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Lesson 5 - Aerobic Fitness Development

Understanding Fitness: From Assessment to Personal Progress

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Year 6

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

How does exercise transform our heart, lungs and muscles to make us healthier and stronger?

Learning Objectives

Develop understanding of the aerobic system and how exercise affects our bodies
Perform an aerobic fitness circuit to improve personal cardio fitness
Monitor and analyse changes in heart rate during different exercise phases

Key Outcomes

Students will understand how exercise affects their aerobic system
Students will complete a circuit training session at appropriate intensity
Students will accurately measure and record pulse rates throughout the lesson

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

15 cardio station cards

Pre-prepared with spaces for resting, warm-up, circuit, and cool-down readings

Alternative: Small notebooks, pencils for recording

Stopwatch

1 per station (15)

Set for 45-60 second intervals with 15-second changeover

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps, central clock with whistle signals

Exercise mats

1 per student (30)

Distributed around circuit stations for comfort during floor work

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares for floor exercises

Cones

30 for station markers

Mark clear boundaries for each exercise station

Alternative: Sports markers, chalk marks on floor

Pencils

1 per student (30)

Attached to monitoring cards to prevent loss

Alternative: Pens, clipboards for easier writing

Key Vocabulary

Aerobic system

The body's system that uses oxygen to produce energy during exercise

Pulse rate

The number of heartbeats per minute, measured at wrist or neck

BPM

Beats per minute - how we measure heart rate

Resting heart rate

Your pulse when you're calm and haven't been exercising

Circuit training

Moving between different exercise stations to improve fitness

Cardio fitness

How well your heart and lungs work together during exercise

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of heart and breathing changes during exercise
Experience with simple fitness activities
Ability to follow circuit training format

Current Skills

Accurate pulse measurement and recording
Understanding of aerobic system function
Circuit training with intensity awareness

Next Steps

Planning personal fitness programmes
Understanding anaerobic vs aerobic exercise
Setting and monitoring fitness goals

Milestone Indicators

Consistently accurate pulse measurements

Sustained effort throughout circuit sessions

Clear explanations of exercise effects on body systems

Key Teaching Points

Accurate pulse measurement is essential - demonstrate technique multiple times
Emphasise gradual progression in exercise intensity throughout lesson
Connect all activities to understanding of aerobic system function
Encourage students to work at their own appropriate level
Use data collection as learning tool, not just measurement exercise
Safety first - monitor for overexertion and ensure proper cool-down
Promote positive partner support and encouragement throughout

Common Misconceptions

Thinking higher heart rate is always better - explain appropriate intensity zones
Believing you should stop immediately after exercise - explain importance of cool-down
Assuming all students will have same heart rate responses - emphasise individual differences
Confusing pulse measurement locations - practice both wrist and neck thoroughly
Not understanding connection between exercise and heart rate - make links explicit

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries at stations, regular movement breaks, partner support for focus

dyspraxia

Simplified pulse measurement technique, larger equipment, extra practice time, verbal prompts

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual timetable of lesson phases, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Verbal descriptions of pulse location, tactile guidance for finding pulse, audio signals for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instructions on cards, hand signals for timing

physical disability

Modified exercises appropriate to ability, seated pulse monitoring, adapted circuit stations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating pulse rates, multiplication by 4, data collection and analysis, comparing numbers

Science

Understanding body systems, heart and circulation, effects of exercise on body

PSHE

Understanding healthy lifestyle choices, personal goal setting, working cooperatively with others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central to circuit layout for visibility of all stations, moving between pairs during pulse checks

Observation Focus

Exercise technique, appropriate intensity levels, pulse measurement accuracy, partner cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if students showing signs of overexertion, incorrect technique, or measurement difficulties

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Clear pulse measurement technique, appropriate exercise intensity, proper breathing during cool-down

Verbal Cues

•'Find your pulse gently'
•'Work at your own level'
•'Support your partner'
•'Focus on good technique'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 15m x 20m for circuit layout

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate ventilation for sustained exercise

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all station cards are securely placed and visible
•Ensure timers are working correctly
•Mats positioned safely for floor exercises

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overexertion during circuit training
•Collisions between students at stations
•Incorrect pulse measurement technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear instruction on appropriate intensity levels
•Adequate spacing between circuit stations
•Demonstration of safe pulse measurement technique
•Regular monitoring of student fatigue levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all stations during circuit
•Monitor students for signs of overexertion
•Check pulse measurement accuracy regularly

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if student feels unwell, encourage continued gentle movement, seek first aid if needed