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Lesson 4 - All-Round Fitness Circuit Training

Personal Fitness & Circuit Skills

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Year 5

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Health Related Fitness

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Big Question

How can we design our own fitness challenges that work different parts of our body?

Learning Objectives

Perform a variety of fitness exercises with control and good technique
Demonstrate the ability to sustain performance over extended periods
Understand the importance of warming up and hydration during exercise

Key Outcomes

Students will complete a circuit of fitness exercises showing improved technique
Students will maintain effort and performance throughout extended activity periods
Students will explain why warm-up and hydration are essential for safe exercise

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

8-10

Mark circuit stations and centre line

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Benches

2-3

Position for tricep dips station

Alternative: Sturdy chairs, step platforms

Mats

15-20

Place at floor exercise stations

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares

Tunnel Systems

Positioned centrally for clear audio

Alternative: Phone with speaker, portable speaker

Water bottles

1 per student

Accessible water station at side of hall

Alternative: Cups and water jug

Stopwatch

For timing exercise intervals

Alternative: Phone timer, clock with second hand

Cards

1 set

Display clearly for cool-down session

Alternative: Printed pictures, demonstration images

Key Vocabulary

Circuit training

A form of exercise where you move through different exercise stations

Muscle groups

Different groups of muscles that work together to create movement

Cardiovascular fitness

How well your heart and lungs work during exercise

Technique

The correct way to perform an exercise safely and effectively

Hydration

Replacing water that your body loses through sweating during exercise

Endurance

The ability to keep going with an activity for a long time

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of exercise and fitness
Experience with simple fitness activities
Knowledge of safety during physical activity

Current Skills

Circuit training methodology
Multiple exercise techniques and muscle group targeting
Performance sustainability and self-monitoring

Next Steps

Creating personal fitness programmes
Advanced exercise progressions
Understanding training principles and adaptation

Milestone Indicators

Correct exercise form maintained throughout circuit

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Self-regulation of intensity and rest periods

Key Teaching Points

Exercise technique is more important than speed or number of repetitions
Sustained effort over time builds both physical and mental strength
Different exercises work different muscle groups - variety is important
Proper warm-up and cool-down are essential for safe exercise
Individual differences in fitness are normal and should be celebrated
Hydration is crucial during and after vigourous exercise
Building resilience through physical challenge transfers to other life areas

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Faster means better' - Correction: Focus on controlled movements and good technique
Misconception: 'If it's easy, I'm doing it wrong' - Correction: Exercises should be challenging but achievable with proper form
Misconception: 'Boys are naturally better at fitness than girls' - Correction: Individual differences exist regardless of gender
Misconception: 'You don't need to warm up for fitness exercises' - Correction: Warming up prevents injury and improves performance
Misconception: 'Drinking water during exercise makes you sick' - Correction: Regular hydration is essential for safe exercise

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use music and energetic atmosphere positively, provide clear boundaries and structure, regular movement between stations helps maintain focus

dyspraxia

Break down exercises into smaller steps, provide additional demonstration time, allow longer to establish technique before increasing intensity

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of circuit rotation, consistent routine structure, quiet space available if needed for regulation

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of exercise positions, provide tactile guidance for correct form, ensure clear pathways between stations

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, clear hand signals for timing, written exercise instructions at each station

physical disability

Adapt exercises for seated position where needed, modify repetitions and intensity, provide alternative exercises targeting same muscle groups

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Learning new vocabulary related to fitness and exercise, expressing feelings and reflections about physical activity

Maths

Timing exercises and calculating work-to-rest ratios, counting repetitions and tracking improvement over time

Science

Understanding muscle groups and how exercise affects heart rate, breathing, and body temperature regulation

PSHE

Building resilience and perseverance, working cooperatively in groups, understanding healthy lifestyle choices

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around circuit to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Monitor exercise technique, watch for signs of fatigue, check group cooperation and individual effort levels

Intervention Points

Step in when technique deteriorates for safety, provide encouragement when effort drops, support groups struggling with cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show common mistakes followed by correct technique, demonstrate modifications for different ability levels

Verbal Cues

•'Keep that back straight!'
•'Breathe steadily through the hold!'
•'Quality over speed!'
•'Feel those muscles working!'
•'Water break if you need it!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space (minimum 15m x 20m) or outdoor area with level surface

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, mats positioned securely for floor exercises

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check benches are stable and at appropriate height for tricep dips
•Ensure mats are non-slip and in good condition
•Verify wall area is suitable for wall sits (no protruding fixtures)

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Muscle strain from improper exercise technique
•Collision during sprint components
•Overexertion leading to exhaustion or injury
•Slips during energetic movements

Risk Mitigation

•Thorough warm-up before vigourous exercise
•Clear demonstration of correct technique for all exercises
•Adequate space between groups during circuit
•Regular hydration breaks and monitoring for overexertion
•Progressive build-up of exercise intensity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple stations during circuit training
•Monitor exercise technique continuously to prevent injury
•Watch for signs of fatigue or distress
•Ensure safe transitions between stations

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required