Difference between intervals and circuits?
- Thread starter RhiannonW
- Start date
Aquajock
Cathlete
I'm not Cathe, but . . .
In an interval workout, you alternate among moderate- to mid-range intensity of a given cardio mode (say power-walking and jogging) with high-intensity "sprints" or "blasts" of similar mode (say running), then do a bit of a recovery and start the whole thing all over again. Walk-jog-SPRINT, walk-jog-SPRINT. (Just an example.) The sprints or "blasts" are intended to push you way high into your target heart rate, perhaps up to the anaerobic threshold, and interval training is proven to be a very time-efficient way to increase cardiovascular endurance.
In a circuit workout, you alternate segments of unweighted cardio work (say step aerobics) with weighted resistance cycles (say a minute or two of barbell squats), keeping in mind that the main focus of these resistance cycles is to maintain an elevated heart rate rather than promote strength in the muscles. (You do, however, enjoy muscle conditioning benefits with circuit!) Also a very effective training mode.
A-jock
A-jock
In an interval workout, you alternate among moderate- to mid-range intensity of a given cardio mode (say power-walking and jogging) with high-intensity "sprints" or "blasts" of similar mode (say running), then do a bit of a recovery and start the whole thing all over again. Walk-jog-SPRINT, walk-jog-SPRINT. (Just an example.) The sprints or "blasts" are intended to push you way high into your target heart rate, perhaps up to the anaerobic threshold, and interval training is proven to be a very time-efficient way to increase cardiovascular endurance.
In a circuit workout, you alternate segments of unweighted cardio work (say step aerobics) with weighted resistance cycles (say a minute or two of barbell squats), keeping in mind that the main focus of these resistance cycles is to maintain an elevated heart rate rather than promote strength in the muscles. (You do, however, enjoy muscle conditioning benefits with circuit!) Also a very effective training mode.
A-jock
A-jock
SteppingFool
Cathlete
Does that mean circuit training is classify as cardio? Do I need to put a rest day after circuit training before doing heavy lifting? Can I do circuit training daily? I usually do not get sore (DOMS) from circuit training. Do the Terminator DVD workouts -- Gauntlet, Viper and ImaxTreme are circuit training?
TIA!
Haslina
TIA!
Haslina
Calico
Cathlete
Hi not Cathe, and I can only answer part of your question. But Cathe says in the circuit training tape I have Circuit Max that circuit training is a way to get both cardio and weights in on the same day should you be crunched for time. So yes in my opinion Circuit Training tapes or at least Cathe's are cardio (your heart rate does get up there) with the added benefit of some toning with the weights with it. I actually did Circuit Max on Monday, Power Hour and cardio on Tuesday, a different circuit training tape without weights( but lots of lunges and jumping) on Wednesday, Power Hour and cardio on Thursday and just for good measure I did Circuit Max again today. Don't know if I overdid the weights or not, but circuit training is working for me to lose weight so I thought why not!?
Hope that helps some.
Sorry I don't know anything about the other tapes you mentioned!
God bless you!!
Annette
Hope that helps some.
Sorry I don't know anything about the other tapes you mentioned!
God bless you!!
Annette
Aquajock
Cathlete
Gauntlet and IMaxExtreme are both circuit-style, although Gauntlet has more frequent and more extended resistance segments than IMaxExtreme. Viper is also circuit-style, with emphasis on upper body resistance work.
IMHO, you CAN do circuit training daily but your brain and your body would get bored silly by doing so in a short length of time. Maybe do 2 circuit-style workouts per week, at least one complete total body heavy-lifting session, at least one interval-style workout, and perhaps one or more steady-state, mixed-impact cardio routine.
Whether or not you need a rest day between a circuit routine and a heavy lifting routine depends on your current conditioning level (and condition of joints!) as well as other factors. However, IMHO it would be safe to do them on consecutive days.
A-jock
IMHO, you CAN do circuit training daily but your brain and your body would get bored silly by doing so in a short length of time. Maybe do 2 circuit-style workouts per week, at least one complete total body heavy-lifting session, at least one interval-style workout, and perhaps one or more steady-state, mixed-impact cardio routine.
Whether or not you need a rest day between a circuit routine and a heavy lifting routine depends on your current conditioning level (and condition of joints!) as well as other factors. However, IMHO it would be safe to do them on consecutive days.
A-jock