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.

People's ability to reach, afford and use sporting opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment.

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

A target that is challenging but realistically possible for the performer’s age, ability and current standard.

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.

Continuing to follow an exercise or training programme over time.

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

The body's capacity to take in, transport and use oxygen to support sustained exercise.

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.

The quality of a movement that makes it visually attractive or pleasing to watch.

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.

A synthetic form of testosterone that promotes muscle growth and aids recovery, potentially increasing strength and power.

Physical activity that releases energy without using oxygen, typically 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.