Student Athletes in PE: Is it Really Necessary?
By Maddie Flanagan, Sports Editor
We’ve all been there. Sitting on the questionably clean gymnasium floor, staring straight into the bright, caged fluorescent lights above our heads, wondering: “Why am I here right now?” Physical exercise is universally recognized as beneficial to both physical and mental health for people of all ages, especially the developing teenage brain. But, while standing in a school gymnasium loosely holding a half-broken badminton racket, the common thought has crossed all of our minds: Do I really have to be here?
Image courtesy of the North Varsity Boys Soccer Team
No matter how bored or frustrated one may feel when walking a lap around the track or swatting at a wiffleball with a cheap plastic bat, physical activity is known for its plethora of benefits for the mind and body. It decreases stress levels, improves sleep, helps the functioning of joints and muscles, promotes weight management, and improves overall physical and cognitive function. For those who, outside of school, do not exercise regularly, gym class can be very beneficial. Even in terms of social interaction, physical education class can provide an opportunity for students to talk to their friends and bond with classmates during a bit of friendly competition.
But what about student athletes? Those who already have practices and games six times a week, perhaps throughout the entirety of the school year for some. Should they be mandated to participate in gym class, even though they are already completing at least an hour or two of physical activity after school? Many athletes are already in shape, running miles and sprints, participating in drills, and doing three times as much activity in a 10 minute time frame at practice, compared to the entirety of their gym class. They are fatigued and sore from weeks of training and conditioning when they show up to class, and many of them don’t find a need for the 25-30 minutes of extra activity. Should they be given this time for a study hall instead?
Image courtesy of the North Fencing Team
Some think yes, athletes should have a study hall as opposed to a gym class. After school, many athletes do not have time to complete their assignments because of away games or long practices. Even if they do have the time, many athletes are physically and mentally exhausted and typically eat, shower, and go straight to bed when they come home. A study hall would be a great way for them to catch up on assignments and study for tests.
Others, however, think the opposite. Why should athletes be favored over other kids? Students who tutor, have part-time jobs, take care of their siblings, or generally have a lot on their plate can also argue that their time in gym class could be put to better use. Some people simply cannot participate in school sports because of these activities, or perhaps for other reasons pertaining to health or scheduling.
So should athletes really get excused from gym class opposed to other students?
What do you think?