Middle School PE Lesson Ideas

Name of Activity: Push Up Routine

Purpose of Activity: Push-ups are one component of most fitness tests and the only way to improve scores is to use activities to improve upper body strength. The purpose of this activity is for students to improve upper body strength (push-ups). Can be used as part of a strength warm-up or as a fitness station.

Prerequisites: The students should be able to hold a push-up position for at least 30 seconds.

Suggested Grade Level: 5-12

Materials Needed: If used as a station, a print out of the directions is helpful.

Description of Idea

Variations:

Use groups of 3 or 4 to create different routines.

Have students do this as part of their warm-up.

Offer props such as small balls (tennis sized foam balls for example) to use as part of the routine.

Assessment Ideas:

Ask students what muscles are being strengthened in this routine(biceps, triceps, pectoralis, deltoids, etc.).

Have students track their push-up performance throughout the year.

Adaptations for Students with Disabilities:

Students with physical challenges should be included in groups with the goal of improving everyone's upper body strength while including all students in the routine.