Circuit Training vs Interval Training

 

I have been looking at some new routines to add into my daily routine and I came across some labeled circuit training while others were labeled interval and wondered if and what the difference is.  

Circuit training is defined as as alternating among five to ten exercises which focus on specific muscle groups. An example might be an exercise focused on lower body, then one for the upper body, followed by an exercise for the core and repeat the areas but with a different set of exercises.

The idea is to work sets of different muscles in a time period so as the person targets one muscle set, the others have the opportunity to rest but one keeps moving from exercise to exercise.  Circuit training produces cardio respiratory activity so this exercise can be classified as cardio.  Furthermore, if one uses weights to the point of fatigue throughout the circuit training, it develops muscles and strength. In addition, one can move past working on muscle groups into series of movements to accomplish better health.

One type of circuit alternates strength with  cardio to create a better overall workout.  In this version, a person does 1 to 2 repetitions of a resistance exercise followed by a short segment of cardio exercise which is repeated. Another type of circuit alternates strength with endurance.  All exercises are focused on muscle groups with little rest between sets.  Circuit training usually lasts 30 to no more than 60 minutes as one becomes more advanced.  In addition, each exercise can last anywhere between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.   

Interval training alternates moderate or high intensity exercises with periods of active or passive rest.  It is often anaerobic exercise which helps build speed, strength, and power while circuit training is usually aerobic.  Interval training does not rely so much on what exercise as the intensity of the exercise.  It is possible that one routine can be classified as both circuit training and interval training if it rotates exercises that hit different sets of muscles while having active or passive periods of rest in-between.  

As for benefits, it can vary.  Since circuit training involves a variety of exercises, the benefits one receives depends on the exercises chosen while interval training can increase the metabolic rate of the exerciser and it is possible to lose more weight as long as interval training includes a high intensity segment.

Circuit training does not need any special equipment and due to the vast number of exercises involved, a person is less likely to get bored.  In addition, it is possible to do one exercise a bit longer or shorter based on the needs of the person.  The interval training, especially if it is HIIT, require more overall effort and can require specialized equipment such as a stationary bike. 

If a person is a beginner, circuit training is suggested over HIIT since it is not as demanding.  It is also recommended people alternate circuit training with interval training each week. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.