Motivation

Circuit Training 101

Circuit training is one of the most efficient workout routines for many reasons. First off, it is a great form of cardiovascular exercise to those that aren't a big fan of running. Secondly, it is a great form of training to challenge your muscular strength and endurance as well. You can sweat just as much as HITT running !

For those that aren't aware of what circuit training is, basically it is a high intensity aerobic exercise program ranging from 4-5 different body weight exercises to challenge your body within a time frame. The biggest advantages of circuit training is that it is not only effective, but you also don't need any equipments at all ! What I also love about circuit training is the fact that you can combine or modify your exercises to your desire.

Here are a few of my favorite body weight exercises I enjoyed incorporating in my routines.

The Plank
Jumping Jacks
Rock Climbers
Lunges
Burpees
Pushups
Squats
Air Bicycle crunches, Russian twist.

These are just a few types of body weight exercises to name, but there is a lot more to choose from. Now you can modify these exercises to your own fitness level. For example, there are various types of Push up you can do, such as wide grip, narrow grip, Spiderman pushups, T-pushups, and elevated pushups.

Here is a video to demonstrate push up variations

Okay so each circuit training routine should take around 15-20 minutes , consisting of 4-5 different exercises  where each exercise is performed in either a set time ( ie. 15 seconds ) or by repetitions (10-12 reps). You would continue straight on to the next exercise without any rest until they are all completed. After completing all exercises, you should take a 1 minute rest and repeat the routine again. The challenge is to see how many times you can perform the exercises within the time limit. Track your progress, and always challenge yourself in the future to beat your previous score. 

I love variety, so I like to always change up my circuit training routines by modifying it, and finding continuously ways to challenge my body and making it fun. Remember to perform all your exercises in correct form and technique, adjust the exercises to your fitness level, and stay safe and focused !

For more circuit training routines and body weight exercises, check out "Zuzana" on youtube, she has numerous videos and interesting new routines everyday, so you can give that a try as well. Plus shes a hottie =)

Whats your form of Cardio?

So I have done various forms of cardiovascular exercises ranging from the elliptical, treadmill, jiu jitsu, and standard running across my local park. Throughout all these types of cardio training, is there a particular one that I found to be most fun and intense? Not really. Cardio is never fun is it? For me, I like variety, so I always look for new routines rather than stick to one. However, I do find that you can make any form of cardio more challenging if incorporating high intensity interval training (HITT). If you apply HITT to your training, I'm sure these short blasting intervals will leave you tired in no time. So here's my question of the day, what is your form of cardio ?

New years resolution. Stay fit, stay active, stay focused.

When it comes to new years resolution, it means setting goals that you want to accomplish. Whether its short term goals or long term goals, it should be something worth concentrating on. My goals are to improve my lifts, stay committed to working out, more cardio, and boost up my grades in school. I know these are pretty generic goals, but I've been procrastinating a whole lot lately and its not really helping. Take a multi and lift heavy, and good luck with my goals in 2011 ! Share your goals in the comments below =D