# 050 Are circuits for hypertrophy the next big thing?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hypertrophy-past-and-present-7348739/050-are-circuits-for-hypertrophy-the-next-big-thing
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hypertrophy-past-and-present-7348739/050-are-circuits-for-hypertrophy-the-next-big-thing.md
Podcast: [Hypertrophy Past and Present](https://stenobird.com/podcast/hypertrophy-past-and-present-7348739)
Published: 2026-05-05T13:07:21+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5a147193
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/5a147193/20b75c4b.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/hypertrophy-past-and-present-7348739/episodes/050-are-circuits-for-hypertrophy-the-next-big-thing
Duration seconds: 4262

## Resource

In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris explore the use of circuits in hypertrophy training, starting with a 1960s circuit-style routine published by John McCallum. The episode examines how circuit-style training was used in the silver era, before transitioning into a physiology-first breakdown of when circuits might actually make sense for muscle growth today, and when they likely fall short. Key topics include: • A breakdown of McCallum’s Peripheral Heart Action (PHA) circuit routine • Why inserting low-fatigue exercises between compounds can improve performance • How circuits may reduce the exercise order effect across a workout • When circuits might outperform straight sets (and when they won’t) • How to structure circuits using clusters, low reps, and reps in reserve • The practical limitations of circuits in busy gyms

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## Transcript

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