What is the difference between interval training and circuit training?

[Addicted2WO]

My question is somewhat similar too. What is the difference between circuit training and supersets?

[sunnyside]

I think of Circuit Training as : Used for high Calorie burning. Mixing weights with cardio (or not) and doing more than one round of a select group of exercises. Maybe a short rest after each round.

I think of Intervals as: Cardio. More complex. Goal oriented. High levels of energy followed by medium to low levels of energy, followed by medium to high levels of energy etc. Varying in times and intensity depending on training goals.

[goldillocks]

I find this article very informative
http://www.tinajuanfitness.info/articles/art092899.html
In general "Circuit training has no rest periods as you go from one station to the next with the same intensity all throughout. In interval training, think "hard and easy" or "work and rest". In other words, intensity goes up and down. Cross training is simply doing a different type of exercise either on alternating days or during the same workout session"

[cherimac]

Originally Posted by sunnyside

I think of Circuit Training as : Used for high Calorie burning. Mixing weights with cardio (or not) and doing more than one round of a select group of exercises. Maybe a short rest after each round.

I think of Intervals as: Cardio. More complex. Goal oriented. High levels of energy followed by medium to low levels of energy, followed by medium to high levels of energy etc. Varying in times and intensity depending on training goals.

That's my interpretation too. I think the Firm AWT and Circuit are about the same.

Goldilocks~thanks for the clarification, that helps.

[Kathryn]

Originally Posted by goldillocks

I find this article very informative
http://www.tinajuanfitness.info/articles/art092899.html
In general "Circuit training has no rest periods as you go from one station to the next with the same intensity all throughout. In interval training, think "hard and easy" or "work and rest". In other words, intensity goes up and down. Cross training is simply doing a different type of exercise either on alternating days or during the same workout session"

I've always gone by this definition, but many instructors confuse the two terms (IIRC, CIA was notorious for mixing up the two terms).

[lreidgreen]

Originally Posted by goldillocks

I find this article very informative
http://www.tinajuanfitness.info/articles/art092899.html
In general "Circuit training has no rest periods as you go from one station to the next with the same intensity all throughout. In interval training, think "hard and easy" or "work and rest". In other words, intensity goes up and down. Cross training is simply doing a different type of exercise either on alternating days or during the same workout session"

This.

[lisarah]

Being in the fitness industry, most peers of mine understand them to mean:

Interval training is simply a brief increase in the intensity of a specific exercise. Generally, this technique is applied to aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, running, and biking.

"Circuit" training is much different. Circuit training is an exercise routine that groups both aerobic and resistance exercise together in rapid sequence.

The article posted may say the same, I didn't have time to read it. Sometimes the terms are used interchangeably (if incorrectly).

HTH!

[hotncmom]

So what are the type of workouts Zuzana does classified as? Say you set your Gymboss for 12 rounds of 50 seconds work, 10 seconds rest. You do 12 different exercises all out for the 50 seconds (pushups, pullups, squat jumps, lunges, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, etc.). It's a combination of strength exercises with cardio. Or something like 30 Day Shred?

[lisarah]

From what I've seen, technically they are circuit training

[lisarah]

You can also think of interval training as the "hills" program on cardio machines at the gym. (at least it used to be called "hills", i haven't used a cardio machine in ages ).
ETA: I use the word "intervals" & "sprints" interchangeably in my classes to be more clear.