Grade: Primary, junior, intermediate Facility: Gymnasium, multipurpose room, outdoors or in limited spaces (i.e. hallway or classroom)
Materials: Music, 4 pylons, 2 balls, 2 dice and 4 small mats, 8 towels
Activity Description: Circuit training is a great way to get your students active and having fun, regardless of athletic ability. This fitness circuit has been taken from the Canadian Active Living (CAL) Fitness Circuit Charts, which can help any teacher spice up H&PE classes or meet the requirements of Daily Physical Activity (DPA).
Overview: The table below states the CAL Fitness Circuit Chart card name and number, and outlines any equipment that you will need to complete the circuit. We’ve also included the chart to provide you with a visual description of the activity. The CAL Fitness Circuit Charts have the explanation of all the exercises right on the charts. Try them and when you are comfortable with them, introduce them to your students. Be sure that they all have good technique before you run the circuit in its entirety.
| Card Number & Name | Equipment (Assuming Four Students/Group) |
| Card 1 - Cone Touches -
Stand facing a cone that is placed within arms-reach on the floor -
Raise your left knee to hip level and balance yourself with your right arm -
Slowly bend forward and touch the cone with your right hand (swinging your left leg back) -
Slowly return to the vertical position (with your left knee and hip level) -
Switch legs and repeat, this time raising your right knee and touching the cone with your left hand. -
Perform this pair of “Cone Touches” for the required number of repetitions, then rest -
Remember to keep your back straight during this exercise
| 4 pylons or cones 
|
| Card 4 - Partner squats -
Stand facing your partner, arms-length away, holding a light ball at chest level -
Squat down and stand up (keeping your back straight), then hand the ball over to your partner -
Your partner squats down and stands up, then hands the ball back to you -
Repeat this pair of “Partner Squats” for the required number of repetitions, then rest -
Remember to keep your back straight and your feet flat on the floor during this exercise
| 2 basket balls, volleyball or medicine ball 
|
| Card 6 - Spiderman Crawl -
Place two small towels on the floor (about shoulder-width apart) -
Get into the standard push-up position -
Position each foot on a towel (so that feet slide easily) -
Slide your right foot forward, bringing your knee toward the back of your right arm -
Without pausing, slide left foot forward while straightening right leg -
Continue this “Spiderman Crawl” for the required number of repetitions, then rest
| 8 face cloths, old t-shirts or paper plates (these work well on carpeted floors) 
|
| Card 16- Roll the Dice -
Each partner takes a turn rolling the pair of dice. -
When a even number is rolled, both partners perform that number of PUSH-UPS, then rest. -
When an odd number is rolled, both partners perform that number of CRUNCHES, then rest. -
Beginners can use one die (instead of two) and perform modified push-ups. -
Roll dice for the required number of repetitions.
| 2 dice 
|
| Card 18 - Bird Dog -
Place hands and knees on a mat, hands shoulder- width apart. -
Raise right arm and left leg at the same time (to form a straight line with your back). -
Hold position for required number of seconds, then rest. -
Repeat, this time raising your left arm and right leg. -
Perform this pair of “Bird Dog” exercises for required number of repetitions.
| 4 small mats 
|
| Card 40 - Jumping Jacks -
Stand with your feet together and arms at sides -
Jump up and, at the same time, spread your legs apart and swing arms above your head -
Quickly jump again, swinging your arms back down to your sides and bringing your feet back together -
Repeat this exercise for the required number of repetitions, then rest -
For more of a challenge, spread your feet forwards and backwards (instead of out to the sides)
| None 
|
Getting Started
Below is a condensed version of how to run the circuit in the classroom (as this limited space is usually the hardest to address).
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Create stations in the classroom using the circuits above. They may be taped to the wall, placed on the floor or desks. (If you do not have the CAL Fitness Charts you can post the above descriptions instead.)
-
Place the Jumping Jacks card out in the hallway taped to the wall.
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Put kids into groups of four and send half into the hallway and the other half in the class.
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Start the CD player that has edited music lasting 40 seconds with a 20 second pause in-between each song.
-
Students perform the exercise when the music is playing and then rotate when the pause comes on. The students from the hallway come into the classroom and the ones from the classroom go to the hall.
-
Repeat the circuit for the desired number of minutes, rotating between each song.
-
By manipulating the length of the music and the pauses in-between, you can adapt the circuit for different ability levels.
*For a detailed explanation on how to run a circuit in the classroom, refer to the teacher’s manual that comes with the Canadian Active Living Fitness Circuit Charts package.
Other Uses for the Canadian Healthy Living Fitness Circuit Charts
Here are a few ideas that can help create a healthier environment in your school and community.
Use the charts to create:
-
Fitness-Buddies: The higher-grade students become fitness trainers for the younger grades. They come in and run the circuits for you.
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Morning Fitness Blasts: Each day different grades, teachers or administrators can set up a circuit of their choice for all (parents, students, teachers, principals and all school support staff) to partake.
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Fitness Fun Fairs: Parents and children take part in circuits that are set-up by students at fundraising events, such as fun fairs. A small fee can be charged to do the circuit.
Source: The Canadian Active Living Fitness Circuit Charts were developed by Thompson Educational Publishing in partnership with Ophea and edited by Ted Temertzoglou (TDSB).
For more information on the Canadian Active Living Fitness Circuit Charts, or if you are interested in a workshop for your school board or family of schools that will take you through an in depth circuit set-up, contact Thompson Educational Publishing at www.thompsonbooks.com/DPA_Charts.
