Top Ten Benefits of Physical Education in Schools

In this article on the top ten benefits of physical education in schools, we’d get to know why it is important to engage in physical education but before I tell you that, let’s look at the meaning of physical education.

Meaning of Physical Education

Physical education, also known as PE or gym class and known in many Commonwealth countries as physical training or PT, is an educational course related to maintaining the human body through physical exercises.

It is a subject most schools teach for the sake of it. That’s sad. Apart from helping the heart and other vital organs, regular exercise has a direct effect on the academic performance of school kids.

We say school kids, but of course if you’re an adult, whether in or out of school you’d know that this is true for you as well. If you’d like to live a better life, here are top ten benefits you want to be on the look out for:

Benefits of Physical Education in Schools

1. Development of motor skills:

If there’s one thing that physical education entails, it is regular fitness exercise. Aside theory, students get to work out what they learn in class. Regular physical activity enhances motor skills and reflexes, and improves hand-eye coordination. It also improves body movements, and makes for healthy body posture.

2. Enhances academic performance:

Amazingly, physical fitness contributes to academic performance. Physical exercise helps with executive functions like sequencing, memory, and prioritizing which contribute to necessary skills for success in school and life. Put simply, physical activity in school primes the brain for learning.

3. Builds self-confidence:

Students’ participation in physical fitness activities builds their self-esteem and provides positive influence on their character and personalities.

4. Relieves Stress:

Due to family issues, peer and school pressure, students tend to face a lot of stress. Partaking in recreational activities and sports goes a long way to relieve them of the stress.

5. Health and Nutrition:

Physical education teaches students the importance of health. Secondary school students often misinterpret words like being ‘overweight’ to mean being on the fat side. Physical health education corrects assumptions related to eating disorders, and help the students lead healthier lives.

6. Stronger bones:

Regular physical activity helps children to avoid losing bone density through inactivity. During early years, it is important that children build healthy bones. Weak bones can lead to osteoporosis later on in life.

7. Reduced risk of becoming overweight:

When children eat without exercising regularly, and especially when they are inactive, unused calories are stored up as fat. Regular fitness exercise, including activities around the home, help the kids burn up excess fat and calories, and therefore reduce the risk of being overweight or obese.

8. A healthier heart:

If school kids do not exercise regularly, there is going to be added stress to the heart. This will increase their chances of having cardiovascular decease in the future. Regular fitness exercise helps the hearts pump blood better.

9. Better emotional health:

During exercise, there is an increase in the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain. These hormones are responsible for wellbeing and optimism in the children, and helps them fight off depression. In addition, regular fitness activity helps improve self-image.

10. More energy:

This goes without saying. Exercise improves circulation of blood, and therefore helps balance out energy across one’s body. This in turn will give the children the much-needed energy and focus they need though the day.

Physical education has numerous benefit, not just in ones physique but in many other aspects of a human that is why it is important for students in schools.

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