The Importance P.E. Plays in Schools

Physical education (P.E.) is an essential part of a well-rounded education.

Sometimes with school budget cuts, P.E. is one of the first to be eliminated to relieve some of the academic pressures and added expenses.

Ready to take a deep dive into the importance of having P.E. in schools?

Keep reading.

Promotes physical activity

A structured P.E. promotes regular fitness in students’ busy lives. This helps their cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination.

By laying down a foundation for a fitness routine, healthy and active lifestyles are encouraged, reducing obesity and related issues in both childhood and adulthood.

Boosts mental health

Your physical health has a tremendous impact on your mental health. Physical activity releases endorphins referred to as the “feel good” hormones that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

In fact, regular exercise has been linked to improved moods, increased self-esteem, and better mental well-being.

Here are more ways movement directly affects your brain health.

Instills healthy habits

Introducing physical education at a young age helps instill healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

When students experience the benefits of being physically active, they are more likely to continue pursuing physical activities outside of school.

These habits, in turn, can significantly contribute to improved health and longevity.

Increases academic performance

PE has a positive correlation with academic performance. Regular physical activity is linked to improved concentration, cognitive function, and memory.

Active students are more likely to have a better attention span and behavior in the classroom.

Because P.E. allows students to interact with each other in an informal setting, it promotes a positive and supportive environment.

Promotes teamwork and social skills

Teamwork, cooperation, and social skills are learned in P.E. through team sports and team-building activities that foster communication.

Students learn how to respect differences while working together to achieve a common goal.

Not only do these interpersonal skills serve them well during sports, but in their personal and future professional lives too.

Decreases sedentary lifestyles

Sitting behind a screen for long periods of time is more common now than ever before, even in primary school settings.

Physical education decreases this trend by encouraging regular movement and physical activity, reducing the risk of health problems associated with sedentary behavior.

Some of those risks include:

• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure

Ensures a healthy future

Physical education plays an important role in students’ development and impacts their physical health, mental health, academic performance, social skills, and overall quality of life.

Do you have a favorite memory that comes to mind when you think of your P.E. experience in school?

Tell us about it in the comments!