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      Training intensity: can you combine a core workout with sprint work?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can complete a core workout programme, followed by a sprint training session to improve muscular endurance and power.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: bending your knees when performing sit-ups improves performance by utilising abdominals and hip flexors.
      2. Move: landing on the forefoot and pushing off the ground immediately speeds up sprinting performance.
      3. Think: core strength improves posture, reduces back pain, helps prevent injuries and improves functional movements.
      4. Feel: lactic acid build up causes fatigue and discomfort, but endorphin release during exercise improves mood.
      5. Connect: challenging others to complete a workout helps with motivation and energy levels.

      Keywords

      • Work-rest ratio - a comparison of the duration of a work period (active exercise) to the duration of a rest period (recovery between efforts) within a training session

      • Core muscles - the group of muscles that support the trunk and pelvis to stabilise the body, maintain balance and provide the foundation for movement

      • Contraindicating - a situation that makes an exercise inadvisable or potentially harmful

      Common misconception

      Training abdominals for a 6 pack but neglecting other core muscles.

      It is essential to balance training on all core muscles to maintain good posture, alignment and strength on anterior and posterior sides of the body.

      Equipment

      a clear space to perform body weight exercises and ideally an outside space measuring about 10 metres in length, 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 are reps?

      Correct answer: a complete sequence of an exercise to include the downward and upward phase
      the entire group of movements
      the brief rest period between sets to allow for muscle recovery
      the lifting or accelerating phase of the movement

      Q2.
      What is the primary function of endorphins?

      neurotransmitters that regulate sleep cycles and enhance cognitive ability
      proteins that stimulate muscle tissue repair and promote the growth of new cells
      Correct answer: natural opioids that reduce perception of pain and inducing feelings of pleasure
      hormones that cause the breakdown of fat stores for energy during exercise

      Q3.
      What is fatigue?

      a general state of alertness
      the body producing less carbon dioxide due to a reduced energy output
      Correct answer: a general state of tiredness resulting in reduced physical strength
      total loss of consciousness or ability to respond due to physical overexertion

      Q4.
      Which of the following exercises is least likely to help improve your posture?

      cat-cow stretches
      forward fold walk outs
      Correct answer: arm circles
      lunges with a lateral rotation

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the single most critical factor that distinguishes a true plyometric exercise from a regular jump, like a box jump?

      the maximum vertical height achieved
      the total volume of repetitions performed in a single set
      the use of body weight as resistance instead of external weights
      Correct answer: the use of the Stretch-Shortening Cycle (SSC)

      Q2.
      Which of the following is not a benefit of improved core strength?

      better posture
      reduced back pain
      injury prevention
      Correct answer: imbalanced antagonistic muscles

      Q3.
      What builds up in your muscles during sprint training that causes fatigue and discomfort?

      Correct answer: lactic acid
      cortisol
      endorphins
      adrenaline

      Q4.
      Which of the following exercises typically places the most strength demands on your body?

      sit-ups
      shuttle runs
      Correct answer: broad jump burpees
      a single leg balance

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Training intensity: can you combine a core workout with sprint work?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...