Lesson 3 - All-Round Fitness Conditioning
Fitness Foundations & Performance
•Year 6
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we develop strength throughout our whole body and understand why recovery is essential for athletes?
Learning Objectives
- To perform a variety of exercises demonstrating proper technique across different muscle groups
- To work with determination and self-motivation during challenging physical activities
- To understand the importance of relaxation and stretching in athletic training programmes
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct form in at least 6 different exercise types
- Students will show persistence and determination when exercises become challenging
- Students will explain why stretching and relaxation are crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in triangular formation 2 metres apart for agility work
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk circles
Place flat on ground with 40cm spacing between rungs
Alternative: Chalk lines on ground, rope laid in ladder pattern
Set at 20cm height, 1 metre apart
Alternative: Swimming pool noodles, low cones
Position securely for step-ups and tricep dips
Alternative: Sturdy plastic chairs, gymnasium boxes
Upbeat music for circuits, calming music for yoga
Alternative: Tablet/phone with portable speaker
Display clearly where all students can see
Alternative: Tablet/laptop with yoga video, printed images
Visible/audible signals for station changes
Alternative: Phone timer, large display timer
For floor exercises and yoga poses
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares
Key Vocabulary
Exercise that uses oxygen to provide energy, typically sustained for longer periods
High-intensity exercise performed in short bursts without using oxygen for energy
Explosive movements that develop power and speed
Strength in the muscles around your trunk that support your spine and pelvis
The correct way to perform an exercise to maximise benefits and prevent injury
The time needed for muscles to repair and strengthen after exercise
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of different muscle groups
- Experience with circuit training format
- Knowledge of warming up and cooling down
Current Skills
- Advanced exercise technique across multiple fitness components
- Understanding of aerobic vs anaerobic exercise
- Self-motivation and determination during challenging activities
Next Steps
- Creating personal fitness programmes
- Understanding training principles (FITT)
- Advanced yoga and flexibility work
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Technique and safety always take priority over speed or quantity
- All-round fitness means training every muscle group, not just the obvious ones
- Recovery and stretching are essential parts of training, not optional extras
- Determination means continuing effort when activities become challenging
- Partner coaching focuses on encouragement and safety, not criticism
- Physical changes during exercise (heart rate, breathing, muscle sensation) are positive adaptations
- Athletes need proper nutrition and hydration to fuel their bodies and aid recovery
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that feeling muscle fatigue means you should stop rather than recognising it as strength building
- Believing that stretching and yoga are not 'real' exercise or important for fitness
- Assuming that being good at PE means being naturally strong rather than working with determination
- Thinking that helping a partner means doing the exercise for them rather than coaching and encouraging
- Believing that drinking water is only necessary when feeling thirsty rather than for recovery
- Assuming that all exercises should feel easy rather than understanding appropriate challenge levels
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- High-energy activities with clear structure, regular position changes, specific roles during partner work
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, step-by-step instruction cards, patient progression
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks, consistent routine and timing
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of all exercises, tactile guidance for correct positions, bright coloured equipment for contrast
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration cards at each station, clear visual signals for timing, buddy system for instruction relay
physical disability
- Chair-based versions of all exercises, resistance bands instead of body weight, modified ranges of motion
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary, giving clear instructions to partners, reflection and discussion skills
Maths
Timing intervals, counting repetitions, measuring heart rate, calculating work-to-rest ratios
Science
Understanding muscle groups, aerobic vs anaerobic exercise, heart rate changes during activity, recovery and adaptation
PSHE
Determination and resilience, supporting others, healthy lifestyle choices, understanding body changes
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with ability to see all stations, move between groups to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Technique maintenance under fatigue, partner cooperation and safety, signs of overexertion
Intervention Points
When technique deteriorates significantly, when students show signs of distress, when partner coaching becomes negative
Demonstration Notes
Show perfect technique slowly first, then at working pace, emphasise key safety points and common mistakes
Verbal Cues
- •'Technique first, effort second!'
- •'Your muscles are getting stronger right now!'
- •'Champions don't quit when it gets tough!'
- •'Help your partner succeed!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Dry, even surface checked for hazards, mats placed securely for floor exercises
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Benches checked for stability and appropriate height
- •Cones and markers positioned to avoid collision hazards
- •Yoga mats inspected for damage and placed with adequate spacing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overexertion during high-intensity circuit training
- •Falls during plyometric exercises or step-ups
- •Muscle strain from inadequate warm-up or poor technique
- •Collision between students during agility work
Risk Mitigation
- •Progressive warm-up to prepare muscles for intense activity
- •Clear demonstrations of correct technique before each exercise
- •Partner system for safety monitoring and encouragement
- •Adequate spacing between all exercise stations
- •Appropriate modifications offered for all exercises
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all circuit stations simultaneously
- •Monitor heart rate and exertion levels during intense exercises
- •Check technique closely during potentially risky exercises like step-ups
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student safety, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed