There are thousands of different styles of workout programs and styles out there these days. Kickboxing, BootCamp, Pilates, Yoga, step aerobics, and on and on. In fact I will venture to say that each and every one of us can and should find one, if not several, types of exercise variety that we would enjoy and therefore will engage in on a regular basis (sometimes coined the "soulmate" workout).

TOne style of workout that has become hugely popular in recent years is Circuit Training. You will find several definitions of what entails a circuit workout but for this article, I am referring to an exercise session that includes multiple "stations" for a set period of time per station with short bursts of cardio in between (for example Strength for 45 seconds followed by Cardio for 30 seconds). This style of workout provides a great calorie burning workout in a fairly short time. Also, these workouts, if designed properly, will easily keep you from becoming bored, and will keep your body challenged in a gradual and healthy manner.

TEach station can be ANYTHING that you find challenging and what is especially great about circuits is that they do not require large, bulky machines or expensive equipment to give you real results! Since it is a time based workout, the key is to keep moving. If you find you are struggling, you should slow down (or start slow from the onset) so that you can build endurance and keep your heart rate elevated for the total time period. Therefore, if in a large group circuit, one that is less fit can take their time and move slowly (but consistently!) and one who is more advanced can move more quickly (given proper form) to get in a higher number of reps in the time period.

TThere are literally thousands of exercises that can be used for stations. If at home and without any equipment, station examples include: pushups, wall sits, floor abdominal work, dips off a chair, hip bridges; etc. Cardio examples include: jumping jacks, butt kicks, high knees and front kicks. Keeping the stations simple does not mean the workout is easy by any means! Using your body weight is a challenging workout that you can do just about anywhere.

TObviously the gym provides a large array of station options: machines, cables, free weights, cardio equipment, kettlebells, etc. Again, it is extremely important to know proper form and choose the stations in an efficient order so you are always moving and not wasting time.

TIf you are new to exercise or unsure about proper form, it would be wise to either have a certified trainer set up a program for you or take an organized class led by a knowledgeable instructor. That way the participants of the class enjoy the fact that they don't have to worry about their form since the instructor will correct anything they may be doing improperly. The instructor will plan out and set up the stations to maximize their workout result without any thought on their part!

TAs I mentioned earlier, circuits prevent workout boredom since the stations are short and the session is broken up into many segments. Also, the fact that you are doing so many different types of exercises ensures that you will truly be getting a FULL body workout. If you haven't experienced a circuit workout and are looking for a change and/or new challenge, I highly recommend you try it! Just about every gym and studio that offers classes provides a circuit class. Or if you already have a trainer, you could request that he/she put you through your own personal circuit!