Definition
Peripheral heart action training refers to circuit training that alternates upper and lower body exercises to increase intensity and cardiovascular demands by flooding muscles with blood flow.
Explanation
- It’s based on high reps of light resistance for upper body followed immediately by the lower or vice versa without rest.
- Shunting blood from limbs to limbs forces the heart to work harder to deliver oxygenated blood throughout the body.
- Minimal rest and alternating upper/lower challenges increase heart rate, respiration and calorie burn compared to traditional circuits.
- Peripheral heart action training provides time-efficient metabolic conditioning similar to interval training.
Examples
- Supersetting bent over rows with walking lunges.
- Alternating dumbbell presses with bodyweight squats.
Related Terms
- Cardio circuits, metabolic conditioning, supersets, tri-sets
Common Questions
- How does peripheral heart action build muscle? The light weights and emphasis on blood flow don’t optimally build muscle mass.
- Is it just another name for supersets? Similar, but peripheral heart action specifies upper/lower body alternation.
Do Not Confuse With
- Plyometrics – Explosive, high intensity movement training.
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