Comparative Effects of Circuit Training and Package Training On Selected Physical Fitness Variables Among School Boys

The present study investigated the effect of circuit training and package training on selected physical fitness variables among school boys. A total of 60 school boys aged 15–17 years from Government Higher Secondary School, Parthibanur, Tamil Nadu, were selected and randomly divided into three equal groups: circuit training group, package training group, and control group, with 20 participants in each group. The circuit training group underwent a structured circuit training programme, while the package training group underwent a combined programme consisting of circuit training and plyometric training. The training interventions were carried out for 12 weeks, three days per week, whereas the control group continued only routine activities without any special training. The selected physical fitness variables were speed, muscular strength endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Speed was assessed using the 50 m dash, muscular strength endurance through sit-ups, and cardiorespiratory endurance through the Cooper 12-minute run/walk test. Pre-test and post-test data were collected before and after the intervention period. The data were analysed using analysis of covariance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test was applied wherever significant differences were found. The results revealed that both circuit training and package training significantly improved the selected physical fitness variables when compared with the control group. Package training produced better overall improvement, particularly in speed and cardiorespiratory endurance, while both training methods were effective in improving muscular strength endurance. The findings suggest that package training may be recommended as an effective school-based training method for enhancing physical fitness among adolescent boys.