The Benefits Of Circuit Training For Runners

By Jeff Gaudette
Published Nov. 16, 2012
Updated Nov. 19, 2012 at 11:14 AM UTC

Reap the benefits of this strength-based aerobic workout.

You might be surprised to learn that as part of her training for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Shalane Flanagan included copious amounts of circuit training in her weekly routine in addition to her running workouts. In fact, on hard workout days, circuit training comprised almost a third of her total training time. The result? An Olympic bronze medal at 10,000 meters and an American record to boot.

While circuit training gets a bad rap in running circles, mostly due to misinformation and oversimplification by the personal training industry, when done correctly, these workouts can provide significant running-specific benefits for injury-prone, beginner, and even elite runners.

In short, circuit training is a high-intensity workout that combines aerobic exercise with strength training. The exact combination of strength exercises and the type of aerobic work can span the depths of a coach’s or athlete’s imagination. However, with the right planning and knowledge, runners can mold a circuit-training routine specifically designed to improve their running, much like Shalane Flanagan did on her way to earning her bronze medal.

FILED UNDER: Running Injuries / Training TAGS: circuit training / core strength / interval workouts / strength training / VO2 max workouts

Jeff Gaudette

Jeff has been running for 13 years, at all levels of the sport. He was a two time Division-I All-American in Cross Country while at Brown University and competed professionally for 4 years after college for the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. Jeff's writing has been featured in Running Times magazine, Endurance Magazine, as well as numerous local magazine fitness columns.