When it comes to hunting down an effective weight loss workout program, many people choose to go with a circuit training approach. A circuit training workout that has been designed for fat loss will consist of performing a number of exercises – usually 8 to 10, all in a row with little or no rest in between each set.

As you move through the first circuit, you’ll only perform one set of each exercise, only resting after the entire circuit is complete. Then, once that’s finished, you might choose to perform another full circuit, completing up to four per session.

But how great are these for fat loss? Here’s what to think about.

Calorie Burn

In terms of helping you burn calories during the session, circuit training will definitely get the job done.

Since you aren’t using much rest at all and are keeping the body in constant motion, it’s going to be the equivalent in terms of calorie burning to an intense cardio session – say a run or a hard bike ride.

What’s more is that since it is using resistance, it will help to build muscle slightly better than cardio does, providing a better all around workout.

Long-term Calorie Burn

Now, when thinking of long term calorie burn though, circuit training falls short.

The thing is that to effectively increase the number of calories you burn on a daily basis, you need to focus on adding more lean muscle mass to your body frame.

In order to accomplish this goal, it’s best to use a heavy weight lifting program that has you lifting as much weight as possible.

Since circuit training does not allow for much rest though, that makes lifting a maximum amount of weight difficult.

As such, for long-term calorie burning, you’d be better off with a more traditional weight lifting workout.

Time Effective

Finally, the last thing that does give circuit training an extra point as far as weight loss is concerned is that it is a time efficient workout.

Since there isn’t that much rest, generally you can get in and do the workout in just under thirty minutes.

For people in a time crunch then, this becomes a great option for losing weight.

So, next time you’re going to the gym, give circuit training some thought. While you won’t build a huge amount of sheer muscle mass and strength, it can give you a leg up on the process of burning fat.