Full-Body Circuit Workout

A Full-Body Circuit Workout (to kick your butt!)

I love circuit training for my clients and for my own workouts as well. They’re versatile, they give you a lot of bang for your buck AND they don’t get boring. So, what is a circuit workout, anyway? Basically, you take a few exercises and perform them as a circuit – do one set of each exercise, then repeat from the beginning. The idea is to keep your heart rate high throughout your circuit by not resting between each exercise, then recovering withΒ a short breakΒ before moving on to the next circuit in the workout. This combines the effects of strength training andΒ cardiovascular training in one workout.

For this workout, I’ve upped the intensity even more byΒ making it a full-body circuit workout. Not only are you keeping your heart rate elevated and working on endurance, you’re also working hard all over. Bigger muscles like your glutes and hamstrings are being worked even while you add in some shoulder, back and chest exercises.

As always, remember that while I am a certified personal trainer, I am notΒ yourΒ personal trainer. Please consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Ready to try it out?

Here’s AΒ KillerΒ Full-Body Circuit Workout!

Full-Body Circuit Workout

For each exercise, you’re selecting a weight that is heavy enough for you to complete the number of repetitions with good form, with the last couple of reps feeling very difficult. If you sail through it easily, try a heavier weight.

If there’s an exercise that is too difficult, try a modification of the move instead, then work your way up to the original move.

Do you do circuit training when you workout?

How do you really feel about burpees? Love ’em? Hate ’em?


Β Tomorrow is the Circuit Workout Challenge in Elf For Health – if you want LOTS more circuit workout ideas, follow the #Elf4Health hashtag on social media!

9 thoughts on “A Full-Body Circuit Workout (to kick your butt!)”

  1. I couldn’t agree more about circuit training! I love them (just taught a class this morning) and I also love burpees. It’s the same with running hills – you have to just love it because it makes you stronger and will give you the advantage. This is a great circuit and I pinned it!!
    Allie recently posted…Year of Running 2014: PerfectionMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Allie and thank you for the pin. πŸ™‚ With any tough workout, there are always points I’m gritting my teeth just to get through it, but the feeling of strength and accomplishment afterwards *cannot* be beat. Plus, hills and speed repeats are definitely the key for getting faster & more efficient. Can’t wait to get back into that kind of workout once I recover from this second birth!!

  2. Hi Carly. Is it possible to get some clarification/further instruction on split squats, medicine ball twists, Bulgarian squat, and jumping pull up? Thanks and I hope you are continuing to feel well in your pregnancy.

    1. Hi Ellen, yes, I can definitely give you clarification – I will email you directly because it will be wordy and I’ll send you some video links too. Give me a couple of days to get back to you! πŸ™‚

  3. Pingback: Free Strength Training Journal Printables - Fine Fit Day

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