| Here's the bottom line: every body has different | | | | now claim to offer circuit training, but don't have a |
| health needs. But there are some general truths: | | | | clue! Here's a simple test: if the machines need |
| you need to exercise daily, and exercise doesn't | | | | any kind of adjustment, it's not circuit training. |
| work without some control over your eating. And | | | | Hydraulic machinery is the key - the stronger you |
| as explained in my first blog, the body needs 3 | | | | get, the faster you move the machine, the more |
| kinds of exercise to stay healthy. | | | | resistance created by the hydraulics - like moving |
| In my experience there are only two exercise | | | | your limbs in water. And just as safe. |
| techniques that combine all you need in one | | | | Unfortunately there are few men's circuit facilities, |
| routine. | | | | and even fewer fitness facilities with real circuits. |
| First, Pilates mat exercises. Downside: it takes | | | | But this is the future of fitness for men and |
| 20-30 private or group classes to learn it. Upside: | | | | women - fast, safe, and effective. It can be an |
| once learned you'll never need another class, gym, | | | | easy workout or the hardest exercise you'll ever |
| or piece of equipment. When you no longer need | | | | find. Work the machine as fast as you can for |
| to think about how to do each position, | | | | just 30 seconds, then 30 seconds of jogging, then |
| strength-training, stretching, and cardio are | | | | on to the next machine and a different muscle |
| combined into a 20-30 minute routine. And there | | | | group. See how stopping to adjust anything would |
| are so many other benefits: lean muscle tissue, | | | | eliminate the cardio workout? 20 minutes of this |
| reduced bulk, no wear-and-tear on joints, and the | | | | followed by 10 minutes of stretching and you |
| elimination of most back problems. Joseph Pilates | | | | accomplish in 30 minutes what would traditionally |
| was the Einstein of fitness - his concept of core | | | | take about 2 hours. |
| strength is a staple of the fitness and physical | | | | Next, is a trainer necessary? What's the best |
| rehab world. | | | | warm up? Ways to overcoming exercise |
| Second, circuit training - a set of 10 or more | | | | obstacles like boredom. And there really are some |
| hydraulic machines separated by cushioned | | | | simple truths about eating! |
| platforms as perfected by Curves. Some gyms | | | | |