What is this?
A Circuit section lets you group exercises that are performed in sequence for a set number of rounds. The client completes all exercises in order, then goes back to the first exercise and repeats for the next round. The default is 3 rounds, but this is fully configurable. Unlike AMRAP, circuits have a fixed round count rather than a time cap. Unlike Regular sections, the exercises are performed as a continuous loop rather than completing all sets of one exercise before moving to the next.
Why is it useful?
- Keeps clients moving with minimal downtime, maximizing training density
- Great for full-body conditioning and general fitness
- The round structure makes it easy for clients to track where they are
- Works well for group training templates since everyone follows the same flow
- Easy to scale: adjust the number of rounds or the exercises to match fitness levels
Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a Circuit Section
- Open the Workout Builder from a program, client training tab, or library.
- Click Add Section.
- Select Circuit as the section type.
- Give the section a name (e.g., "Full Body Circuit" or "Upper Body Burnout").
[Screenshot: section type selector with Circuit highlighted]
Setting the Number of Rounds
The default is 3 rounds. To change it:
- Locate the Rounds field in the section header.
- Enter the desired number of rounds (e.g., 4 or 5).
[Screenshot: Circuit section header showing the rounds field set to 3]
Adding Exercises
- Click the + button to add exercises from the library.
- Select the exercises that form one round of the circuit.
- For each exercise, set the target reps or duration.
- Reorder exercises by dragging them to create the sequence you want.
[Screenshot: Circuit section with five exercises listed in order with rep targets]
Configuring Rest Between Rounds
- Set the rest period between rounds in the section settings.
- This is the time clients rest after completing all exercises in one round before starting the next round.
How Clients Execute a Circuit
When the client starts the circuit in the mobile app:
- Perform Exercise 1 for the prescribed reps.
- Move immediately to Exercise 2, then Exercise 3, and so on.
- After completing the last exercise, that is one round.
- Rest for the configured rest period (if any).
- Start the next round from Exercise 1.
- Repeat until all rounds are complete.
Example Circuit
3-Round Full Body Circuit:
- 12 Goblet Squats
- 10 Push-Ups
- 8 Dumbbell Rows (each arm)
- 15 Kettlebell Swings
- 20 Mountain Climbers
- Rest 90 seconds between rounds
Things to Note
- Circuit sections have a fixed round count, not a time cap. This is the key difference from AMRAP.
- Exercises within a round are performed back-to-back with minimal rest. Rest comes between rounds.
- Circuits support all exercise types: Weight and Reps, Reps Only, and Distance and Duration.
- You can use circuit sections alongside other section types in the same workout.
- Circuits work well for group training because every client follows the same exercise order.
FAQs
What is the difference between a circuit and an AMRAP?
A circuit has a fixed number of rounds (e.g., 3 rounds). An AMRAP has a time cap and the client completes as many rounds as possible within that time. In a circuit, every client does the same number of rounds.
Can I add rest between exercises within a round?
The default circuit flow is exercise-to-exercise with no programmed rest within a round. However, clients can rest as needed between exercises at their discretion.
How many exercises should a circuit have?
There is no limit, but 4-8 exercises per circuit is a common and effective range. Too few exercises may not provide enough variety; too many can make the rounds excessively long.
Can I prescribe different reps for different rounds?
No. The rep target is the same across all rounds in a circuit. If you need varying reps per round, consider using a Regular section with individual sets instead.