Push-up Train, Hurtling Caboose, and Conductor Dance - Outcome A (7-9)-12

Push-up Train

Students lie face down on a gym line to form a head-to-toe single line. When students are in a push-up position, they place their feet on the shoulders of the person behind them to form a "train".

Once the train is created, students attempt to do as many push-ups as possible as a group, without toppling over.

Hurtling Caboose

One partner lies on the floor, face up. The other partner places their hands on their partner’s ankles and places their ankles in their partner’s hands, while in a front prone position. The bottom partner now performs a log roll while staying connected to the top partner. The new bottom partner now performs the same action.

Conductor Dance

The previous activities work on upper body strength; the Conductor Dance works on quadriceps strength and teamwork.

Two students sit on the floor back to back, with elbows linked, hands off of the ground, and bottoms of feet planted on the ground. On the count of three (or using the blast of a train whistle), the two conductors attempt to stand up in unison without placing their hands on the ground or using any other part of their body to get up. Once the two conductors can rise in unison using the strength of their legs only, they can join two other conductors and try the same activity as a foursome.

Vary the shapes by encouraging partner work or groups of three or four. (Push-up Bus, Push-up Car, Conductor Dance.)

Incorporate the Push-up Train and Hurtling Caboose to a movement set or a group presentation during the gymnastics unit.

These are clues that you have reached the outcomes ...

Students complete the Push-up Train without collapsing.

Students balance against each other in the Conductor Dance.

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