School gives students a chance to learn and grow. During the course of their academic careers, students explore many different subjects, hopefully finding at least one that inspires them to one day pursue rewarding careers. Physical education is one subject that is often overlooked. Gym class may seem like just a fun elective, but the importance of physical education cannot be understated, especially as so many youngsters struggle to maintain healthy weights. Physical education can help children live healthier, more fulfilling lives, benefitting them in ways that go beyond their waistlines. Improved health and stamina: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 29 percent of high school students are getting the recommended 60 minutes a day of physical activity. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that young people between the ages six and 17 should get at least an hour of physical activity each day. Physical education classes can help students meet or exceed those physical activity recommendations. Creates a love for sports: Gym class exposes students to various athletic activities, encouraging them to dabble in different sports. That opportunity may expose young children to a sport they will embrace and play for the rest of their lives. Improved academic performance: A large-scale study of 12,000 schoolchildren published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that physical fitness could be linked to improved academic performance.
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