PE classes have long been a core component of a student’s high school experience, promoting physical fitness, health, teamwork, mental well-being, and a class where kids could socialize with their friends. However, a debate of whether student-athletes should be required to take this course has risen. Some argue that athletes already spend hours training and competing, so they receive sufficient physical activity through their sports, while others believe PE offers unique benefits that extend beyond what a team sport provides. The question remains: should student-athletes be required to enroll in their PE classes?
One reason student-athletes should still be required to take PE is the physical and mental benefits that extend beyond typical sports training.
“Just because you are on the team does not mean you are getting full activity—you may not be involved in the practices 100%…it’s a good way to relieve stress [and] anxiety they may be having throughout the day,” said Saint Viator PE teacher Mr. Edminster. He explains that not all athletes are getting sufficient activity just because they are rostered on the team, he also goes on to say that sports practices are often geared towards the skills of their respective sport and the team’s success, not on general fitness or physical activity. PE, on the other hand, provides circulation and also plays a key role in students mental well-being He emphasizes that PE stimulates student’s minds and offers an escape from any other stress they may be experiencing, an aspect that competitive sports may not always be able to address. Without this balance, even high-performing athletes could miss out on the full opportunity for physical and mental growth.
However, there are multiple reasons that athletes have been argued to not be attending and taking a PE class. Most people that play sports participate in multiple and this can lead to stress in school when participating in gym class. Gym class just adds another class on top of the rigid schedule that most of the student athletes have to go through. Also, if athletes were not taking this extra gym class they can take a study hall instead or take an elective class to get their credits for school. Another reason athletes should not be in gym class if they are already an athlete is because it can prevent major injury. Many believe that it can reduce stress but if gym class was taken out of curriculum for those who participate in varsity sports then you would most likely see a dramatic increase in the student athletes grades because they are able to have more time to complete homework before they go to a long practice.
In conclusion, many believe that students who play sports should be in a gym class because it can relieve stress and give them a break throughout the day; however, some believe that it is just a big waste of time that adds an unnecessary amount of stress to the athletes before they go to their long practice.