This is the first in a series of 3 guest posts by my friend, colleague, and master-trainer, Matt "Wiggy" Wiggins.

When most people think circuit training, they think chrome universal machines, light weights, plush velour sweatsuits, and dudes with porn 'staches.

Too bad.  (I mean too bad that people don't think of a good, quality training protocol – too bad they think of porn 'staches.  LOL)

Circuit training is actually a kickass form of training that was victimized by people half-assing their workouts, trainers who let people half-ass their workouts (not to mention they probably didn't know what they were doing anyway), and a fitness industry that was always looking to sell consumers that next big thing.

Oooohhhh….shiny objects!

*pulls out credit card*

In all seriousness, though, circuit training is one of the most intense, effecient, and effective forms of working out one can do.  And it's really pretty simple.  All you have to do is:

• pick a group of exercises
• perform one set of each in a row
• don't rest in between
• put in real effort

That's all there is to it. 

I mean, think about it – say you're doing the type of workout I might design.  You know, a workout that would involve exercises like squats, deadlifts, rows, clean & presses, rows, burpees, DB snatches, and the like.  If you do these exercises with good form, a decent amount of weight, and in the right set/rep range, the workout would be demanding enough as it is. 

Now imagine taking roughly 80% of the rest out of your workout.  How much tougher (and result producing) would the workout be?  Oh yeah – a whole lot.  Well, that's what circuit training can do for you.

The reason why circuit training fell out of favor, is basically because too many people did it so wrong for so long, that the masses began to think it just sucked.  It wasn't the program that sucked, it was how people were doing it.

For example, take the following circuit:

• Clean & Press x 6
• Chins x 8
• DB Rows x 8 each side
• DB Snatch x 6 each side
• DB Swings x 15 each side
  *Repeat 4-5x

Unless you're doing that circuit with little pink dumbbells (and even then, there are some of you that'd still whip), that workout is more than enough to kick the hell out of almost anybody.  If it's not – use heavier DBs and rest less.  I mean, do you think you could do that circuit 5x, resting only 90 secs between circuits (no rest between exercises), with a 75-lbs DB, and *not* be in awesome shape?

Not a chance.

Well, compare that to how most people ended up doing circuit training – on a menagerie of different machines (or some sort of universal machine/apparatus), using no more than 1-2 plates (i.e. <20 lbs), for 10-12 reps, doing 7-8 exercises, maybe a couple sets of each, resting probably 90 secs between sets (of each exercise), and putting more effort into chatting about the latest episode of (insert reality show here) than you are your workout.

Is it any wonder why circuit training didn't work for most people?  It's because they didn't do it worth a damn!

Listen, if you're doing a circuit training workout, and you're not totally spent at the end, chances are you totally screwed up how you did it.  Just sayin'.

A well-designed circuit training program should allow you to:

• get stronger and more powerful
• build insane amounts of work capacity
• give you great cardio (all without having to do 'traditional cardio' training)
• develop a good physique
• lower bodyfat levels
• have a strong heart and lungs

…and a whole bunch of other stuff.  (But isn't that list enough, already?)

Give circuit training a shot – just be sure that you're doing it the right way.

Go to www.workingclasscardioworkout.com for a cardio workout that doesn't need gyms, fancy machines, or even make you run a single step.

A company has been working on a way to create genetically modified salmon that grows twice as fast as conventional wild salmon.  

An advisory committee told the Food and Drug Administration recently that this fish appears to be safe.  Yet many have argued that more testing needs to be done before it is served on your dinner table.

If the FDA approves this it will be the first time the government has allowed modified animals to be marketed for human consumption. 

The company that has created this salmon states that their product is safe and environmentally sustainable.

Read more about Frankenstein salmon.

It has been known for many years now that you need enough of all eight essential amino acids to be able to produce quality lean muscle, which speeds up your metabolism.

Research is now indicating that the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) isoleucine, leucine and valine are the most important and main drivers of new muscle growth.  BCAAs are absolutely necessary as the building blocks for new muscle growth and repair, but they also provide energy to the muscles. 

These 3 amino acids also help your body burn fat, improve your recovery and reduce your muscle soreness. 

What was once just thought of as a muscle building supplement is now a vital tool for those that want to lose weight and build new lean muscle at the same time.  This isn’t just for bodybuilders.  BCAAs are for any man or women looking to get in better shape and lose weight.

Here are a few reasons why Branched Chain Amino Acids can help you reach your weight loss goals

Yeah, it's getting old, right? There's another bodybuilding program that recently launched that is touting "The Holy Grail" — you know, building muscle and burning body fat simultaneously.

Is it true? Can it be done?

Of course, anything is possible.

But let's weed out those of you (and it will be many of you) who don't need a program like this. I write a lot about "hardgainers." Guys who can't gain weight, in any form whatsoever, no matter what they do.

There isn't an ounce of fat on 'em. That could be you. You don't need this program. Seriously.

Then there are those of you who might be carrying an extra 25, 50, or even more pounds. You could use  this program and make great gains.

But you'll make better progress if you just concentrate on dropping the body fat. You'll lose body fat a lot faster with other types of programs.

Think "high intensity interval training" coupled with frequent jaunts to the weight room. Also, a lot of calorie counting and cutting.

So you're out.

This program really is custom-designed for those of you who can build muscle and who might just have a tad too much body fat. Like you're at 15 percent and want to be 12. Or you're at 10 and want to be at 7. You get the picture.

You're most likely a mesomorph who has been a little loose with your eating program and may not hit the gym as hard as you should. But you're an athlete. Maybe out of shape, but still better than 98 percent of the population (look around — you're better than those standing around you).

If you're one of these guys or gals, and you're not a little wuss (this program will kick your ass), you will love this program. There really is nothing better — who doesn't want to build muscle and drop body fat at the same time?

It's totally possible with this program. In fact, if you follow the program to the "T" you cannot do anything but make boatloads of progress with this program.

The Holy Grail was designed by a colleague of mine, Tom Venuto. He's a champion bodybuilder and he trains a ton of really bad-ass looking people: Models and other fitness athletes. He knows what he's talking about. And he's applied this system to countless stars.

It works.

As part of his new program release promotion, Tom is giving away 4 limited-time bonuses worth $114.80, but the offer ends tonight at midnight.

==> http://blog.muscle-build.com/go/holy-grail/

• BONUS #1:  Extreme And Controversial Fat Loss Techniques (ebook $19.95 value)
• BONUS #2:  Super Lean Seminar – Secrets Of Achieving Very Low Body Fat (Audio MP3 and ebook Transcripts $49.95 value)
• BONUS #3:  The Science Of Goal Achievement – 10 Secrets of Subconscious Mind Power and 7 Secrets of Scientific Goal Setting (ebook, 55 pages, $29.95 value)
• BONUS #4:  How To Measure Your Body Fat In The Privacy Of Your Own Home (ebook $19.95 value)

When you get the Holy Grail program today, you get all 4 of these bonuses, (seriously good info, valued at $114.80) for free.

==> http://blog.muscle-build.com/go/holy-grail/

I suggest you take a long, hard look at this program. It's killer. But it's not for everybody or every body!