Physical Education is defined as education in the care and development of the human body, stressing athletics and including hygiene. It starts from the premise that a well-rounded child has a good understanding of his or her own body and understands what it takes to keep that body healthy and active. Physical education is often given a secondary place in the educational services of our schools, as if it were a good thing but one that could be dispensed with if necessary. In truth, physical education is an essential component of childhood development. This is more important in a more inactive era such as we live in today, a time when many children engage in less after-school play on their own and so need the concentrated activity a physical education program provides.

                However, there is great controversy within physical education. Some experts claim that U.S. youth are fit. Others feel that there has been a decline, despite a recent adult fitness boom. Almost one third of American kids are considered overweight, and nearly one in six is obese, putting children at a higher risk for health problems more commonly seen in adults, such as hypertension, asthma and diabetes. Schools are beginning to cut back on physical education and—in some cases—recess.

                Exercise is known to have a prophylactic (acting to defend against or prevent something) effect on disease, death, and disability. Young people must be instructed and encouraged to be involved in lifetime fitness activities if we are going to control health care costs, reduce disease incidence, and improve the overall quality of life of our citizens. Citizens need to gain a better knowledge of Physical Education and the benefits they can receive. They need to understand that physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial.