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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

A practical exploration of continuous, fartlek and interval training

I can train using different methods of training including continuous training, interval training and fartlek training.

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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

A practical exploration of continuous, fartlek and interval training

I can train using different methods of training including continuous training, interval training and fartlek training.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Fartlek training is beneficial for sports like football, where players frequently change pace and intensity.
  2. Continuous training requires aerobic effort for a minimum of 20 minutes, such as running, swimming, rowing or cycling.
  3. Interval training works in the anaerobic training zone and involes work followed by rest periods.

Keywords

  • Continuous training - involves working for a sustained period of time without rest

  • Interval training - periods of training/work that are followed by periods of rest, e.g. work, rest, work, rest

  • Fartlek training - fartlek training - training using different intensities or over different terrains e.g. sprint, jog, walk, jog, sprint etc.

  • Cardiovascular fitness - the ability to exercise the whole body for long periods of time (aerobic endurance)

Common misconception

Running is the only type of interval training.

Interval training can be done with any activity as long as it involves high intesity work followed by a rest period.


To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: A practical exploration of continuous, fartlek and interval training, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

This lesson could be split to allow students to practically take part in each method of training.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Different terrains, cones.

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
An endurance activity like running a marathon is an activity, meaning it is performed with oxygen.
Correct Answer: aerobic
Q2.
A marathon runner is likely to need which component of fitness the most?
speed
strength
power
Correct answer: cardiovascular fitness
Q3.
What can cardiovascular fitness also be known as?
Correct Answer: aerobic endurance, stamina
Q4.
What is the the anaerobic training threshold?
60-80% of maximum heart rate
Correct answer: 80-90% of maximum heart rate
40-60% of maximum heart rate
90-100% of maximum heart rate
Q5.
Taylor is 32 what is her maximum heart rate?
198 bpm
Correct answer: 188 bpm
178 bpm
168 bpm
Q6.
Match the correct definition to the type of training.
Correct Answer:continuous training,involves working for a sustained period of time without rest
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involves working for a sustained period of time without rest

Correct Answer:circuit training,a series of exercise stations
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a series of exercise stations

Correct Answer:fartlek training,training using different intensities or over different terrains
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training using different intensities or over different terrains

Correct Answer:interval training,periods of training/work that are followed by periods of rest
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periods of training/work that are followed by periods of rest

Correct Answer:weight training,the use of weights/resistance to cause adaptation of the muscles
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the use of weights/resistance to cause adaptation of the muscles

6 Questions

Q1.
Which component of fitness does continuous training predominantly develop?
Correct answer: cardiovascular fitness
power
speed
agility
Q2.
During continuous training the heart rate should be between 60% and of maximum heart rate.
Correct Answer: 80%, 80, eighty, eighty percent
Q3.
Which is the best definition of interval training?
You rest then work at low intensity then repeat
You work at a low intensity then rest
You work at high intensity for a long period of time
Correct answer: You work at high intensity quickly then rest then repeat
Q4.
Which component of fitness does interval training not develop?
cardiovascular fitness
speed
strength
Correct answer: agility
Q5.
Which component of fitness does fartlek training develop?
Correct Answer: cardiovascular fitness
Q6.
Which athlete would most benefit from using fartlek training to develop their fitness?
marathon runner
triathlete
Correct answer: rugby player
100m sprinter