Benefits of Mandatory Physical Education

In order to maintain excellent health in school the students are required to attend physical education classes. Advocate groups argue against having mandatory physical education classes, however, the pros outweigh the cons. It is imperative that schools require physical education classes due to the benefits students reap now and into the future.

Physical education classes tend to spark an interest among the youth, which in turn provides for a healthier lifestyle and a reduction in weight. For example, according to Royalty Education., physical education prevents serious illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis (Pros and Cons: Mandatory PE in Schools.). Had the DHHS not taken actions recommending that the youth engage in one hour of physical education per day, chances are that many children may have elected not to participate in any form of physical activity. By not engaging in physical activities at an early age, physical inactivity may continue throughout the childr's life. By neglecting physical activity as a youth, they are placed at a greater risk for debilitating diseases and illnesses as an adult. For example, according to Medline Plus exercise strengthens your heart and improves your circulation, which lowers the risk of heart diseases (Benefits of Exercise). Exercise also yields positive results, enhances external physical characteristics, and elevates oner's self-esteem. The benefit to a continuous exercise regime is lowering the risk of disease and illnesses, which will result in longevity.

Healthy choices, for the most part, yield well-nourished and well-developed children. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1/3 of children and adolescents in the Unites States are considered either overweight or obese (Healthy Schools). These health concerns promote the need for mandatory physical education classes in schools. The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) appears to agree when they took action to provide guidance on healthy physical activity habits. In that, the DHHS established a national recommendation for youth between the ages of 6 to 17 recommending that they should engage in at least one hour of physical activity per day (Healthy Schools). By following the physical activity recommendations, statistics could eventually show a reduction in weight, sustained health, and an improvement in self-esteem among the young. Perhaps, equally as important is to incorporate the physical activity in such a way that the youth are willing participants so that it is not viewed as an obligation. Also, in order to succeed with these recommendations, the youth must first set attainable goals and document their progress. By following these recommendations, the youth are on their way to living a healthier lifestyle.

Students benefit from taking mandatory physical education classes, however, physical education, weight training, and cardio workouts may result in significant injuries to students and may interfere with other courses of studies offered. For example, robsonforensic.com reports that over 60,000 U.S. students suffer some type of injury annually while partaking in physical education classes (Miele-Pascoe). In addition, students that are not athletically inclined run the risk of being bullied by more well-rounded athletes. Horseplay could ultimately result in suicide, school shootings, and students avoiding taking part in physical activity altogether. Equally important, physical education classes may severely interfere with the studentr's choice of enrolling in other required courses that might determine whether or not they are accepted into competitive universities. For example, the Ohio news publication West Life notes that many school board personnel believe that PE requirements should be waived for students with heavy academic loads (qtd in Pros and Cons: Mandatory PE in Schools.). Instead of throwing a dodgeball or running an extra lap, students could have elected to take a college prep course with this time. In order for students to meaningfully participate in electing classes, they should have a choice as to whether or not to take part in physical education courses.

Although mandatory physical education classes tend to interfere with students core academic studies, there are also benefits to participating in P.E. classes. For example, P.E. classes enhance the students ability to learn. Furthermore, it is shown that students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, and cognitive performance, (Healthy Schools). Some may think that physical education classes are just a waste of time, but in reality they tend to help children in the long-run. Physical activity helps the children concentrate, which in turn helps the childrenr's performance in class, sports, and life in general. Physical activity also maintains the childrenr's thinking, learning, and judgement skills acute as they get older. According to Medline Plus, exercise stimulates oner's body to release proteins and other chemicals that improve the structure and function of oner's brain, (Benefits of Exercise). Not only does exercise help children concentrate and perform better in core classes, it also helps to prepare them for the physical and emotional challenges they will confront in life.

The best way of maintaining excellent health while in school is by attending mandatory physical education classes. By participating in these mandatory physical education classes, one will acquire good habits, which in return yields a healthier lifestyle well into adulthood.

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