New
New
Year 11

Pilates and core strength training

I can take part in Pilates and core strength training demonstrating the plank and the hundred.

New
New
Year 11

Pilates and core strength training

I can take part in Pilates and core strength training demonstrating the plank and the hundred.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: in a plank, keep your body in a straight line from head to heels by engaging the core.
  2. Move: in the hundred pose, lie on your back, lift your head and shoulders, extend your legs and pulse your arms.
  3. Think: strengthening core muscles will also help improve stability, posture and balance for other physical activities.
  4. Feel: notice any areas of tension or pain in each movement and adjust pose to eliminate any pressure building up.
  5. Connect: offering feedback to others, to support progression towards the correct technique, develops leadership skills

Keywords

  • Core strength - having strong muscles in your stomach, sides and back to help you stay balanced and move better

  • Plank - a position where you hold a straight line from head to heels to enhance core stability and upper body strength

  • The hundred - core warm-up involving rhythmic arm pumping, while lying on your back with legs lifted

Common misconception

Pilates is easy and only develops flexibility.

Pilates builds core strength, stability and muscular endurance, and can be challenging for all types of athletes. It’s not just stretching, it’s a full-body workout that improves posture, balance and overall strength.


To help you plan your year 11 physical education lesson on: Pilates and core strength training, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use upbeat music to go with the Pilates routine to engage pupils further.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 Pilates mat per pupil, 1 x speaker

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What shape do you make in a downward dog?

V
inverted V
sideways V

Q2.
What should you do when you exhale?

stay still
Savasana
Correct answer: move or lengthen

Q3.
What does yoga/Pilates help to develop?

only flexibility
only strength
Correct answer: flexibility and strength

Q4.
How far should you move into a stretch?

Correct answer: until it tightens
until it hurts
when it stops

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which component of fitness does Pilates develop the least?

strength
muscular endurance
Correct answer: agility

Q2.
What shape should your body be in when doing a plank?

an inverted V
Correct answer: a straight line
a circle

Q3.
What must you always include when giving feedback?

constant criticism
unkind comments
Correct answer: praise

Q4.
Where are the core muscles?

Correct answer: stomach/back
legs
arms