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      Types of training: can you complete a circuit training session?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can complete a basic circuit training session to improve my fitness.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: completing exercises correctly and safely will develop your strength and endurance.
      2. Think: heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature all increase in response to exercise.
      3. Feel: being able to keep going with challenging exercises requires determination.
      4. Connect: giving support to others can help you achieve higher outcomes.

      Keywords

      • Circuit - a series of exercises performed one after another, with little or no rest, to work different parts of the body

      • Station - a set place where you complete one specific exercise before moving to the next

      • Determination - the drive to keep working towards a goal

      Common misconception

      You need to go to a gym to build muscle strength and endurance.

      Body weight exercises, that require little or no equipment, can be performed in a safe space in your own home and can be incredibly effective at building muscular strength, endurance and general fitness.

      Equipment

      A clear and safe space to perform body weight exercises and a stopwatch

      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).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the recommended minimum amount of physical activity (exercise) that people aged 5-18 should aim for every day?

      2 hours
      Correct answer: 60 minutes
      10 minutes
      30 minutes

      Q2.
      Which of the following is the best way to describe a cardiovascular exercise goal?

      improving your ability to bend and stretch
      Correct answer: strengthening your heart and lungs (stamina)
      lifting the heaviest weight you can one time
      making your muscles look bigger

      Q3.
      What is the main purpose of the quick breaks between exercise stations in a circuit training workout?

      Correct answer: to let muscles recover just enough before working a different muscle group
      to allow you to check your phone or text a friend
      to let your heart rate drop all the way back to normal
      to keep your workout fun and make it feel easier

      Q4.
      In addition to healthy eating, what does getting enough sleep help your body do when you are 11 or 12 years old?

      burn a lot of calories by keeping you moving
      Correct answer: grow taller and improve your memory
      make you hungrier so you'll eat a big breakfast
      make your muscles tired and release stress hormones

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is it called when you complete a series of body weight exercises at different stations to improve your fitness?

      Correct answer: circuit training
      continuous training
      cross training
      weight training

      Q2.
      Which of the following reduces during exercise?

      heart rate
      breathing rate
      Correct answer: oxygen levels in the body
      body temperature

      Q3.
      What is required to be able to keep going when exercises get challenging?

      hesitation
      apathy
      indecision
      Correct answer: determination

      Q4.
      Which of the following exercises does not work the lower body?

      Correct answer: press ups
      star jumps
      burpees
      squats

      To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Types of training: can you complete a circuit training session?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...