Activity Name: Textbook Workout

Grade Level: 4^th & 5^th  

Fitness Area Addressed: Muscular Strength & Endurance

PE GPS: PE4.3 b. Demonstrates how physical activity plays a part in daily life.

PE5.3 d. Identifies physical activities and personal choice behaviors that promote a health-enhancing lifestyle.

Equipment Needed: Hardcover books

Safety Considerations: Have students perform the exercises in a slow and controlled manner with good form.

Description:

1.      Have the students take out a textbook or dictionary and use it to do the following exercises:

a.     Bicep Curls: Hold the book in one hand and bend the elbow to raise the book toward the shoulder.

b.    Triceps Dips: Hold the book in one hand and lean forward over the desk with the other hand holding the desk.  Hold the arm with the book parallel to the body.  Bend the elbow to 90 degrees and raise and lower the book extending backward up to shoulder level.

c.     Overhead Lifts:  Hold the book in one or two hands and lift it above the head in one smooth motion.

d.     Twists: Hold the book to the chest with both hands and twist slowly from side to side.

*Adapted from TAHPERD Physical Activity Taskforce 2007