Hey Friends! How’s it goin?
I’ve got a new circuit workout to share with you today!
Why I needed more circuit workouts
My workouts have been getting a little monotonous lately: squats, deadlifts, bench press repeat. I saw a lot of gains in terms strength but eventually I found myself skipping workouts because I was so bored 😕
I’ve been itching to shake up my workouts a bit, so last week I headed to the gym with no clear workout in mind. I just went with the flow and it was awesome. I’ve always loved circuit workouts and this one was no different. 25 minutes of heart-pumping, muscle-straining, sweat-inducing goodness.
What more could a girl want?
1. Tricep Dips | Tricep Kickbacks 2. Mountain Climbers | Plank Jacks 3. Wide Pushups | Narrow Pushups 4. Jumping Lunges | Burpees 5. Squats + Front Raise | Stability Ball Hamstring Rollouts
Notes about the circuit workout
1. AMARP = As Many Reps As Possible.
So, for example, for circuit 3, do 10 wide pushups followed by 10 narrow pushups, over and over for 2 minutes. Then rest for 30 seconds and move on to circuit 4.
2. Use light weights
Try to use about 60 – 70% of your regular weights for the exercises that require them. Working the same muscle for 2 minutes straight will tire you out faster than doing sets with rests in between. Pace yourself!
3. Do burpees WITHOUT pushup
The image I included for the burpees is one with a pushup but I actually did a basic burpee without the pushup because of the pushup circuit right before. If you can do it, go for it! But personally, my arms were like jello after doing 2 minutes straight of pushups.
4. Increase rest if you need to
After circuit 4, I needed a little more rest so I rested for 45 seconds instead of 30 because the burpees killed me. Don’t be afraid to rest for more than 30 seconds. However, if you’re taking more than a minute to rest, consider getting an a cardio machine and working at a slow pace for some active recovery.
What about you?
Do you like circuit workouts? What are your favourite ways to get out of an exercise rut?
Share in the comments below!
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This is awesome! I do circuits in my boot camp class, but I’d really like to do more on my own. Thanks for the tips!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Fight for Air Stair Climb Philly Recap
Glad you like it Janelle! Tell me how it goes when you try it 🙂
Circuit workouts are my favorite!! Especially timed, because I feel like I can do anything for a minute or two. I love this, Giselle – pinning!
Kristin recently posted…Garlicky Shrimp and Eggs
Glad you like it and thanks for sharing Kristin! 😀
Nice, that’s an awesome workout!! I love when we show that you don’t need a gym to get seriously fit
Amanda – RunToTheFinish recently posted…Quick Dynamic Warm Up Routine for Runners
Thanks Amanda! I used to be a non believer in getting fit outside of the gym. So when I get the chance I like to prove my past self wrong lol
I prefer circuits! So much fun!
Kayla recently posted…B2TG 13:: How Does Your Garden Grow
Yep. Somehow circuits make me feel like I worked so much harder even if I don’t lift at heavy. And ofc, they’re way more fun than a billion reps & sets of the same exercise lol
This looks like a GREAT workout!! Way to go girl!
Krysten (@darwinianfail) recently posted…Ask Me Anything – Happy Heart 5km
Thanks Krysten!
This workout looks amazing! I’ve pinned it- can’t wait to try!
Kait @ ChickadeeSays recently posted…Holistic Allergy Remedies
Plank jacks are so hard but one of my favorites…love how good it burns! 🙂 Great workout- pinning for later 🙂
Annmarie recently posted…Wild Workout Wednesday: #SpringFeverFitness Giveaway
Plank jacks are right up there with burpees for me. Definitely a love/hate relationship haha
anything to skip the push up part of a burpee and I’m down 😉
Carmy recently posted…Sh*t Runners Say
I love circuit workouts! This one looks great, I will have to give it a try!
Betsy recently posted…Fit Snack Box Review: April 2015
Jumping lunges paired with burpees?! You trying to kill me! haha looks like a great workout!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The Boyfriend Chronicles: Paleo Diet Results
haha it’s pretty brutal. The mountain climbers/plank jack combo was the actually the worst for me tho…weirdly
This is a great circuit! When I work with my coach, we do something similar, and only 25-30 mins. It’s plenty.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Spontaneity
My body is sore just looking at this workout! Looks like a great one!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2015 Florida Vacation Recap – Part 2
I love circuit workouts and this one looks great! I especially love them when I’m pressed for time.
Marcia recently posted…How to Silence Your Inner Critic
this is great. I think I’m one of the few people in the world who loves burpees 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Thinking Out Loud v14 — Responsibility
I have a love/hate relationship with them. Sometimes I enjoy them, sometimes I think they’re out to get me haha
oh pinning!! i love a quick workout – and that combo of wide and narrow pushups – girl you are going to have me working!! Can’t wait!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Healthy Nicoise Salad
haha glad you like it Sam. And thanks for pinning!
Great workout! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
rachel recently posted…How THIS Training Cycle Was Different
Glad you like it Rachel!
I love these types of workouts! Strength + cardio is always a good workout. Will have to try this one out!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…My Trip To Paraguay
Let me know what you think Patty!
Fantastic workout! I’ve just begun experimenting with a subscription to DailyBurn to help me out of my exercise rut – I do A LOT of cardio through my training for Ironman 70.3 so motivating myself to do any strength is hard because I’m pretty burnt out from the rest of my training. I can’t wait to try this workout on my next strength day!
Janice @ Fitness Cheerleader recently posted…Can I Still Call This a #MotivateMe Monday Post if it’s Thursday?