Circuit Training and Exercise Drills


This chapter gives commanders and trainers guidance in designing and using exercise circuits. It describes calisthenic exercises for developing strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility. It also describes grass drills and guerilla exercises which are closely related to soldiering skills and should be regularly included in the unit’s physical fitness program.
Circuit training is a term associated with specific training routines. Commanders with a good understanding of the principles of circuit training may apply them to a wide variety of training situations and environments.

Circuits
A circuit is a group of stations or areas where specific tasks or exercises are performed. The task or exercise selected for each station and the arrangement of the stations is determined by the objective of the circuit.
Circuits are designed to provide exercise to groups of soldiers at intensities which suit each person’s fitness level. Circuits can promote fitness in a broad range of physical and motor fitness areas. These include CR endurance, muscular endurance, strength, flexibility, and speed. Circuits can also be designed to concentrate on sports skills, soldiers’ common tasks, or any combination of these. In addition, circuits can be organized to exercise all the fitness components in a short period of time. A little imagination can make circuit training an excellent addition to a unit’s total physical fitness program. At the same time, it can provide both fun and a challenge to soldiers’ physical and mental abilities. Almost any area can be used, and any number of soldiers can exercise for various lengths of time.