Argumentative Essay: Students and Physical Education How much time per day do you devote to exercising? Is this something that you have
even thought about? Young people in the United States are spending less time exercising and the
issue is only becoming larger. Students need more exercise, therefore, schools should provide
more gym time
The first reason that students need more activity time in school is because of emotional
health. Most school days last around seven to eight hours. In middle school students often only
get break time during lunch, and they are working during the remainder of the day. According to
the article, U. S. Schools Don't Give Students Enough Gym Time" by William Simon Jr.,
physical activity can stimulate the brain in order to increase learning. Additionally, it can
strengthen their skills as well as keep them motivated. When students are being forced to work
for seven to eight hours per day with no opportunity to release some energy, they begin to lack
motivation Students should have the right to break in order to get physical exercise.
Another reason that students need more gym time is because many of them are
maintaining unhealthy lifestyles due to inactivity. The article by William Simon states that,
"one-third of children in the United States are overweight. It is suggested that young people
exercise for at least one hour per day, yet only 16% of American teenagers actually do this
Studies show that if students are taught the correct methods of health and fitness, they are more
likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle in adulthood. Without schools teaching these important
skills, students may not understand the importance of health Students need to ensure that
students are getting the education that they need in all areas, including physical education
Others often argue that students can get the health education that they need outside of
school hours. The article, "Doing Exercises Before Spelling and Math Exercises suggests that
students could get their exercise in before and after school hours." For example, some schools
are pushing for yoga before the first bell and encouraging students to ride their bikes after
school. One of the flaws of this plan, however, is that students arrive at different times, and not
everyone would be able to make it time to exercise before the bell Students should receive their
physical education during school hours to ensure participation
In conclusion, young people all over the United States are in need of physical and health
education Students need to be aware of their health, and they need to be properly trained on how
to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If schools provide more gym time to students, this would ensure
that all students are involved and participating as well as receiving mental, physical and
emotional breaks throughout the day