Health & Fitness

A New Approach to Fitness: Circuit Works LA

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I was in shape. Or so I thought. As it turns out, nothing could have been further from the truth. I came to the above realization about 10 minutes into my first session at Circuit Works LA.

Circuit Works LA means business. It’s not your typical gym where you socialize while you to lift weights. You don’t go for an easy jog on the treadmill. And don’t even think about bringing a magazine. You’re not going to need it.

As the name implies, Circuit Works LA is all about circuit training.

How do their pros define circuit training?

•    A high intensity, interval training workout routine rotating through a series of stations combining aerobic and weight training exercises.
•    The aerobic activities alternate between the treadmill and spinning (stationary bike).
•    The weight training routines change weekly, daily, and hourly depending on the muscle group or groups being targeted.

Basically, you have two types of muscles in your body – slow twitch and fast twitch. Slow twitch muscle fibers are used for aerobic activities like jogging or spinning – exercises that require sustained exertion.

Fast twitch muscle fibers are used for anaerobic activities like weight and resistance training – exercises that require short, explosive bursts of energy. These fast twitch fibers need more fuel to operate, and thus, burn more calories and more fat than slow twitch fibers.

By constantly switching between aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (resistance) exercise, the body is prevented from choosing a particular method of burning calories. The ensuing “muscle confusion” forces your body to burn more calories – increasing fat expenditure by up to 500%.

Of course, while you’re huffing and puffing, you probably won’t be thinking about whether you’re using fast or slow twitch muscle fibers.

And when it’s all over, you’ll ache from head to toe, but you’ll want more.

The new Circuit Works in Brentwood  came about when devotee Elisabeth Röhm contacted Raphael Verela, founder of Circuit Works LA, after having her baby,  to help her shed the extra pounds she’d gained. She was so pleased with the amazing results she attained with Rafael, that she wanted to share her experience with the world!

Working together, Rafael and Elisabeth opened Circuit Works’ newest training studio, conveniently located in Brentwood and staffed with the best trainers in LA (take a class with Alba if you can).

About the Founder

Raphael Verela, a United State Marine Corps veteran, first became involved in the fitness business when he created Optimum Boot Camp in 1996 – a pre-boot camp training regimen for Marine recruits, emphasizing muscle development and cardiovascular endurance.

At Oregon State University, Raphael majored in exercise physiology. Since then, he has gone on to receive numerous certifications of his training and fitness acumen. His list of qualifications includes certifications by the American Council on Exercise, Progressive Fitness, Future Fit, Sports Telesis Nutrition Technician, and Muscle Lab 1.

He is an active competitor in martial arts, baseball, football, track and field swimming, underwater diving, sky diving, cycling, kayaking, hiking, skiing, and gymnastics.

As an athlete and outdoorsman, Raphael offers both practical and scientific knowledge of fitness, aiding him in the creation of a new and effective approach to a healthy lifestyle.

Other Services

In addition to group circuit training classes, Circuit Works LA offers 30 minute, one-on-one, “express” training classes to help with your personal fitness goals.

At certain membership levels, you’ll also receive up-to-date nutrition information and reminders.

New Location

After having her baby, Elisabeth Röhm contacted Rafael to help her shed the extra pounds she’d gained. She was so pleased with Rafael’s amazing results, that she wanted to share her experience with the world!

Working together, Rafael and Elisabeth opened Circuit Works’ newest training studio, conveniently located in Brentwood and staffed with the best trainers in LA (take a class with Alba if you can).

Circuit Works – Brentwood

Brentwood Gardens
11677 San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049

Phone: (310) 826-4100

Web: https://www.circuitworksla.com

Give them a call, the first class is FREE for those who qualify.

About the author

Dan O'Brien