Planning A Circuit

KEY POINTS WHEN PLANNING A CIRCUIT

Their standard of fitness, especially whilst performing your warm-up.

Keep your aim within sight, if this is done the introduction of skill related exercises (on all other than skill's circuits) should be avoided since the practice of skills means the slowing down of work tempo.

Exercises must be selected and arranged so that all factors of fitness and the overload principle are considered. Circuit training is unlike weight training. Weight trainers work at a maximum weight level with the weight that they can successfully handle for a definite number of repetitions, and then have a period of rest, before making their second attempt at the exercise. The principle of circuit training is that the exerciser works at sub-maximum level over a period of time with either no rest, or minimal rest between exercises.

EXERCISE SUITABILITY

As already pointed out, the whole musculature of the body should be exercised and no one muscle group be exercised consecutively, and throughout the circuit the exercises should be varied enough to cover the full range of movement for that particular group. However, remembering the overload principle, and keeping your aim firmly in your mind as to the number of repetitions and whether they are to determine strength, power, or endurance is up to you, the designer of the circuit.

The following pages will help you with a good circuit layout and different types of circuit training classes.

YOUR AIM

• Numbers of men/women that you are going to take. (Make sure you have enough circuits).
• What do you require the circuit for, the aims of those taking part.
• Amount of time available, normally 45 - 60 minutes.
• Space and equipment that is available.
• Motivational music, and suitable sound system.
• Clear easy to follow circuit cards.