.
Conclusion of Circuit Training Before or After Weights
In conclusion, whether you do circuit training before or after weights depends on your goals and preferences. If you're looking to build muscle mass and increase strength, it's best to do weight training first. On the other hand, if you're looking to improve your endurance and cardiovascular health, it's best to do circuit training first. Ultimately, the most important thing is to listen to your body and do what works best for you.
