#1Physical education is not “gym”. The gym or gymnasium is where physical education takes place.

#2 Teachers don’t take physical education seriously.

#3 Physical education teachers grade on attendance and students perceive physical education to be an “easy A”.

#4 Many students who are overweight are allowed to not participate because it is understood that they cannot keep up with the other students.

       Are schools losing there focus on physical education? Some people believe that their children are not gaining knowledge or benefiting from physical education. Why even provide it? With all the current cutbacks and decreasing budgets in schools, why wouldn’t they think of cutting physical education program first?

      Physical education plays a critical role in educating the whole student. Research supports the importance of movement in educating both mind and body. Physical education contributes directly to development of physical competence and fitness. It also helps students to make informed choices and understand the value of leading a physically active lifestyle. The benefits of physical education can affect both academic learning and physical activity patterns of students. Overall, physical activity improves the quality of life.

       There are many more benefits to physical education than one could come up with against physical education. Physical education is a program that needs to be found in all schools beginning at the youngest of ages. The physical education program is where students learn about all the benefits gained from being physical active and in the process create a healthy mind and body.