Lesson: Muscular Strength

Lessons · By Matt Barker (Digit the APE), Adapted Physical Education specialist

Published · Updated

Lesson: Muscular Strength

Grade Level: Middle School (6th-8th grade) Duration: 60 minutes Objective: Materials: Lesson Outline: Introduction (10 minutes): Video 1: The P.E. Chef Explains Muscular Strength (5 minutes): Video 2: Eye of the Tiger Muscular Strength Boxing Circuit (10 minutes): Whole Group Activity – Tug of War (15 minutes): Station-Based Activities (15 minutes): My students have worked […]

Grade Level: Middle School (6th-8th grade)

Duration: 60 minutes

Objective:

  • Students will understand the concept of muscular strength and its importance in physical fitness.
  • Students will engage in activities to develop and test their muscular strength.

Materials:

  • Projector and screen for videos
  • Laptop or tablet for video playback
  • Tug of war rope
  • Cones for station setup
  • Stopwatch
  • Mats or exercise mats

Lesson Outline:

Introduction (10 minutes):

  1. Begin with a brief warm-up activity to get students’ blood flowing.
  2. Introduce the topic of muscular strength by asking students if they know what it means. Take a few responses and refer to the GIF above
  3. Explain the importance of muscular strength in daily life and sports.

Video 1: The P.E. Chef Explains Muscular Strength (5 minutes):

  1. Show an explanatory video featuring a “P.E. Chef” explaining what muscular strength is, its benefits, and how it relates to overall fitness.

Video 2: Eye of the Tiger Muscular Strength Boxing Circuit (10 minutes):

  1. Play a video of a high-intensity muscular strength boxing circuit set to “Eye of the Tiger.” Encourage students to pay attention to the exercises and techniques used to build muscular strength.

Whole Group Activity – Tug of War (15 minutes):

  1. Divide the class into two teams for a tug of war competition. This activity will help them apply their understanding of muscular strength in a fun and competitive way.
  2. Explain the rules, such as keeping a firm grip on the rope and pulling when the signal is given.
  3. Supervise and time the matches, allowing each team to have several rounds.

Station-Based Activities (15 minutes):

  1. Set up different muscular strength stations around the gym. Students will rotate through these stations, performing exercises that target various muscle groups. Here are some station ideas:

Stations in Video:

  1. Plank Agility Ladder Race
  2. Push Up Velcro Vest Game
  3. Battle Ropes
  4. Box Squats
  5. Collaborative Sit Ups
  6. Fireman Carry

Other Fit4Work Station Ideas

FUNctional Fitness (PART I): 9 Pull Exercises to Strengthen Students for Career Success #Fit4Work
FUNctional Fitness (PART II): 7 Dynamic Push Exercises to Propel Your Students Towards Success #Fit4Work
FUNctional Fitness (PART III): 16 Essential Lift Exercises for Work-Ready Fitness #Fit4Work

GIFs

Link to Muscular Strength GIF’s

Knowledge Check:

Assessment:

  • Informal assessment through observation of students’ participation and engagement in activities.
  • Reflection responses from students.

Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes):

  1. Lead the class through a brief cool-down activity, such as stretching.
  2. Ask students to reflect on what they learned about muscular strength during the lesson and how they felt during the tug of war and station activities.

Note: Ensure that students use proper form and technique during all exercises to prevent injury. Provide modifications for students with different fitness levels or special needs, as necessary.