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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can perform anaerobic exercise and understand how this can improve different components of fitness.

Key learning points

  1. Move: anaerobic exercises involve explosive muscular contractions that improve speed and power.
  2. Think: anaerobic exercise is characterised by high intensity movements for a short amount of time (under 2 minutes).
  3. Feel: resilience is demonstrated by working at high intensity on every exercise.
  4. Connect: team working skills are developed by sharing feedback to support others and listening to advice from peers.

Keywords

  • Anaerobic exercise - exercise without oxygen, often for a short burst of energy (e.g. throwing a javelin)

  • Speed - the ability to move the body or parts of the body quickly through movements

  • Power - the ability to exert maximal force in as short a time as possible. Power is calculated as speed, multiplied by strength

Common misconception

Anaerobic exercise is only useful for improving your ability to run fast.

Anaerobic training can also build muscular strength, power, endurance and improve body composition. All of these can benefit your performance in many different sports not just running.

Teacher tip

Use additional materials to support pupils working independently on each station, however assess pupil's ability in learning cycle 1 and offer adaptations (both easier and harder) to pupils you identify as needing more support or challenge.

Equipment

15 x mat , 3 x skipping rope per pair and 3 x step up box/ 1 x bench.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
What should you always aim to do in order to avoid injuries when exercising?

lift heavy weights
Correct answer: use correct technique
run faster

Q2.
What do you do after working on a station in circuit training?

move on straightaway
Correct answer: have short rest
run around circuit

Q3.
How could you make an exercise station harder?

Correct answer: move faster
move slower
work for shorter

Q4.
Which component of fitness would help basketball players train to quickly jump for the ball?

flexibility
Correct answer: power
balance

4 Questions

Q1.
Which component of fitness is not developed by anaerobic exercise?

Correct answer: flexibility
power
speed

Q2.
For how long should you work on each exercise during an anaerobic exercise circuit?

> 5 minutes
2 - 5 minutes
Correct answer: < 2 minutes

Q3.
What type of intensity should be performed when doing anaerobic exercise?

Correct answer: high
medium
low

Q4.
What do you need to demonstrate when participating in an anaerobic exercise circuit?

empathy
Correct answer: resilience
quitting

To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Anaerobic exercise in action, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...