AQA GCSE Physical Education key terms

A feature of a target that means it is agreed by the performer and the other people involved in their training, such as their coach.

How easily someone can reach and use facilities, clubs or activities.

A lingering dull pain or soreness, such as discomfort in muscles after exercise.

Changing activities, equipment or provision to suit participants' different needs.

Movement of a limb towards the body's midline.

A hormone involved in the body's response to stress or excitement. Beta blockers reduce its effects on the body.

Exercise in which energy is released using oxygen, allowing activity to be sustained over a prolonged period.

The ability to sustain exercise using oxygen to release energy, also called cardiovascular endurance.

The release of energy using oxygen, which supports sustained exercise.

A target heart-rate range of 60–80% of maximum heart rate, used to develop aerobic fitness.

A deliberate intention to harm or injure another person physically or mentally.

The ability to change direction quickly while maintaining control.

The main muscle responsible for producing or controlling a particular movement; also called the prime mover.

A stadium in which spectator accommodation consists of seats rather than standing terraces.

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gaseous exchange takes place.

A tiny air sac at the end of the bronchioles where gases are exchanged between the air and the blood.

A substance that promotes muscle growth and can increase strength and speed up recovery.

Exercise in which energy is released without using oxygen, particularly during short, high-intensity efforts.

The release of energy from glucose without using oxygen, producing lactic acid in muscles.

A target heart-rate range of 80–90% of maximum heart rate, used to develop anaerobic fitness.

The muscle that opposes the agonist’s action. In a simple movement, it relaxes and lengthens to allow the agonist to act.

Two muscles or muscle groups that produce opposing movements at a joint.

An increase in heart rate before physical activity begins, caused by adrenaline release as the body prepares for exercise.

A physical and mental (physiological and psychological) state of alertness or readiness, varying from deep sleep to intense excitement or alertness.

A small artery whose muscular wall can change its lumen diameter to control blood flow to tissues.

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

The mood and feeling at a sporting event, created partly by spectators’ cheering, chanting and applause.