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Lesson 7 - Bodyweight Exercise Exploration

Playful Movement Challenges

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Year 2

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our own body weight to strengthen and improve our fitness levels?

Learning Objectives

To explore and perform exercises that use your own body weight
To understand how different exercises work different muscle groups
To develop control and coordination through bodyweight movements

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate a range of bodyweight exercises with correct technique
Students will show improved balance and control in their movements
Students will understand which exercises target specific muscle groups

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Distributed around play area for Star Saver game

Alternative: Coloured bibs, markers, bean bags

Cards

1 master card

One set per pair of students

Alternative: Laminated alphabet cards with exercises

Key Vocabulary

Bodyweight exercise

Physical exercises that use your own body weight as resistance

Repetitions

The number of times you repeat an exercise

Technique

The correct way to perform an exercise safely and effectively

Abdominals

The muscles in your stomach area that help with core strength

Balance

Staying steady and controlled during movement

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic body awareness and control
Simple jumping and landing movements
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Bodyweight exercise techniques
Muscle group awareness
Exercise sequencing and timing

Next Steps

Circuit training principles
Fitness goal setting
Creating personal workout routines

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct posture during exercises

Can name muscle groups being worked

Shows improvement in exercise repetitions

Key Teaching Points

Always demonstrate exercises slowly and clearly before students attempt them
Emphasise quality of movement over speed or quantity of repetitions
Monitor fatigue levels throughout and provide rest breaks as needed
Use positive reinforcement to encourage effort rather than just achievement
Connect exercises to real-world benefits like stronger muscles and better health
Ensure all students participate regardless of fitness level through differentiation
Make learning fun through games while maintaining focus on proper technique

Common Misconceptions

More repetitions are always better - correct with focus on quality over quantity
Exercise should hurt to be effective - emphasise comfort and gradual progression
Some people are naturally bad at exercise - promote growth mindset and improvement
Only difficult exercises make you stronger - show value of basic movements done well
You need equipment to get fit - demonstrate bodyweight exercises are very effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide extra movement opportunities, use clear start/stop signals

dyspraxia

Demonstrate exercises multiple times, break movements into smaller steps, allow extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, use consistent exercise names, offer quiet space for breaks

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions for all exercises, provide tactile guidance for body positions, pair with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Demonstrate all exercises visually, use visual cards with exercise pictures, employ hand signals for directions

physical disability

Modify exercises for seated position, use upper body alternatives, adjust repetitions to ability level

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Spelling names using letter-exercise combinations, vocabulary development with exercise names

Maths

Counting repetitions, recognising numbers on bingo cards, addition when combining exercises

Science

Understanding how exercise affects the heart rate, learning about different muscle groups

PSHE

Personal goal setting, cooperation with partners, resilience when activities are challenging

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities to observe all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Exercise technique, signs of fatigue, cooperation between partners, understanding of instructions

Intervention Points

Correct poor technique immediately, provide rest for tired students, support struggling partnerships

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for complex exercises, show side and front views, exaggerate key movement points

Verbal Cues

•'Soft landings on your star jumps!'
•'Lift those knees up high!'
•'Help your partner by counting together!'
•'Quality is better than speed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area with additional space for floor exercises

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for jumping and floor work, free from obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones checked for cracks or damage
•Pencils have no sharp points
•Cards laminated to prevent paper cuts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overexertion during sustained activity
•Collisions during warm-up games
•Incorrect technique leading to strain
•Slips during jumping exercises

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Progressive build-up of exercise intensity
•Constant monitoring of technique
•Regular rest breaks and hydration opportunities
•Demonstration of correct form before each exercise

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during floor exercises
•Monitor exertion levels throughout bingo game
•Check technique during individual practice

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed