Year 9 students going to the gym to work on fitness components can focus on improving their cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. These fitness components are essential for overall health and performance in physical activities, which aligns with Unit 4 Area of Study 1 in the VCE PE study design.

Cardiovascular endurance refers to the ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the muscles during prolonged physical activity. Students can improve this component by engaging in activities such as running, cycling, or using the treadmill at the gym.

Muscular strength is the maximum amount of force a muscle or muscle group can generate in a single effort. Students can work on this component by incorporating weightlifting exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses into their gym routine.

Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to perform repeated contractions over an extended period of time. Students can enhance this component by doing high-repetition sets of exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and bicep curls.

Flexibility refers to the range of motion around a joint. Students can improve their flexibility by incorporating stretching exercises into their gym routine, such as yoga or Pilates.

Body composition is the ratio of body fat to lean body mass. Students can work on improving their body composition by combining cardiovascular exercise with strength training and a balanced diet to reduce body fat and increase muscle mass.

Overall, focusing on these fitness components at the gym will help year 9 students develop a well-rounded level of fitness that will benefit their physical health and performance in various physical activities, which is a key aspect of Unit 4 Area of Study 1 in the VCE PE study design.