The blending of aerobics and high-energy workout with weight-resistance equipment such as that produced by Nautilus, Klesser, or Universal. On a circuit, you put yourself through a series of training stations, stopping only briefly before each exercise to keep your heart rate within an acceptable range throughout the circuit.
BACKGROUND
Other Names:
Circuit Weight Training
Description of Offering
Circuit Training is a workout that entails many repetitions with light resistance performed with very short rest intervals. Circuit Training improves muscular definition while improving one's cardiovascular health as well.
This offering is a modern creation (originated after 1800).
Creator of Offering (Nationality)
R.E. Morgan and G.T. Anderson (English)
Brief History of the Offering
Developed in 1953, by R.E. Morgan and G.T. Anderson at the University of Leeds in England.
Fun Fact
Circuit Training was developed to be an all inclusive workout, highlighting both muscular and cardiovascular endurance.
BENEFITS
Primary Benefit Received
Enhance Muscle Tone
Other Benefits
Increase Strength, Increase Flexibility, Body Maintenance, Increase Circulation in Body, Stress Reduction, Increase Metabolism, Cardiovascular Health.
Research Publication
Effects of a 7-Week Outdoor Circuit Training Program on Swiss Army Recruits
Maire-Claire Hofstetter
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2012), 3418-3425
Primary Findings of Research
An additional outdoor circuit training program to Swiss Army Recruits' training led to greater improvements in total fitness scores without any increases in injury rates.
DETAILS
Typical Length of Offering
45 - 60 minutes
The offering is most often provided one guest at a time.
Offering is primarily suited for:
Day Spa (wellness focus), Resort/Hotel/Cruise Ship Spa, Destination Spa, Club Spa (day or residential), Fitness/Wellness Center/Gym.
How many treatment providers are needed to produce the offering?
One.
Common License/Certification or Training necessary to provide the offering:
Physical Therapist, Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer.
Information about the most often used offering protocol
New Insights into Circuit Training
Len Kravitz, PhD
Idea Fitness Journal (2005)
Comments about Offering Protocol
Typically in a circuit workout, there are 9-12 exercises which the participant moves through with little (15-30 seconds) rest or no rest at all. The participant will perform each exercise for around 15-45 seconds total for 8-20 repetitions. Resistance in circuit training is about 40-60% typically. The workout could be performed with exercise machines, free weights, resistance bands, calisthenics, or any combination of the following.
Type of space/facility most often used for the offering:
Exercise Equipment Studio
Type of space/facility that can be use for the offering:
Group Fitness Studio
How many towels are used?
N/A
Does the guest generally use a robe and/or a wrap for the offering?
No.
How many sheets are used?
N/A
Does the offering require the use of products (i.e. lotions, lacquers, scrubs, cleansers, etc.)?
No.
Does the offering require the use of disposable supplies (i.e. cotton squares, balls and swabs, lancets, etc.)?
No.
Equipment and supplies needed to provide the offering:
Floor Mat, Exercise Machines, Free Weights
Beyond labor, linens, disposable supplies and products, please list any other direct costs associated with the offering?
N/A
Including only the following items (products, disposable items, linen laundry, and other direct costs---not labor), what is the typical cost of the offering?
N/A
Typical single session price of the offering.
$15 - $100 USD
Comments about offering price.
Circuit Training is typically delivered by a Personal Trainer. Price depends on spa location and experience of personal trainer.
SOURCES
Publication used to prepare this submission.
New Insights into Circuit Training
Len Kravitz, PhD.
www.unm.edu (2005)
Trade Magazine
Circuit Training
Fabio Comana, M.A., M.S.
www.acefitness.org
Circuit Training (1966)
R.P. Sorani
Personal Interview with Industry Professional
Dana McFarlane, NSCA (2017)
Author Information
Doug Spencer
Florida Gulf Coast University
Author Biography
Doug Spencer is currently a senior in the Professional Golf Management Program at Florida Gulf Coast University. Doug aspires to become a full-time golf instructor post graduation, with a specialization in golf fitness.
Editor Information:
Mary Wisnom
Professor, School of Resort & Hospitality Management, Florida Gulf Coast University, USA