For those who are interested in obtaining the benefits from both world’s; Aerobic stamina with low percentages of bodyfat and Anaerobic strength with impressive muscular shape, the manner in which weight training workout’s are conducted is what links the two together.

Conventional methods for lifting weights recommends that each exercise set is followed by an adequate rest period before proceeding onward. During conventional means, heart rate and blood pressure elevates during each exercise but dramatically reduce during inter-set rest intervals. (Refer to Chart A). These "application-rest" cycles are followed until all exercises and sets are completed for each workout. This method enforces plenty of intentional non-active time to replenish ATP (and other anaerobic fuel) and to psyche-up for those heavy weights but prevents the aerobic system from effective participation.

Circuit Training has been around for decades and offers an unlimited matrix of applications and benefits. This system of working-out is performed differently both mentally and physically. In this method, the weight training applicant performs one set with one exercise then immediately performs another exercise in succession without rest; one-right-after-the-other. Exercises are sequenced in a variety of combinations which isolate single-muscles, regional groups of muscles, or total body training all in one workout.

Since muscles can only contract for long periods of time when sufficient amounts of oxygen are available, mental focus during circuit training becomes directed toward the proficiency of the heart and lungs; as opposed to just the muscles during conventional training. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems feed our working muscles with oxygen filled blood that is eventually fueled by bodyfat. (I say eventually because the ATP, CP and LA anaerobic fuel cycle has to become significantly depleted before the body will burn fat as workout energy).

So the obvious aerobic element missing in conventional weight training is that the cardio/respiratory system is given a rest in between exercises enabling the ATP-to-LA cycle to remain the chief energy suppliers. It’s more like an interval elevation/deceleration providing some but not optimal aerobic benefits.

By performing circuit training, you’ll never give your heart or lungs a chance to relax (refer to Chart B). In addition to the benefits of increasing heart and lung conditioning, enhancing your ability to utilize oxygen, and burning fat, impressive muscular shape and strength gains will be included from completing any aerobic resistance activity.

If you’re in a crowded facility, or at home and have to change equipment for every exercise (both time consuming factors), aerobic benefits will be sacrificed when the body becomes less or inactive. Your mission is to stay moving. Try doing situps or pushups or jump rope if you’re forced to stop.