Transform PE with Fun: How BoardGains is Revolutionizing School Fitness Programs

Transform PE with Fun: How BoardGains is Revolutionizing School Fitness Programs

🚀 Welcome to the BoardGains Experience!

Hey coaches and teachers! Looking to spice up your PE classes or youth fitness program? Say hello to BoardGains—a dynamic fitness board game designed to keep kids moving, laughing, and learning all at once. Born in 2020 and created by Eric Mathura, BoardGains turns workouts into friendly competitions that boost teamwork, cardio, and strength without the need for fancy equipment.


🎯 Who is BoardGains For?

  • Grades 5–8 (Starter Edition): Perfect for beginners and younger students. Includes 13 fun bodyweight exercises.

  • Grades 9–12 (Pro Edition): Geared toward older students who want a challenge, featuring 20 total exercises.

  • Home Use & Youth Groups: Great for families and community organizations.


🧩 Game Overview: What is BoardGains?

BoardGains is a fitness board game that blends movement with strategy. Students roll dice, complete exercises, and race to collect "Gains" by circling the board. It’s collaborative, competitive, and cardio-packed.

Key Features:

  • Full-body HIIT exercises

  • Simple, scalable gameplay

  • Minimal setup required

  • Team-building emphasis

  • Flexible game modes


🏁 Setting Up the Game

1. Form Teams

  • 2–4 teams per board

  • Assign captains for dice rolls and score tracking

2. Create Workout Zones

  • Each team gets a 10-foot zone

  • Color-coded pylons for clarity

3. Teacher’s Role

You’re the referee and cheerleader! Shout out moves, correct form, and announce winners with flair:
“3…2…1…GAINS!”


🕹️ How to Play BoardGains

  1. Roll Dice: Teams roll and land on an exercise.

  2. Perform Reps: Everyone does the move—teamwork makes the dream work!

  3. Gain Progress: Complete reps, sit down, and roll again.

  4. Win the Game: Circle the board to earn “Gains.” Most gains in the time wins!

Pro Tip: Play 3 matches per hour for maximum fun.


🔄 Game Modes for Maximum Engagement

Mode Duration Highlights
3-Gains 10–15 mins Fast-paced & exciting
5-Gains 20–30 mins Balanced workout & gameplay
7-Gains 30–35 mins High-intensity, full challenge
Time Mode Fixed Time Race against the clock
Superset With Equipment Add drills or sport-specific moves
Relay Mode Teams + Tasks Strategy meets sweat

🔥 Phase 1: The Starter Edition (Grades 5–8)

This level introduces the 13 foundational exercises including:

  • Jumping Jacks

  • Glute Bridges

  • Push-ups

  • Russian Twists

  • High Knees

  • Calf Raises

  • Lunges

  • Burpees

  • Invisible Jump Rope

  • Squats

  • Planks

  • Seal Jacks

  • Mountain Climbers

Weekly Structure:

  • Day 1–2: Learn correct form

  • Day 3–4: Practice circuits

  • Day 5: Game Day!


💪 Phase 2: The Pro Edition (Grades 9–12)

Builds on Phase 1 by adding 7 new challenges:

  • Bicycle Abs

  • Inch Worm

  • Lying Leg Raises

  • Plank Press

  • Seated Punches

  • Shoulder Taps

  • Standing Body Crunches

Bonus Modes:

  • Superset Workouts

  • Custom Drills

  • Advanced Timed Games


🧠 Learn the 5 Fitness Components with BoardGains

Component Exercises Why It Matters
Cardiovascular Endurance High Knees, Mountain Climbers Improves stamina and heart health
Muscular Strength Push-ups, Burpees, Squats Builds strength for daily tasks
Muscular Endurance Planks, Lunges Enhances stamina for longer activities
Flexibility Stretches and mobility drills Prevents injuries and improves balance
Body Composition All activities Promotes healthy body fat ratio

🧪 Grading & Assessments Made Easy

Use fitness tests to evaluate:

  • Push-ups in 60 seconds

  • Air squats in 60 seconds

  • Planks and High Knees

  • Lap running tests

  • Jumping Jacks and Burpees

Students record scores and reflect on their performance, aligning with curriculum standards.


🎒 Homework that Makes a Difference

Encourage students to:

  • Categorize each exercise (Upper, Lower, Core)

  • Identify target muscle groups

  • Reflect on what they learned

  • Practice at home with a checklist


🎶 Tools to Elevate Your Class


🙋♀️ FAQs About BoardGains

Q1: Is BoardGains suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes! Exercises include modifications for beginners and advanced options.

Q2: How long is a typical session?
A full session runs about 45–60 minutes, including warmup, gameplay, and cool-down.

Q3: Can I use BoardGains for virtual classes?
Absolutely! It works great in Zoom PE sessions with a little creativity.

Q4: What equipment do I need?
Just the board, dice, and maybe pylons or markers. No gym gear necessary!

Q5: Is there support for setup and lesson plans?
Yes—lesson plans, slideshows, and exercise videos are provided.

Q6: How do I order or book a demo?
Visit BoardGains.com or schedule a demo on Calendly.


🎉 Final Thoughts from the Founder

“It’s all about inspiring joy in movement and making each workout an adventure.”
Eric Mathura, Founder of BoardGains

Whether you're a seasoned coach or a new PE teacher, BoardGains is your new favorite toolkit for engaging, active, and inclusive fitness education.

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