Gym_Teaches_More_Than_Just_Football

Should sports classes be sacrificed in High School so students can concentrate on academic subjects' We all know and dread that familiar British voice telling us that the test will begin after the triple beep, and we all remember that strange mixture of nausea and pride after we run until we can’t possibly run any more, and then a bit longer. Yes, I’m talking about the Beep Test; by far my least favourite part of gym class and maybe even high school. However, although the Beep Test can be classified as a mild form of torture, the idea that sports classes get in the way of academics and should be banned is outrageous. Physical Education cannot be sacrificed in High School as it teaches physical, emotional and social skills that are necessary for a student’s healthy development, and cannot be taught in a traditional classroom. Gym class gives students who are less academically inclined a chance to shine; teaches teamwork, cooperation and other social skills; and of course promotes a healthy and active lifestyle in an increasingly overweight society. Everyone has something they’re really good at, and for some it is not sinusoidal functions or algorithms; it’s athletics. Phys. Ed gives those students a chance to showcase their skills and help teach their peers, building self-confidence and leadership. It also allows them to further develop their skills which can lead to many new opportunities like sports scholarships; giving students who would otherwise not be able to pursue post-secondary education a giant advantage that can change the whole outcome of their life. “Over 126,000 student-athletes receive either a partial or full athletic scholarship [each year]” (National Collegiate Athletic Association) in the USA alone, a number which would decrease significantly if gym classes were cut in high school. Thus the number of students able to go college would be reduced as well, especially those who are already financially disadvantaged and whose only chance of receiving a higher education would be an athletic scholarship. Therefore physical education in high schools can actually promote and enhance academic learning as opposed to distracting from it. Along with developing physical skills, gym class helps build essential social skills as well. Team sports promote cooperation, sportsmanship, and inclusiveness, and teach students how to work effectively in a group setting. Individual activities like running or karate create discipline, drive, and confidence – all skills that are much more successfully taught in this practical setting than in a traditional classroom. Exercise has also been proven to reduce anxiety as it gives students a great tool to relieve stress (Daniel M. Landers), and also improves feelings of self-worth in children and teens. Overall, physical education creates a more well-adjusted and well-rounded student that cannot be generated with academic learning alone. And of course the most obvious benefit of high school gym class is physical health. “One quarter (26%) of Canadian children and youth are either overweight or obese” (Heart and Stroke Foundation) which can lead to countless other health problems ranging from heart, bone and respiratory problems to diabetes. Gym class in schools teaches not only physical exercise, but also a well-balanced diet, promoting a healthy lifestyle that students can adopt for the rest of their lives. There is a 70-80% chance that overweight teens will become overweight adults (American Heart Association) so it is extremely important that the problem is addressed early and teens are taught how to deal with their weight in high school before it can worsen. For many teens, this hour of gym is the most activity they will get in their current sedentary routine, and cutting this activity out would mean an even steeper increase in childhood obesity and other health problems. A good cardiovascular system developed through regular exercise has also been proven to increase oxygen flow to the brain (The Franklin Institute), enhancing a student’s ability to concentrate and retain information in the academic classroom. Improved physical fitness results in more energy, leading to a more fit and motivated student in both gym and English class. The claim of some extremist parents that sports classes should be sacrificed in high school so that students can concentrate on academic subjects is ludicrous. Lack of physical education in schools would most definitely have an adverse effect on students, as it teaches physical, emotional and social skills that are necessary in a student’s healthy development, and cannot be taught in a traditional classroom. It gives disadvantaged teens less academically inclined a chance to realize college; teaches cooperation, discipline, and communication skills needed to succeed in the future; and makes a dent in the alarming number of overweight teens, teaching them how to live a healthy life. Phys. Ed undoubtedly enhances both the academic, and overall high school experience in a way like no other, and cannot be replaced. So remember this the next time you’re doing wall-sits, because they’re helping you in more ways than you know. Works Cited American Heart Association. Overweight and Obesity – Statistics. Statistical Fact Sheet – Risk Factors. 30 March, 2011 . The Franklin Institute. The Human Brain – Exercise. Renew. 30 March, 2011 . Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Position Statement: Schools and Nutrition. 30 March, 2011 . Landers, Daniel M. “The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health”. Arizona State University. 27 March, 2011 . National Collegiate Athletic Association. Scholarships and Internships. 28 March, 2011 . Mojika, Stephanie. “Why Is Gym Class So Important'” KJ Fitness, Inc. 29 April, 2009. 27 March, 2011 . Body Fitness. “Benefits and Importance of Physical Education” Body Fitness Health. 27 March, 2011 . Christina. “Benefits of Gym Class in School” Benefit Of. 26 March, 2011 .