Why Is Physical Education Important?

Physical education has long been a staple in schools on a K-12 level and beyond, with all students required to participate in some form of physical education. Also referred to as "gym class" students participated in activities such as team sports, (volleyball, soccer, basketball, etc.) walking or running (running a mile was common), cardiovascular and strength training exercises (such as pull-ups and push-ups) and even swimming.

Physical education provides children with an opportunity to exercise during the day. It gives children early exposure to team sports, and promotes good physical fitness. Children who participate in physical education get a workout, and they also learn the importance of exercise as a lifelong habit.

Physical education is clearly an important course in schools, with many benefits for children. In addition to helping kids learn healthy habits and stay off drugs, physical education can also increase learning by getting the blood flowing and increasing oxygen levels, which promote concentration. Sports and PE help children build self esteem and help them learn important lessons in teamwork. Physical education is extremely important and should be protected in schools, despite budget cuts.

Obesity

In the United States, childhood obesity has become so prevalent it has nearly become an epidemic. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past thirty years. The CDC reports that the prevalence of obesity in children between the ages of six and eleven went from 6.5 percent in 1980 to 19.6 percent in 2008, while the obesity rates in children between 12 and 19 went from 5.0 percent to 18.1 percent during this same time period.

Childhood obesity sets children up for a lifetime of problems. Obesity is one of the primary causes of diabetes, which can ultimately lead to heart problems, blindness and a host of other serious physical issues. Obesity can also increase the risk of cancer and heart disease as well. Obese individuals put more strain on the joints, so they may be more prone to arthritis and other related diseases. 

According to the CDC, in the year 2000, obesity was the number two cause of preventable death in the United States. 400,000 deaths were caused by obesity during this year, compared with 435,000 for tobacco, which is the top cause of preventable death.

These staggering figures suggest one fundamental answer to the question why is physical education important. The CDC states that: "Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases." When a child is deprived of physical activity in school, he loses one important opportunity to exercise. He also does not learn the importance of exercise early on in school.

When physical education is treated as a vital life skill- as important as reading, writing, and mathematics- children learn that exercise is important. When physical activity and physical education is cut, children learn that it is optional.

Team Sports

Children who take PE classes at school may also be able to use those classes as a springboard to become interested in joining a team sport. Numerous studies have shown that children who participate in a team sport are less likely to become involved in drugs. Sports increases the awareness of health and the need to take care of the body. Sports also give kids a positive outlet for frustrations and energy, a place to make friends who are positive influences, and a place to be a leader so kids are less likely to succumb to peer pressure.