Circuit Training is a great way to combine cardio and strength exercise when you’re short on time. The goal of circuit training is to keep you moving and only allow minimal breaks between exercises. If you absolutely must rest, take 10 seconds to walk around and then start again. Whatever you do, the key to a successful fitness workout is not to stop moving.
The following belly fat exercises target one or two specific muscles by working the fatigue factor on those particular muscles. As you increase the intensity of your workout, circuit training causes you to challenge your strength while pushing your body aerobically. You should be progress through the workout and keep your heart rate up. This allows you to reap the same benefits as the guy who mindlessly logs all those miles on the treadmill. Also, fewer rest periods help your muscles grow.
The following circuit workout is a great weight loss workout. Complete each of the following fitness workout one after the other, with no more than 10 seconds of rest between each. Do at least 10 of the following exercises for the specified amount of time or repetitions (or as long as you can safely do so) and then move to the next exercise. Complete all exercises and you will have one circuit. Try to do at least 2 circuits. Ensure you warm up with 5-10 minutes of light cardio and cool down with 10 minutes of stretching.
1. Push Ups (also known as Press-Ups) - On Knees or Toes - Complete 2 sets, first on the ground and the second with a BOSU Ball facing down (if you have one) for 30 seconds.
2. Squats - Put an exercise ball behind your back and against the wall with your feet hip-width apart. Keep abs in and torso straight. Bend knees and lower yourself down until knees are at 90 degrees (if you have knee problems, don’t go down too low). Repeat for 30 seconds. If you want to add intensity, hold weights.
3. Step-Ups – this fitness workout builds leg strength and is a very efficient way to lose inches off our waist. Use a step or bench that’s 15-18 inches off the ground. Put your left foot on the step so that your knee is bent at 90 degrees. Your knee should not advance past the toes of your left foot. Push off with your left foot, and bring your right foot onto the step. Make sure to keep your back straight. Next, step down with the left foot, followed by the right. Alternate the leading foot, or do all of the repetitions leading with one foot and then alternate. Once you get comfortable with this fitness workout, try adding dumbbells. For a home variation do the same as above, but use a staircase instead of a step.
4. Low Side-Step – this belly fat exercises targets your butt and legs
a. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, arms at sides.
b. Step right foot a stride’s length to right side, then squat down, bending both knees and raising arms in front of chest.
c. Stand up, moving left foot toward right foot, hip-distance apart, and lower arms.
d. Continue side-stepping and squatting to right for 30 seconds, then side-step 30 seconds to left.
5. Squat Thrusts - In a push-up position bring both knees in towards your chest and then explode out again so they are fully extended. Repeat in a smooth, rhythmical fashion.
6. High Knees - Running on the spot pick your knees up to waist height and pump your arms. Try doing this same exercise running for 25 yards.
7. Treadmill – try these exercises without starting the treadmill.
a. Manually make the treadmill move without the power (hold on to the handles and push with your legs).
b. Hold the forward handles of treadmill. With your feet at the bottom of the treadmill, hop forward from the bottom of the treadmill (about 12”) and without picking up your feet, push back on the treadmill with your feet).
c. Lay down on the treadmill, facing up with your feet at the bottom. Grab the handles with an outward grip (palms facing out), pull yourself up and then slowly let yourself down. Repeat for 20 seconds. For best results, stay in control.
Next, use Dumbbells to supplement your fat burning exercise. Pick any 2 of the following arm exercises and 1 leg exercise to the above workout. You can add 1 – 2 more exercises as you get in better shape or you can substitute more barbell exercises for some of the above fitness workout. I always recommend to people that are just beginning circuit, to start by using weights that are comfortable (not too heavy), but that do result in a “burn” as you get to reps 6 – 8.
8. Arm Curls
a. Stand upright with dumbells at your sides.
b. Turn palms inward so they face your body.
c. Curl dumbbells up slowly keeping your elbows at your side. Keep your back straight throughout the exercise. If you can’t do this, then you are using too much weight.
9. Overhead Triceps Extensions
a. Stand upright, feet shoulder width apart.
b. Hold dumbbell directly above head with arm fully extended. Clasp elbow with free hand for support.
c. Slowly let elbow fold so dumbbell is lowered behind head. 4. Extend arm back to starting position. Repeat for the desired number of reps and switch arms.
10. Flat Chest Presses
a. Lying flat on a bench, hold dumbbells directly above your chest (arms extended).
b. In a slow, but controlled manner, lower the dumbbells to your chest. Ensure you exhale as you lower the dumbbells and inhale as you raise them.
c. Push the dumbbells back to starting position and repeat. Never lock your elbows.
11. Half Squats
a. Holding dumbbells at sides, stand upright with your feet shoulder width apart.
b. Bend from knees until thighs are almost parallel to the ground (avoid letting knees turn inwards).
c. Keep back flat, lower back slightly arched inwards and head up.
d. Return to upright position and repeat.
12. Lateral Raises
a. Stand upright, knees slightly bent, feet shoulder width apart, holding dumbbells at your sides.
b. Bend elbows slightly and raise the dumbbells out to sides. Keep elbows slightly bent throughout.
c. When arms are parallel to floor, slowly lower back and repeat. To benefit most from this workout, raise the dumbbells no higher than your shoulders
13. Front Raises – similar to the lateral raise, except you raise the dumbbell straight in front of you.
a. Stand upright, knees slightly bent, shoulder width apart. Palms should be towards thighs.
b. Raise one dumbbell directly in front of you.
c. When your arm is parallel to the ground lower dumbbell slowly back. Repeat with the other arm.
14. Upright Rows
a. Standing upright, with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent,
b. Keep dumbbells close to body and raise them to your chin.
c. Hold for a count of 2 and slowly lower to start position and repeat for 30 seconds
Finish your circuit training workout by stretching for 10 minutes. Ensure you stretch your hamstrings & quads.
Check out more fat burning exercises at Workouts that Burn Fat and Tone Muscle
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