Head-to-Toe Group-Led Warm-Up
Each group is assigned one body area, spends 3 minutes building a 1-minute block for it, and then leads the whole class through it in head-to-toe order. Together, the class builds a complete warm-up and learns what each joint needs.
How to play
- Make six groups and give each one a body area on a task card: neck and shoulders, elbows and wrists, trunk, hips, knees, and ankles and feet.
- Each group gets 3 minutes at its cone to choose two mobility or activation moves for its area and practice how to explain them.
- The class forms a big circle; the neck and shoulders group steps into the center and leads its 1-minute block while everyone else follows.
- The other groups follow in order, top to bottom, with 10 seconds to switch between groups.
- After all six blocks, the whole circle jogs for 1 minute, and the ankle group leads two light jumping moves.
- In the last minute, ask which area was missing or got too little work, and the class suggests a quick move to cover it.
Rules
- Each group explains in under 15 seconds and demonstrates before starting.
- Every member of the group talks or demonstrates at some point during the block.
- Neck moves are slow, with no full circles and no tilting the head far back.
- Safety: leave about an arm's length of space on each side in the circle.
Variations
Easier
Give each group three possible moves for its area so they just choose.
Standard
Each group designs and leads its own 1-minute block.
Harder
Each group includes one mobility move and one activation move and explains which injury it helps prevent.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student's group can take shoulders or wrists, and every block offers a seated version.
- Hearing impairment: the leading group faces the circle and exaggerates the demo; agree on a visual signal for switching moves.
- Fitness level: each student controls the range and speed of every move.
Learning goals
- Identify the main joints to prepare before physical activity.
- Lead a large group with short, clear explanations.
- Evaluate whether a warm-up was complete and suggest improvements.
Equipment for a class of 25
- task cards: 6
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
Stand near the leading group to help project their voice if the circle is large. It helps to snap a photo of each group's task card so you can reuse the moves in later classes.
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