Effective Bodyweight Circuit Training for Muscle Growth | Hardworkout Magazine

Key takeaways

- The programme consists of nine bodyweight exercises performed as a circuit, with the full circuit repeated three times.

- The circuit can be performed three to four times a week, with at least one rest day between sessions.

- Training with lighter resistance can produce muscle growth comparable to heavier weights, provided the sets are taken close to exhaustion.

- Progression comes from switching to harder exercise variations once all repetitions can be completed with good technique, rather than from adding more reps.

- Rest between exercises should be kept as short as technique allows, with a two to five minute break between circuits.

You don't need a fully equipped gym to have an effective strength workout. This program is suitable for those who want to train the entire body using body weight and minimal equipment. You can train at home or at the gym. The program is also a good alternative when you don't have access to weights.

Who is this bodyweight programme for?

It is also suitable for those who want variation from regular strength training. The exercises target the upper body, legs, and core muscles. At the same time, you will challenge both strength and endurance.

In short

The training program works the entire body using body weight and requires minimal equipment.

The nine exercises are performed in a circuit, and the entire circuit is repeated three times.

The program can be performed 3-4 times a week with at least one rest day between sessions.

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Between training days, you can choose active recovery such as walking, light cycling, or mobility training.

The high number of repetitions makes the sets challenging even though the resistance from body weight is relatively low.

Training with lighter resistance can lead to good muscle growth when the sets are performed close to exhaustion.

When you can complete all repetitions with good technique, you can move on to a more difficult variation of the exercise.

The program can be made more challenging over time without dumbbells, barbells, or exercise machines.

How to perform the training program

The training program consists of 9 exercises performed consecutively. One round consists of one set of each exercise. The entire circuit is performed three times.

You can perform the program 3-4 times a week. Have at least one rest day between sessions.

What should you do on the days between sessions?

On the days in between, you can either rest completely or choose light activity. This can be a walk, light cycling, or mobility training. If you are still very sore or not sufficiently recovered, take an extra rest day.

The program has relatively many repetitions in each set. This is because body weight often provides less resistance than heavy strength training with weights.

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Can light resistance really build muscle?

[Research](https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/9/2/32?utmsource=chatgpt.com) shows that lighter resistance can provide the same muscle growth as heavier weights. The sets must be challenging and performed close to exhaustion.

As you approach exhaustion, the body recruits more and more muscle fibers. This helps ensure that even the larger and stronger muscle fibers are engaged. Many repetitions also create greater metabolic stress. The last and heaviest repetitions create high mechanical tension in the muscle fibers.

This helps explain why training with lighter resistance can also be effective for muscle growth.

Suggested Weekly Plan

- Monday: Bodyweight circuit

- Tuesday: Active recovery – walk or light cycling

- Wednesday: Bodyweight circuit

- Thursday: Active recovery – mobility training or walk

- Friday: Bodyweight circuit

- Saturday: Active recovery – light cycling, walk, or light mobility training

- Sunday: Bodyweight circuit or complete rest

If you choose four sessions a week, Sunday’s session should be followed by a rest day before starting the next training week.

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The Training Program

Complete the entire circuit 3 times:

- Pushups: 1 set × 50 reps

- Inverted Row (in rings or under a bar): 1 set × 50 reps

- Inchworm: 1 set × 25 reps

- Jump Squats: 1 set × 50 reps

- Plank: 1 set × 120 seconds

- Burpees: 1 set × 50 reps

- Dips: 1 set × 50 reps

- Chins: 1 set × 50 reps

- Bulgarian Split Squats: 1 set × 25 reps per leg

How long should you rest between exercises and rounds?

Take as short breaks as possible between exercises. However, rest long enough to perform the next exercise with good technique. The need for breaks depends on your fitness level and how challenging the exercise is.

After completing a full circuit, take a 2-5 minute break before starting the next round.