Exercise programs are designed to improve specific fitness components. Circuit training is one type of workout that consists of exercises or stations designed for improvements in muscular strength and endurance. Exercises are performed at each station for 60 seconds with a 30 to 60 second rest period between stations. Fitness professionals provide effective program design and instruction for all types of workouts, along with motivation and encouragement. Training for fitness professionals consists of content knowledge, theory, skills and the scientific knowledge of physical training.
Anatomy and Physiology
Training for a career in fitness begins with an understanding of anatomy and physiology. Anatomy is the study of body structure, or what the specific body parts are. The organization of the basic classifications of your body from the simplest cell to the more complex systems are presented. Physiology of your body is the study of function, or what specific body parts do. For the fitness field, anatomy and physiology focuses on four systems -- your skeletal, muscular, circulatory and respiratory systems.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of human movement in relation to exercise and sport biomechanics. The muscles involved in all types of movement are identified. For each movement, muscles are involved by contracting, stabilizing, assisting and stretching. Understanding the role of muscle in movement enables professionals to identify specific exercises to be included for training programs. Coursework should combine scientific knowledge with laboratory experiences. The selection of exercises for circuit training workouts are based on the muscles that are targeted.
Exercise Physiology
Exercise physiology is the study of the effect of exercise on the body and how the body responds to exercise and stress. Comparisons of the body during an active to a resting state are explored in both trained and untrained individuals. The effects of exercise on bones and muscles in relation to fitness components such as muscular strength and endurance are recognized. Coursework should be a combination of theoretical foundations and practical application. Circuit training workouts are based on improvements for specific fitness components.
Exercise Testing Prescription
Exercise testing and prescription involves all of the aspects of a training program from initial assessment to design, implementation and ongoing assessment. Concepts such as test analysis, goal setting and exercise guidelines are explored. Exercise guidelines such as frequency, intensity, duration and type of exercise are based on results of initial assessments. Guidelines for healthy individuals as well as special populations are generally geared toward specific fitness goals. The design of a circuit training workout is part of an exercise prescription for individuals of all fitness levels.
References
- Sport Fitness Advisor: Circuit Training Section
- Biology Corner: Anatomy and Physiology
- Point Loma Nazarene University: Kinesiology
- Sport Fitness Advisor: Exercise Physiology Section
- "American Council of Exercise: Personal Trainer Manual: The Ultimate Resource for Fitness Professionals"; 3rd edition; C. Bryant and D. Green; 2003



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