Common Questions


ExerCircles provides an effective 30-minute workout by using hydraulic filled pistons as the source of resistance. This eliminates the need for free-weights and cabled weights found in other programs. The resitance is determined both by the pressure that the user exerts and by the easily adjusted flow setting found on the piston.

What is ExerCircles?
How does ExerCircles work?
How does Hydraulic Resistance work?
What will ExerCircles do for me?
I never worked out before. Can I do ExerCircles?
Will I get sore muscles from ExerCircles?
Will I get big muscles from ExerCircles?
Will I lose weight from ExerCircles?
How does ExerCircles burn fat faster than any other 30 minute workout?
How many calories does a ExerCircles workout burn?
Why does ExerCircles have the "in-between" stations?
How is ExerCircles different than other aerobic programs?
If I do ExerCircles, do I still need to do other aerobic workouts?
I've been taught to lift and lower weights slowly. ExerCircles seems to be the exact opposite?
Is ExerCircles safe for kids?
Is ExerCircles better than dieting?
Will I get bored from ExerCircles?
Is there research to back up the benefits of ExerCircles?






What is ExerCircles?


ExerCircles is a fun, non-threatening group exercise program that quickly and safely changes your body shape. ExerCircles utilizes hydraulic resistance machines that match the effort of the user at any fitness level (we call it accommodating resistance). ExerCircles is fun, fast and it produces results quickly.
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How does ExerCircles work?


A ExerCircles program works on a work/recover/work/recover format alternating between the hydraulic exercise stations and recovery stations, such as jogging squares or step benches for a set interval, usually 30-45 seconds each. You can begin anywhere in the circuit and start exercising at your own pace. After warm-up, which constitutes the first time around the circuit, you should try to increase speed to reach your target heart rate (shown in yellow on the wall poster;) then "cool down" to the green zone on your third "circle". You decide how hard/fast to push yourself with the help of the ExerCircles Pace equipment-certified trainer.
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How does Hydraulic Resistance work?


ExerCircles equipment uses fluid filled pistons (hydraulic pistons) as the source of resistance. Resistance occurs in both directions of the movement of the piston arm. The amount of resistance depends on two factors: (1) How fast you try to move the piston arm and (2) the dial setting. A dial setting of "1" is the lowest setting and the easiest to move. This a good setting for beginners. Increasing the number increases the resistance. A setting of "6" is for a strenuous workout. Ask the trained staff members for setting recommendations.
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What will ExerCircles do for me?


The major benefit for the ExerCircles user is inches lost. You will burn lots of calories and strengthen your muscles while having fun. You will look and feel better quickly and safely.
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I never worked out before. Can I do ExerCircles?


Yes! Anyone at any fitness level can do ExerCircles. ExerCircles is safe because it automatically adapts the resistance to match your level of effort. As you begin to fatigue, the resistance decreases automatically.
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Will I get sore muscles from ExerCircles?


No. Because ExerCircles machines use hydraulic resistance, there is no "negative" (lowering the weight) resistance which causes muscle soreness. You will feel a very satisfied "fatigue" after a workout, but no soreness the next day.
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Will I get big muscles from ExerCircles?


No, for very much the same reason that you will not be sore; there is no negative or eccentric resistance with ExerCircles which is necessary for bodybuilding and developing bigger muscles. What you will notice are stronger, leaner, more toned muscles. The nice benefit of stronger muscles is an increase in your resting metabolism, which means you will be burning more calories during everyday activities.
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Will I lose weight from ExerCircles?


Yes and no. You will lose body fat faster than any other 30 minute workout. However, as you increase your muscle strength, you may gain a pound or two of muscle weight. Again, the major benefit will be inches lost.
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How does ExerCircles burn fat faster than any other 30 minute workout?


ExerCircles burns fat 3 ways. 1. You burn more calories during your workout. Each machine works at least  two major muscle groups, thereby utilizing more muscle mass and burning more calories. 2. You burn more calories following your workout. (The body's metabolism stays higher longer.) 3. You will increase lean body weight and metabolism. A pound of muscle will burn about 50 calories per day more than a pound of fat.
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How many calories does an ExerCircles workout burn?


Research has shown that a 30 minute ExerCircles workout burns between 350 to 900 calories. This depends upon two things: 1. The more intense the workout, the more calories burned. 2. The more lean body weight, the more calories burned. As you progress in your ExerCircles workouts, you will be able to push harder and you will be getting stronger, so you will be burning more calories progressively.
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Why does ExerCircles have the "in-between" stations?


They serve two purposes. For those people pushing hard on the hydraulic machines, they act as "rest" stations and allow the user's heart rate to lower into their target zone. For those people not pushing quite as hard, they act as aerobic stations and serve to elevate the heart rate into their target zone. The format of ExerCircles is work/recover/work/recover, which burns more calories and helps eliminate boredom.
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How is ExerCircles different than other aerobic programs?


Aerobic activities such as step bench classes, stair climbing, cycling, jogging, etc. are all good cardiovascular exercises that burn body fat. However, some programs require a degree of skill and coordination and tend to intimidate the unfit person. Others can place a great deal of stress on the joints and do not provide muscle toning, especially for the upper body. ExerCircles is fun and easy for anyone to do and provides a total body strength and cardiovascular workout.
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If I do ExerCircles, do I still need to do other aerobic workouts?


Not unless you want to. ExerCircles far exceeds the minimum requirements to improve aerobic function as established by the American College of Sports Medicine. Your resting heart rate will decrease dramatically as a result of regular ExerCircles workouts.
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I've been taught to lift and lower weights slowly. Is ExerCircles  the exact opposite?


Exactly. Remember, ExerCircles is not a weight. Speed is the key to ExerCircles- the ability to move the resistance as fast as your fitness level allows is what sets ExerCircles apart from any other circuit program.
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Is ExerCircles safe for kids?


Yes! Because of the double concentric nature of hydraulic resistance, there is no fixed load against the muscle or skeletal systems, so it is very safe. Kids love ExerCircles because there is no peer pressure and it's fun.
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Is ExerCircles better than dieting?


Diets by themselves have proven over the long run to be unsuccessful in permanent weight control. Proper nutrition, combined with good exercise, is the best way to improve health and permanently change body composition. ExerCircles has proven to burn off fat and increase lean muscle mass more effectively than any other program.
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Will I get bored from ExerCircles?


You will get bored from doing any program the same way eventually. There are many variations to a ExerCircles program which help to reduce boredom; however, ExerCircles is not something that someone will do everyday forever. ExerCircles is an excellent introduction into a health club for the intimidated or deconditioned person and then to eventually transition into the general population. ExerCircles is also a great cross-training tool and fun group exercise program for integration into an alternating  personal training regimen.
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Is there research to back up the benefits of ExerCircles?


Lots. Pace-equipment= basedExerCircles workouts is the result of over 20 years of research by noted exercise physiologists and fitness experts from around the world. This research has established the credible foundation on which fitness centers, aerobic studios, hospital wellness centers, schools and corporations have built their successful PACE-equipment-based-programs like ExerCircles. Before beginning this or any exercise program, consult your physician first to ensure your health & safety.

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