Set up a basic circuit
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can set up and take part in a variety of different exercise stations safely.
Key learning points
- Move: circuit training requires all equipment to be set up safely in a suitable space.
- Move: each station should be completed with good technique, moving on when the set time is complete.
- Think: exercise duration and intensity used in circuit training can be adapted to improve different types of fitness.
- Feel: self-motivation is required to keep working, even on stations that are not as easy or enjoyable as others.
- Connect: working with others on a station helps to increase motivation to push each other to perform at your best.
Keywords
Circuit training - a series of exercises or activities completed in a specific order, each followed by a rest period
Station - where a specific exercise is performed for a set time or number of repetitions
Training programme - structured plans or approaches to exercise designed to improve fitness and achieve specific goals
Common misconception
Pupils think a circuit has to involve exercises in a circle.
A circuit is a series of exercises done a specific order but does not have to be set up like a circle.
Teacher tip
Create stations dependent on the equipment and space you have available. If you are using weighted movements, ensure that the weights are extremely light and are always supervised by a fully qualified practitioner.
Equipment
1 mat per pupil, 1 x stopwatch per pair, optional: weights 2 per pair (kettlebells / dumbbells), optional: 1 x skipping rope per pair, optional: step up box/ bench.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How can we stay healthy?
Q2.Which is an example of a type of fitness component?
Q3.How could you improve your strength?
Q4.Which type of athlete would need more muscular strength?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.A circuit is performed in a circle.
Q2.What might happen if you do not use the correct technique?
Q3.What can working with others on a station help to increase?
Q4.Davie and Sean are working on the same exercise station but Davie is finding it too difficult. What could Davie do to adapt the station?
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Set up a basic circuit, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Set up a basic circuit, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 3 physical education lessons from the Health and wellbeing: long term benefits of physical activity through circuits unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.