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Build your own pairs circuit training programme

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can independently plan, set up and take part in a safe circuit training session.

Key learning points

  1. Move: exercises are completed safely at a controlled pace and using the correct technique with good body alignment.
  2. Think: circuit training can be tailored to specific muscles and have a specific component of fitness or sport focus.
  3. Feel: the self confidence to independently improve your own fitness away from the school environment.
  4. Connect: designing a mutually agreeable circuit of appropriate stations requires effective communication.

Keywords

  • Independently - without help from a teacher, on your own

  • Component of fitness - a specific attribute or characteristic of physical performance that contributes to overall physical fitness (e.g. strength, flexibility)

  • Muscle group - a set of muscles that work together to perform a movement

Common misconception

Pupils think they should just include their favourite exercises in their own circuit.

Exercises should be selected and used to target and imporove specific areas of weakness, e.g. certain muscle groups, a components of fitness or a sport specific skill you need more practice at.

Teacher tip

You may wish to allocate equipment before pupils plan their circuit so they are able to consider which equipment they have access to. The equipment you will need for this lesson will depend on what you have available for the pupils to use to create their circuit.

Equipment

30+ cones, 10+ mats, 1 x playing cards, AdMats circuit cards, 1 stopwatch per pair and other optional sports equipment

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.
Circuit training can be done with other people.

always
Correct answer: sometimes
never

Q2.
Creating a circuit to improve balance would be focusing on what?

sport specific skills
a muscle group
Correct answer: a component of fitness

Q3.
Which exercise is a gymnast most likely to have in their circuit?

Correct answer: balance beam
beanbag throw
jogging

Q4.
Which movement would be least relevant for a cricket player’s circuit?

reaction ball catches
Correct answer: crunches
sprint shuttles

4 Questions

Q1.
What does exercising independently mean?

Correct answer: without teacher help
with teacher help
following instructions

Q2.
Which muscle group should Salihah focus her circuit on, in order to improve the power of her jumps?

core muscles
Correct answer: leg muscles
arm muscles

Q3.
What might happen if you do not use good technique when performing the exercises?

Correct Answer: injuries, an injury, injury

Q4.
How can you be a good communicator in a team?

just listen
just speak
Correct answer: listen and speak

To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Build your own pairs circuit training programme, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...