During the off-season, it’s easy for workout routines to stagnate. If your program is becoming monotonous, a dose of cardio circuit training can do wonders for the body, mind and spirit.
Circuit training is a form of body conditioning or resistance training that uses high-intensity aerobics. These action-packed routines, which can be customized according to your age or level of fitness, are known for delivering maximum results in a short span of time. They target more muscle groups with frequent repetitions of a series of different exercises, which are repeated for maximum effect.
The Benefits of Cardio Circuit Training
1. Total Body Workout
Running or lifting weights are excellent workouts, but a downside is they target just a few muscle groups at a time. Circuit training, on the other hand, is a comprehensive workout, which improves total body strength and conditioning. By completing a series of eight to 10 different exercises in a row, athletes can get a full body workout that hits more major and minor muscles groups.
2. Better Results in Less Time
Cardio circuit training is a fast-moving workout. Athletes gain maximum results in a shorter period of time, because they quickly rotate through a range of high-impact exercises quickly.
Clocking in at just 20 to 30 minutes, cardio circuit training requires less time than other exercise regimes. During this type of workout, lacrosse players can strengthen and tone muscle groups from head to toe.
3. Elevates Heart Rate
Circuit training is perfect for elevating heart rate and keeping it elevated, because there are no breaks in the routine. As a result, these exercises burn more calories instantly. This high-intensity activity increases metabolism as well.
4. Beats Gym Boredom
After a while, working out can become tedious. Anyone can lose interest performing the same exercises week in and week out. However, adding circuit training spices up a tired routine in no time.
In a regular gym workout, it’s easy to lose steam waiting for a machine. This problem is not an issue in circuit training. With little equipment necessary, it’s possible to fly through a work out with no downtime or distractions.
Since circuit routines are adaptable and customizable, boredom can be easily averted by switching in new exercises.
Sample Cardio Circuit for Lacrosse Players
Repeat this cycle of exercises two to three times without a break.
- Jumping Jacks
- Pushups
- Squats
- Bicycle Crunches
- Burpees
- Chair Dips
- Planks
- Lunges
- High Knees
