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Ready, Set, Sweat?

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Joseph Russo

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Ready, Set, Sweat? Lesson Plan

Kickstart students’ fitness journeys with dynamic warm-ups, endurance circuit drills, and mindful cooldowns, culminating in personalized SMART goal-setting for sustained health improvement.

Structured physical activity enhances energy, coordination, and cardiovascular health. SMART goal-setting empowers students to take ownership of their fitness, fostering motivation and accountability for lasting wellness habits.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Interactive drills, guided reflection, and goal-setting.

Materials

  • Sweat Session Slides, * Dynamic Dash Warm-Up, * Circuit Countdown Challenge, and * Mindful Stretch Wrap-Up

Prep

Lesson Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review Sweat Session Slides
  • Arrange equipment for warm-up and circuit stations (cones, mats, jump ropes)
  • Test audio system and timer
  • Print SMART goal-setting index cards
  • Familiarize yourself with exercise demonstrations

Step 1

Introduction & Goal Setting

10 minutes

  • Project slides 1–3 on Sweat Session Slides
  • Discuss the importance of warm-ups and overall fitness
  • Introduce SMART goals framework with an example
  • Students write one fitness SMART goal on index cards

Step 2

Dynamic Dash Warm-Up

8 minutes

  • Lead class through Dynamic Dash Warm-Up exercises
  • Demonstrate each movement (high knees, butt kicks, walking lunges)
  • Emphasize correct form and progressive intensity

Step 3

Circuit Countdown Challenge

20 minutes

  • Divide class into 4 groups and assign to stations from Circuit Countdown Challenge
  • Rotate every 4 minutes with 1-minute rest intervals
  • Monitor form, encourage effort, and use timer for transitions

Step 4

Mindful Stretch Wrap-Up

7 minutes

  • Guide students through Mindful Stretch Wrap-Up
  • Focus on deep breathing and muscle relaxation
  • Prompt reflection: What felt challenging? What felt rewarding?

Step 5

Goal Reflection & Closure

5 minutes

  • Have students revisit their SMART goals and consider next steps
  • Invite volunteers to share insights
  • Collect index cards or post them on the classroom goal board
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Slide Deck

Ready, Set, Sweat?

An electrifying journey into dynamic warm-ups, endurance circuits, and SMART goal-setting to boost energy and health.

Welcome students and energize the room. Introduce today’s focus on warm-ups, circuits, and SMART goal setting. Set a positive tone.

Lesson Objectives

• Perform a dynamic warm-up safely
• Complete endurance circuit drills
• Set personalized SMART fitness goals

Explain that by the end of class, students will have practiced each component and created a personal fitness goal.

Why Warm-Ups Matter

• Prepare muscles & joints
• Increase heart rate & circulation
• Reduce risk of injury
• Enhance performance

Discuss why warm-ups prepare the body. Ask students for examples of warm-ups they’ve done.

SMART Goal Framework

Specific – Well-defined objective
Measurable – Quantify progress
Achievable – Realistic & attainable
Relevant – Aligned with your fitness aims
Time-Bound – Set a deadline

Break down each SMART element. Invite students to share how they might apply each one.

SMART Goal Example

“I will jog 1 mile three times per week after school for the next month to improve my endurance.”

Show this example and ask students to craft a similar goal for themselves on their index cards.

Play the warm-up demo video. Prompt students to observe form and timing. After the video, lead a live walkthrough.

Circuit Countdown Challenge

Station 1: Jump Rope (1 min)
Station 2: Squat Jumps (1 min)
Station 3: Mountain Climbers (1 min)
Station 4: Plank Hold (1 min)

Rotate every 4 minutes; take a 1-minute rest between rounds.

Explain each station and the 4-minute work plus 1-minute rest structure. Use the timer for rotations.

Mindful Stretch Wrap-Up

Hold each stretch for 20 seconds:
• Hamstring Stretch
• Quad Stretch
• Shoulder Stretch

Deep breaths & reflect:
What felt challenging?
What felt rewarding?

Guide students through each stretch. Encourage deep breathing. Afterward, ask reflection questions.

Reflection & Next Steps

• Review your SMART goal card
• Share one insight with a partner
• Commit to your next workout session!

Invite volunteers to share insights. Remind students to post or hand in their SMART goal cards.

lenny

Warm Up

Dynamic Dash Warm-Up

Overview:

An 8-minute full-body activation sequence designed to elevate heart rate, mobilize joints, and prime muscles for the main workout. Each movement flows into the next—maintain steady pacing and focus on form.

Warm-Up Sequence (Total: 8 minutes)

  1. Arm Circles (1 minute)

    • 30 seconds forward, 30 seconds backward.
    • Keep arms straight, engage shoulder muscles.
  2. High Knees (1 minute)

    • Drive knees up to hip height, pump arms.
    • Land softly on balls of feet, maintain an upright torso.
  3. Butt Kicks (1 minute)

    • Kick heels toward glutes, swing arms naturally.
    • Keep core engaged and chest lifted.
  4. Walking Lunges with Torso Twist (1 minute)

    • Step forward into lunge, twist torso toward front leg.
    • Alternate legs; ensure knee tracks over ankle.
  5. Side Shuffles (1 minute)

    • Stay in athletic stance, shuffle laterally 5–6 steps right, then back left.
    • Keep low and push off with your legs.
  6. Grapevine (Karaoke) Shuffle (1 minute)

    • Cross right foot over left, step left, cross right behind, step left.
    • Reverse direction after 30 seconds; stay light on your feet.
  7. Leg Swings (1 minute)

    • Hold onto a wall or partner for support.
    • 30 seconds front-to-back each leg; keep core tight.
  8. Hip Openers (1 minute)

    • Step wide, shift weight to one side and lunge, hold 2 seconds.
    • Alternate sides; feel stretch in inner thighs.

Cues & Tips

  • Maintain smooth, controlled movements—avoid jerking.
  • Breathe rhythmically; exhale during exertion phases.
  • Encourage students to progress intensity gradually.
  • Monitor form and correct alignment throughout.

Ready to tackle the circuit? Let’s keep the energy high and spirit strong! Feel free to demo each movement before letting students proceed independently.

lenny
lenny

Activity

Circuit Countdown Challenge

Overview:

A high-energy, 20-minute endurance circuit designed to boost cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and teamwork. Students rotate through four stations, performing each exercise for 1 minute, with a 1-minute group rest after completing all four. Repeat for a total of 2 rounds.

Materials:
• 4 Jump Ropes
• 4 Small Cones (for station markers)
• Mats for Floor Exercises
• Stopwatch or Timer

Setup:

  1. Arrange four stations in a large circle or square, spaced at least 5 feet apart.
  2. Place appropriate equipment at each station:
    • Station 1: Jump Rope Area
    • Station 2: Squat Jump Zone (cones marking a 2×2 ft space)
    • Station 3: Mountain Climber Mat
    • Station 4: Plank Mat

      Station Details:
  • Station 1: Jump Rope (1 min)
    • Perform continuous single-leg or two-leg jumps.
    • Focus on quick feet and soft landings.


    - Station 2: Squat Jumps (1 min)
    • Start in squat position; explode upward into a jump.
    • Land softly, immediately descend into next squat.


    - Station 3: Mountain Climbers (1 min)
    • In high plank, drive knees toward chest alternately.
    • Keep hips down and core engaged.


    - Station 4: Plank Hold (1 min)
    • Forearm plank position; maintain straight line from head to heels.
    • Breathe steadily and avoid sagging hips.


    Instructions:
  1. Divide class into four equal groups and assign each to a starting station.
  2. Set timer for 4 minutes: 1 minute work per station + 3 quick transitions.
  3. On “Go,” begin exercise at Station 1. After 1 minute, rotate clockwise to the next station.
  4. Continue until each group has completed all four stations (4 minutes total).
  5. Take a 1-minute group rest: hydrate, catch breath, and prepare for the next round.
  6. Repeat the circuit for a second round.


    Safety & Coaching Tips:
  • Walk around to correct form and encourage consistent effort.
  • Remind students to land softly and keep knees aligned over ankles.
  • Use clear verbal cues (“10 seconds left!”) to help pacing.
  • Emphasize teamwork: cheer on peers and foster positive energy.

    Reflection Prompt (Post-Circuit):
    • What station challenged you the most, and why?





    • How did pacing yourself impact your performance?
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Cool Down

Mindful Stretch Wrap-Up

Guide students through a 7-minute cool-down focusing on deep breathing and gentle stretching to facilitate recovery and reflection. Encourage mindful attention to body sensations.

## Stretch Routine (Total: 3 minutes)

Hold each stretch for 30 seconds per side:

  • Hamstring Stretch: Seated or standing, extend one leg and reach toward toes.
  • Quad Stretch: Standing, pull heel toward glutes, keep knees aligned.
  • Shoulder Stretch: Bring one arm across chest; use the opposite arm to gently press.

Floor & Mindful Movement (Total: 4 minutes)

  • Cat–Cow (1 min): On all fours, inhale arching spine (cow), exhale rounding spine (cat).
  • Child’s Pose (1 min): Knees wide, sit back on heels, reach arms forward and breathe deep.
  • Figure-Four Stretch (2 min): Lie on back, cross right ankle over left knee, pull left thigh toward chest (1 min per side).

Reflection & Closing

Prompt students to consider and write responses:

• What felt most challenging?






• What felt most rewarding?






• How will your SMART goal guide your next session?





End with three synchronized deep breaths to seal in relaxation and focus.

lenny
lenny