Elements of G Certification Program

Module 2 – Anatomy & Physiology

Duration: ~3 hours (can be split into two sessions)
Format: Lecture + Discussion + Hands-On Activities

Learning Objectives

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

  1. Identify the major systems relevant to exercise: skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory.
  2. Describe how these systems work together during movement.
  3. Name and locate major muscle groups and their primary functions.
  4. Explain the basic physiological adaptations to exercise.

Lesson Outline

Part 1 – Skeletal System (30 min)

Content:

  • Functions of the skeletal system: Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell production.
  • Types of bones: Long (femur), short (carpals), flat (scapula), irregular (vertebrae), sesamoid (patella).
  • Major bones to know:
    • Upper body: clavicle, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna
    • Lower body: pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula
    • Spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, coccyx
  • Joint types & actions:
    • Hinge (knee, elbow) → flexion/extension
    • Ball-and-socket (hip, shoulder) → multi-directional movement
    • Pivot (neck) → rotation

Instructor Notes:

  • Use a skeleton model or diagram for pointing and naming.
  • Reinforce real-life examples: “When you squat, your knee (hinge joint) flexes and extends.”

Activity:

  • Partner drill: One student names a joint, the other demonstrates its movement.

Part 2 – Muscular System (45 min)

Content:

  • Muscle types: Skeletal (voluntary), cardiac, smooth.
  • Structure: Muscle fibers → fascicles → whole muscle; tendons connect muscle to bone.
  • Contraction types:
    • Concentric (shortening under tension)
    • Eccentric (lengthening under tension)
    • Isometric (tension without movement)
  • Major muscle groups & primary actions:
    • Upper body:
      • Pectoralis major → horizontal adduction of the shoulder
      • Latissimus dorsi → shoulder extension/adduction
      • Deltoids → shoulder abduction
      • Biceps brachii → elbow flexion
      • Triceps brachii → elbow extension
    • Lower body:
      • Quadriceps → knee extension
      • Hamstrings → knee flexion
      • Gluteus maximus → hip extension
      • Gastrocnemius/Soleus → plantarflexion
    • Core:
      • Rectus abdominis → trunk flexion
      • Obliques → trunk rotation/lateral flexion
      • Erector spinae → trunk extension

Instructor Notes:

  • Use both stock photos of exercises and muscle diagrams to show muscles engaged.
  • Relate muscles to common exercises (e.g., “The lats are the prime movers in a pull-up”).

Activity:

  • “Muscle Match-Up” — give students an exercise and have them name the prime mover.

Part 3 – Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems (30 min)

Content:

  • Cardiovascular system functions: Transport oxygen/nutrients, remove waste, temperature regulation.
  • Heart structure: 4 chambers (atria, ventricles), valves, major blood vessels (aorta, vena cava).
  • Blood flow pathway:
    Body → Right atrium → Right ventricle → Lungs → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Body
  • Respiratory system:
    • Airflow: Nose/mouth → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli
    • Gas exchange in alveoli (O₂ in, CO₂ out)
  • Resting vs. exercise responses:
    • Increased heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output
    • Increased breathing rate and tidal volume

Instructor Notes:

  • Use a flowchart to show the heart–lung loop.
  • Compare resting HR to HR after 30 seconds of bodyweight squats.

Activity:

  • Partner HR measurement before and after light exercise.

Part 4 – Energy Systems & Exercise Adaptations (30 min)

Content:

  • Energy systems:
    • ATP-PC (short bursts, 0–10 sec, e.g., sprint)
    • Glycolytic (anaerobic, 10 sec–2 min, e.g., 400m run)
    • Oxidative (aerobic, >2 min, e.g., distance run)
  • Adaptations to training:
    • Cardiovascular → lower resting HR, increased stroke volume
    • Muscular → hypertrophy, strength, endurance
    • Metabolic → improved fat utilization, glycogen storage
    • Neurological → better motor unit recruitment and coordination

Instructor Notes:

  • Use sport examples to explain each energy system.
  • Relate adaptations to program goals (e.g., “Endurance training increases capillary density”).

Activity:

  • Group brainstorm: Match 3 exercises to their primary energy system.

Review & Reinforcement (15 min)

  • Recap all major systems and how they interact during exercise.
  • Quick Q&A round — call on students to explain one concept to the class.

Assessment

Written Quiz (10 questions) — mix of multiple choice and short answer.
Practical Check — have students point to a muscle group and name a related exercise.

Example Quiz Questions:

  1. Which joint type allows the greatest range of motion?
  2. Name the primary muscle used in a lat pulldown.
  3. Describe the difference between concentric and eccentric contractions.
  4. Which energy system is dominant during a 20-second maximal sprint?
  5. What is the function of the alveoli in the respiratory system?