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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the various methods of training and apply them to their most suitable activities.

      Key learning points

      1. Continuous training involves sustained exercise at a steady state without rest.
      2. Fartlek training incorporates varying speeds, terrains, and work-to-recovery ratios.
      3. Interval training consists of periods of intense exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise.
      4. Weight training involves resistance training with repetitions and sets and an emphasis on proper lifting technique.
      5. Circuit training involves stations, work-to-rest ratios and different exercises based on the focus of training.

      Keywords

      • Continuous training - involves working for a sustained period of time without rest

      • Circuit training - a series of exercise stations where each station focuses on a different muscle group or component of fitness, performed in sequence

      • Fartlek training - training using different intensities or over different terrains e.g. sprint, jog, walk, jog, sprint etc

      • Weight training - the use of weights/resistance to cause adaptation of the muscles

      • Interval training - periods of training/work that are followed by periods of rest, e.g. work, rest, work, rest

      Common misconception

      Each sport or activity has only one training method suited to it.

      Perfomers in most activities can benefit from the use of multiple trianing types. For example, a marathon runner would most benefit from continuous training; however, weight training could also be used to help condition the muscles and avoid injury.

      Teacher tip

      To give a real-world application of this topic, pupils can create their own training programmes based on their main activity's needs and even carry the sessions out in practical lessons.

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Sprinting is an activity, meaning it is performed without oxygen.

      Correct Answer: anaerobic

      Q2.
      Which of the following are long in duration, endurance activities?

      400m running
      Correct answer: running a marathon
      Correct answer: tour cycling
      cricket bowling
      triple jump

      Q3.
      When we train, it is important to consider several principles of training. Match the principle to its description.

      Correct Answer:specificity,the training must be matched to the needs of the sport

      the training must be matched to the needs of the sport

      Correct Answer:progression,gradual increases in exercise in order for the body to adapt

      gradual increases in exercise in order for the body to adapt

      Correct Answer:overload,greater than normal stress for adaptation to take place

      greater than normal stress for adaptation to take place

      Correct Answer:reversibility,adaptations as a result of training will be lost if you stop training

      adaptations as a result of training will be lost if you stop training

      Q4.
      To calculate our maximum heart rate, we take our age from which number?

      Correct Answer: 220

      Q5.
      Match the thresholds of training to their training zone.

      Correct Answer:aerobic training zone,60-80% of maximum heart rate

      60-80% of maximum heart rate

      Correct Answer:anaerobic training zone,80-90% of maximum heart rate

      80-90% of maximum heart rate

      Q6.
      If you wanted to improve your one mile swimming performance, which of these would be the most suitable training types?

      cycling for a mile every day
      Correct answer: regularly swimming long distances
      weight training for improved power
      swimming 50 m as fast as you can, resting, then repeating five times

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the training type to its definition.

      Correct Answer:continuous training,involves working for a sustained period of time without rest

      involves working for a sustained period of time without rest

      Correct Answer:circuit training,a series of exercise stations with periods of work and rest

      a series of exercise stations with periods of work and rest

      Correct Answer:fartlek training,training using different intensities or over different terrains

      training using different intensities or over different terrains

      Correct Answer:weight training,the use of weights/resistance to cause adaptation of the muscles

      the use of weights/resistance to cause adaptation of the muscles

      Correct Answer:interval training,periods of training/work that are followed by periods of rest

      periods of training/work that are followed by periods of rest

      Q2.
      Match the best type of training for the following athletes.

      Correct Answer:football player,fartlek training

      fartlek training

      Correct Answer:25m butterfly swimmer,interval training

      interval training

      Correct Answer:10,000m runner,continuous training

      continuous training

      Correct Answer:power lifter,weight training

      weight training

      Correct Answer:high jumper ,plyometrics

      plyometrics

      Q3.
      If somebody is going to use weight training to improve their muscular endurance, what would be the most effective out of these options?

      3 sets of 100% one rep max for 1 repetition
      3 sets of 60% one rep max for 6 repetitions
      3 sets of 80% one rep max for 15 repetitions
      Correct answer: 3 sets of 60% one rep max for 15 repetitions

      Q4.
      The name given to somebody who assists during weight training to ensure the performer is using correct technique and does not injure themselves is a ...

      Correct Answer: spotter

      Q5.
      How long should continuous training be performed to ensure it is effective?

      at least 5 minutes
      at least 10 minutes
      Correct answer: at least 20 minutes
      at least an hour

      Q6.
      What word is used when muscle grows in size and strength as a long term effect of exercise? This can be both muscular or cardiac.

      Correct Answer: hypertrophy

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Types of training, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...