Torch Calories and Tone With This Circuit Workout
Here's a fun yet challenging circuit workout I did recently with my Equinox trainer Lauren. The workout has you performing each exercise for a minute, which means you need to keep a stopwatch handy, but you have the luxury of not needing to count.
Get the details of this circuit after the break.
Instructions: Work through the first circuit three times and rest for one to two minutes between each round. Rest and stretch for three minutes, then begin the second circuit, for a total of three times. Try to complete this workout in 45 minutes or less.
For this workout you will need: an exercise ball, a five-kilogram (around 10-pound) medicine ball, and 10-pound dumbbells.
Circuit One
| Exercise | Reps | Equipment | Notes |
| Alternating backward lunge holding medicine ball overhead Works: glutes, core, shoulders |
60 seconds | Five-kilogram medicine ball | Holding weight above your head forces your core to work harder. |
| Chest press on exercise ball Works: chest, core, glutes |
60 seconds | Exercise ball, 10-pound dumbbells | Make sure your neck and head are supported by the exercise ball; keep pressing your pelvis toward the ceiling by squeezing your glutes. |
| Triceps press on exercise ball Works: triceps, core, glutes |
60 seconds | Exercise ball, 10-pound weights | Make sure your neck and head are supported by the exercise ball; keep pressing your pelvis toward the ceiling by squeezing your glutes. |
| Circling elbow plank on exercise ball Works: abs, back, shoulders |
Circle 30 seconds in each direction | Exercise ball | Keep your abs pulled to the spine and your pelvis in line with the torso as you circle the exercise ball with your elbows. |
| Woodchopper with medicine ball Works: obliques, back, legs |
30 seconds each side | Five-kilogram medicine ball | Focus on rotating through your waist; move quickly in this exercise to keep heart rate up, but control the momentum. |
