What is the difference between hiit and circuit training

They are very similar, but there are a few fundamental differences, as well. Because you're maxing out each time, you only perform each exercise for a short time.

For example, an interval training definition could be running in place as fast as you can for 30 seconds. Rest for 15 seconds; then you run as fast you can for another 30 seconds. You repeat this schedule, attempting to max out and exert yourself as much as you can during each interval. Because it's focused on maximum exertion, high-intensity interval training is geared more towards cardio workouts.

Like circuit training, you could pick different exercises and perform them at intervals, or you could pick one exercise and continually max out on it. Circuit training is the most variable type of training you can perform in a short space of time. You can easily incorporate free weights or even weight machines into the circuits, alongside cardio and resistance band training.

HIIT is varied, too, but because of the high intensity of the exercises, these workouts are usually performed against body weight or with resistance bands - it can be dangerous using free weights at a fast pace! HIIT is, in many ways, a form of circuit training, but it has to be done at high intensity. For this reason, it's excellent for burning calories.

Not only will you burn calories during the exercise itself but throughout the whole day, too, as HIIT raises your metabolism to an extreme level. Circuit training is often performed at a more relaxed pace, as you have many more exercises to go through. For this reason, it's often more focused on strength training rather than calorie burning - although, of course, it's still optimal for burning off fat!

Create fantastic variations or circuit workouts tailored to your body's needs. You can build up circuits exactly how you want or need them to be! Focus on your legs, your arms, your shoulders, or cardio. Then, change it up the next day! If you're at home, then we recommend using resistance bands to create a workout circuit that helps to build strength, burn fat, and tone muscles.

Once you've completed the circuit, rest for one minute, then complete a second and third circuit to complete the workout. If the exercises are too easy, don't be afraid to pick up a stronger resistance band. HIIT workouts can also be useful when incorporating resistance bands.

You'll again be targeting both strength and cardio, although as with all HIIT workouts, the focus is heavy on the cardiovascular system. This is an intense workout, so remember to stretch before and after you attempt it.

Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Circuit Training Circuit training is primarily a resistance-based workout that runs you through a group of strength exercises targeting different muscle groups.

Here is an example of a circuit training workout: Squats for 60 seconds Push-ups for 60 seconds Jumping jacks for 30 seconds Lunges on each side for 45 seconds Plank for 30 seconds Side lifts on each side for 30 seconds Because it has strength-based components, circuit training builds lean muscle mass and improves body composition.

Interval Training In contrast to circuit training, interval training is a cardio workout where you alternate short, high-intensity bursts of activity running, jogging, swimming, cycling, rowing, etc.

Here is an example of an interval training workout: Jog or walk at a comfortable pace for minutes, then sprint for 60 seconds. Return to the slower pace for another minutes and repeat this pattern.

Swim a length of the pool at top-speed, followed by a lap or two at a more leisurely pace. Repeat this for the duration of your swimming workout. Cycle uphill or at a quick pace for minutes, then slow it down to a leisurely cycle for 2 minutes.

Repeat this for a couple of miles during your cycling workout. Once you get comfortable with that idea, expand your movement selection beyond body part: "Now, we're starting to look at training movement patterns instead of muscles. That means focus on pushing, pulling, lunging, squatting, and hip hinging movements instead of just upper body or lower body," says McCall.

Interval training, on the other hand, is when you alternate periods of moderate- to high-intensity work with periods of either active or passive rest, says McCall.

Unlike circuit training, interval training has less to do with what you're doing and, instead, is mostly about the intensity of what you're doing. For example, you could do interval training with one movement like kettlebell swings , several movements like burpees, squat jumps, and plyo lunges , or with a strictly cardio exercise like running or rowing.

All that matters is that you're working hard! You've probably heard that high-intensity interval training HIIT specifically has insane health benefits , and it's totally true: "You burn more calories in a relatively shorter period of time," says McCall. Think back to the last boot camp—style workout class you did.

In this case, it totally counts as both, says McCall. It's also possible to do circuit training and interval training in the same workout but not at the same time. For example, you could do a warm-up, work through a circuit of strength moves , and then finish off with a HIIT workout on the air bike.

Now that you know what circuit training and interval training actually are, it's time to make them work for you.

When you're putting together your own circuit or interval training workouts, be careful with your exercise selection: "You don't want to use the body part too many times or do too many repetitive movements," says McCall. And for interval training specifically, choose strategically between active and passive rest: If you're doing a particularly difficult move kettlebell swings or burpees, for example you'll probably need to gulp some water and catch your breath during the rest interval.

Doing a less-intense move during your work intervals like bodyweight squats?