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      Training intensity: how long can you keep working at a high intensity?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can follow an exercise programme that challenges my personal fitness levels by working at a moderate to vigorous intensity.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: repetitions of bodyweight exercises need to be performed with good technique to reduce the risk of injury.
      2. Think: working at a high intensity results in endorphin release that helps you feel energised.
      3. Feel: working at a high intensity can feel uncomfortable but is more satisfying.
      4. Connect: keeping a record of your reps and sets allows comparison with yourself over time or even with others.

      Keywords

      • Reps (repetitions) - one full cycle of an exercise (e.g. for press ups, one rep is from the top, down to the floor and back up)

      • Sets - a group of reps followed by a rest period (e.g. 10 press ups followed by a break and another 10 press ups is 2 sets)

      • Intensity - how hard your body is working based on the effort you are putting in

      Common misconception

      Maximum repetitions is the highest priority in body weight exercises.

      Ensuring every exercise is completed with the correct technique to avoid injury and through the full range of movement is more important than the total repetitions.

      Equipment

      A clear 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 most important when completing body weight exercises if you want to avoid injury?

      Correct answer: good technique
      maximal repetitions
      pushing yourself 100%

      Q2.
      What must happen at the start of every training session?

      Correct answer: warm up
      fitness test
      quiz
      cool down

      Q3.
      Which of the following components of fitness is most important for body weight exercises?

      cardiovascular endurance
      reaction time
      speed
      Correct answer: muscular endurance

      Q4.
      What do we need when training programmes are really challenging?

      good posture
      Correct answer: resilience
      power

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following terms refers to the number of exercises you do in one go before taking a rest?

      Correct answer: repetitions
      sets
      stations
      ratio

      Q2.
      What is released if you work at a high intensity and helps you feel energised?

      testosterone
      cortisol
      Correct answer: endorphins
      cholesterol

      Q3.
      Which of the following is more of a consequence of working at high intensity, rather than a benefit?

      fitness gains
      satisfaction
      increased strength
      Correct answer: fatigue

      Q4.
      Why should you keep a record of your reps and sets during a training session?

      to compare your results with others
      Correct answer: to monitor progress over time
      to assess the suitability of the exercises
      to compare upper and lower body strength

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Training intensity: how long can you keep working at a high intensity?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...