Fitness and Wellbeing

Create a lesson on the topic of: Benefits of fitness and physical activity

Learning intentions: By the end of this lesson students will be able to:

identify the benefits of fitness and physical activity
identify how fitness and physical activity improve mental health and wellbeing.

At the start of the lesson include a do it now activity

In the lesson include: Benefits of fitness and physical activity

There are many advantages to being fit. Fitness provides you with a physical way to do activities that you find interesting. It also helps your mental health and wellbeing.
Fitness is structured activity that involves planned exercises such as running, swimming or going to the gym. Fitness helps you build muscle, endurance, strength and flexibility. It also helps you set specific fitness goals, such as being able to run 10 kilometres.
Physical activity is any movement that uses energy, such as walking, gardening or daily activities like shopping for groceries. These activities are typically easy to do and don’t require special equipment or planning. Physical activity helps to maintain fitness and general mobility.

Try to include the following discussion points:

Is there a difference between fitness and physical activity in your own life? Give an example of each.
How could physical activity (not structured exercise) help someone who feels too busy to go to the gym?
Which do you think has a greater impact on your day-to-day mood: structured fitness or everyday physical activity? Why?

And the final activity being the following: Worksheet: Planning a mental health and fitness message

Year Level

Year 8 (Stage 4)

Duration

50 minutes

Class Size

30 students

Curriculum Links

NSW Health and Physical Education Syllabus (Stage 4)

Health, Wellbeing and Relationships Strand:

PDP4-1: Describes influences on their identities and recognises the diverse factors that influence their own and others’ health, safety, relationships and wellbeing.
PDP4-7: Describes factors that influence personal identity and applies health information, health skills, and positive communication to enhance their own and others’ health, safety, and wellbeing.
PDP4-9: Plans and implements strategies to promote health, safety, and wellbeing.

Content Descriptions

Recognise the benefits of participation in physical activity for fitness, health and wellbeing (NSW Syllabus for Health and Physical Education, Stage 4)
Investigate how physical activity contributes to health-related components of fitness such as endurance, flexibility, muscular strength and body composition.
Examine factors that influence participation in physical activity (e.g., environment, personal motivation, social influences).

Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Identify the benefits of fitness and physical activity.
Describe how fitness and physical activity improve mental health and wellbeing.

Success Criteria

Students who are successful will:

List physical, mental, and social benefits of fitness and physical activity.
Explain the difference between structured fitness and general physical activity.
Discuss how these activities contribute to improving mood, reducing stress, and enhancing wellbeing.
Plan a simple mental health and fitness promotion message.

Resources Needed

Whiteboard and markers
Projector or visual aids (optional)
Student worksheet: "Planning a mental health and fitness message" (printed for each student)
Timer or watch
Paper and pens for students

Lesson Outline

Time	Activity Description	Details
0-5m	Do It Now Activity: Quick Think	Prompt: Write down or share one thing you did today that made you more active (e.g., walking, sports, chores). Share with a neighbour. Purpose: Activate prior knowledge, engage students immediately.
5-12m	Introduction and Key Terminology	Teacher explains: - What is fitness? (structured, planned activity like running, gym, swimming) - What is physical activity? (any movement using energy such as walking, gardening) - Difference between fitness and physical activity with examples.
12-25m	Teacher-led Discussion: Benefits of Fitness and Physical Activity	Explain physical benefits (muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, mobility). Explain mental health benefits (improved mood, reduced anxiety, better sleep, stress relief). Include social benefits (teamwork, confidence). Use simple diagrams or lists on the board.
25-35m	Class Discussion - Guided Questions	1. Is there a difference between fitness and physical activity in your own life? Give examples. 2. How could physical activity (not structured fitness) help someone who is too busy to go to the gym? 3. Which has a greater impact on your day-to-day mood: structured fitness or everyday physical activity? Why? Encourage sharing and respectful listening. Record key ideas on board.
35-45m	Worksheet Activity: Planning a Mental Health and Fitness Message	Students work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet that prompts them to design a simple message (poster headline, slogan, or social media post) promoting the benefits of physical activity and mental wellbeing. They should reflect on lesson content and discussion ideas.
45-50m	Plenary and Reflection	Invite a few students to share their messages. Summarise the key points about how fitness and physical activity benefit both body and mind. Set a personal goal challenge: "Try adding one new physical activity or fitness goal this week and notice how it affects your mood."

Teacher Notes

Maintain an inclusive environment where students feel safe to share their ideas.
Emphasise that fitness is one way to be active, but everyday activities count too.
Encourage students to think about mental health as equally important as physical health.
When discussing structured fitness, be sensitive about access and time constraints some students may face.

Assessment

Formative assessment through participation in discussions and sharing ideas.
Completed worksheet assessed on ability to identify benefits and create a relevant, clear message.
Informal observation of understanding throughout the lesson conversations.

Sample Worksheet: Planning a Mental Health and Fitness Message

Instructions: Use what you have learned today to create a simple message that encourages others to be active for both their body and mind.

Headline or Slogan: Write a catchy phrase that highlights a benefit of being active.
Why is this important? Write 2 or 3 sentences explaining the benefit.
Suggest an activity: Give an example of a fitness or physical activity that helps.
Draw or describe your design: (Optional) Sketch a quick idea for a poster or social media post.

This lesson aligns closely with the NSW PDHPE syllabus outcomes and content by focusing on the physical and mental benefits of fitness and physical activity, encouraging well-rounded understanding and personal connection to health and wellbeing concepts .

Teaching Instructions