Which workout is best for me?
How to choose when there is so much different?
Whether you choose to train alone or with others, exercise is a great driver of a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. Exercise discriminates against no one and can take place wherever you may be. No matter your age and fitness level - there is a form of exercise that suits everyone.
Circuit Training
Circuit training is a form of exercise that is based on efficiency. It combines different exercises that typically focus on strength training. The difference between regular strength training and circuit training is that you take a break only after you have completed all the exercises in the circuit.
This form of training is often very intense and offers several benefits. The workout becomes more time-efficient as you go through several exercises in a short amount of time. It can also positively affect your endurance if you choose exercises that engage large muscle groups and elevate your heart rate.
It is a training form that can easily be adapted to individual needs, making it ideal for those with limited time.
Strength Training
Strength training is one of the most common forms of exercise and something everyone can benefit from. As mentioned earlier, the difference between circuit training and strength training is that you take breaks after each exercise. You will want to take extra time to complete the full session since you are lifting heavier weights and need to be more careful to perform the exercises correctly.
Like most forms of exercise, strength training comes with a variety of health benefits for almost the entire body.
With strength training, it’s often necessary to follow a program to avoid overloading the body in any way. The various programs you choose to follow can range from 2 to 5 days a week. If you want to read more about strength training, check out our article on the best strength exercises for the whole body.
To ensure you can follow the program without obstacles, it is best for each individual to have a clear understanding of how much time they can allocate for it. This way, it doesn’t become a stressful aspect of your life.
Interval Training and HIIT
Interval training and HIIT are two forms of exercise that involve switching between different intensities within a workout.
In interval training, you alternate between low to moderate intensity, allowing for greater variation and is likely suitable for those who want to spend more time on their workout and increase their training volume.
With HIIT, however, and to be considered HIIT, you need to stay at maximum intensity when switching up. This means you should be working at 85-100 percent of your maximum heart rate.
The two forms of training mentioned earlier can be compared to these, where you can say that HIIT is suited for those with a busier lifestyle who want to complete a workout quickly, while interval training is for those who want to take their time in performing the exercises.
Both training forms are demanding, and if you want to read more about them, you can check out the linked articles below.
- Interval training for beginners
- HIIT training for beginners
So which form of training suits you best?
Here are four questions that will help guide you to the right form of training for you. But remember, there is nothing stopping you from trying out the many different forms of training available, and the one you thought wouldn’t suit you might just fit perfectly.
What is your goal with training?
What do you want to achieve from your training? Typical goals might include: To become stronger? More flexible? Better endurance or to lose weight? Rehabilitation or simply to get a good night’s sleep?
What do you want to achieve with your training?
It may also be that what you want from the training is to eliminate downtime you sometimes have, to be more active, or to get more outside. You often end up having fun when you find the right form of training.
What do you not like?
Think about things that you absolutely do not want to do or cannot do. If you identify something, then cross that form of training off your list. Remember that sometimes you have to push your limits if it's just something you're not comfortable with.
Where do you want to train?
Think about places where you could perform these forms of training. Where would you feel most comfortable doing them? Often, you do not need equipment to train, especially if you are a beginner.
The most common places you can train are:
- Gym offers the advantage of having a variety of equipment that you can take advantage of, allowing for increased variation and options.
- Home offers the advantage of being able to train whenever you want.
- Outdoors you might encounter some disadvantages, as you need to consider the weather, but it's great if you need some fresh air and wind in your hair.
Check out the articles below about how to train in parks and at home.
- 10 strength exercises you can do in the park
- Training at the office and at home
- Yoga exercises at home
Do you want to train alone or with others?
Some people are able to motivate themselves, maintain motivation, and enjoy training alone. Others may find it more fun and easier to stay motivated when they train or do things together with others.
If you fall into the latter category, you can bring a friend, opt for group training, or perhaps even drag your partner along. Check out the article below explaining more about how you can train together with others and the exercises you can do.
Check out our relevant articles below