Training Methods and Named Fitness Classes
From a long steady jog to an explosive plyometric jump, every training method builds something different. Learn the named methods and fitness classes, and match each to the goal it serves.
Justify the choices, the way you are assessed
Free interactive practice on the decisions the assessment actually asks you to justify.
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Many ways to train
A long steady jog and an explosive standing jump both build fitness, but they build very different things. The trick is to match the training method to the goal. This module works through the named methods and the fitness classes on the Edexcel course, and links each to what it develops.
The language of training
Four ideas run through this module:
Continuous and interval
Two classic methods sit at opposite ends: one steady, one in bursts.
Match each method to what it builds
- Continuous training
- Plyometrics
- Weight training
- Circuit training
- Aerobic endurance
- Power, through explosive movements
- Muscular strength
- Many components at once, at different stations
Which builds power?
Which training method uses explosive jumps and bounds to build POWER?
- Plyometrics
- Continuous training
- Weight training
- Fartlek
Fartlek and circuit training
Fartlek, meaning "speed play", is continuous exercise with changes of speed and terrain, so it trains both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Circuit training moves through a series of exercise stations in turn. By choosing the exercises, a coach can build almost any component, from strength to endurance, in one session.
Match each fitness class
- Aerobics
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Body pump
- Rhythmic exercise to music for the heart and lungs
- Flexibility, balance and relaxation
- Core strength and controlled movement
- Muscular strength and endurance using weights
Classes for the heart
Select the TWO fitness classes that mainly build cardiovascular fitness.
- Aerobics
- Spinning
- Yoga
- Body pump
Training in words
A training _____ is a way of organising exercise. _____ training is steady exercise for endurance, while _____ training alternates hard work with rest. _____ uses explosive jumps to build power. A yoga _____ develops flexibility and relaxation.
Train for endurance
A marathon runner wants to build aerobic endurance. Which training method suits them best?
- Continuous training
- Plyometrics
- Weight training
- A body pump class
Which training method
Tap the TWO statements that are TRUE.
- Plyometrics uses explosive movements to build power.
- Yoga develops flexibility and relaxation.
- Continuous training is short bursts of maximum effort.
- Body pump is a running-based endurance method.
- Spinning is a weight-lifting class for muscular strength.
Run a circuit session
Put the parts of a circuit training session into a sensible order.
- Warm up to prepare the body
- Work through the exercise stations in turn
- Rest briefly at the end of the circuit
- Repeat the circuit for more stations
- Cool down to recover
Choose the method
Pick the best training method or class for each performer.
- A sprinter wants to improve their speed and anaerobic fitness. Which method?
- A weightlifter wants to build muscular strength. Which method?
- Someone recovering from injury wants gentle work on flexibility and balance. Which class?
Train the footballer
A footballer wants to improve their all-round fitness before the season. Recommend TWO different training methods and explain what each one would develop for them.
- Name your first method and explain what it develops
- Name your second, different method and explain what it develops
- Explain how each method links to a footballer's needs
- Explain why using more than one method builds all-round fitness