Phys. Ed. Is Not Dead

The age-old question of whether or not physical education (PE) should be a school requirement has yet to have a definitive answer. When forming an answer, most associate PE with high school, but some colleges and universities have similar requirements. In 2023, Oregon State University found that 32% of colleges required some type of PE course to graduate, a 7% drop from 2010. These courses usually consisted of yoga or a lifestyle class where you can learn to operate in a gym. The idea of PE in college is slowly dying and I believe it needs to have a resurrection.

The most common defense for this argument is the increasing rates of obesity and poor physical health in America. Although it is a factor to consider, I do not think it should be the only reason. The main demographic this change would affect is young adults who are trying to make sense of their lives. Most have come directly from high school and see college as a freeing experience. This is the first time they are out in the world by themselves, meaning they lack the skills to be a healthy adult. A PE class can give students essential skills for the real world. 

Having classes that teach first-years how to manage college and continue to remain active can help students carry these methods further into adulthood. Some students are too afraid to ever set foot in the gym. Using this class to introduce it to them in a monitored environment could give them the push they need to begin their journey. Other students could use the class as a way to implement healthy ways to deal with stress. For many, working out is a form of therapy that can alleviate problems that come with school. 

I remember that when I was in high school, I used my PE period as a mental break from my other classes. Having a mandatory time where I had no other responsibility but to be active gave me a much-needed break. If this was made a requirement, students like me would be able to spend a couple of hours completely stress-free. It would not have any homework and would simply be a time where they can be physically active. These classes do not have to fit a set structure but can be about meditation incorporated with yoga or how to operate at the campus gym.

People fight this idea saying there is no time in people’s schedules for classes like these. Yes, there are some special circumstances here like the nursing program, which is highly regulated, but even then, there are classes that have many different options available to fulfill the requirements. For instance, yoga is offered as an arts and literature credit. Currently, this class is completely filled. Many students choose it as an easy class and as a time to relax. Physical activity itself helps people to have more mental clarity, allowing students to focus more in class. There is a desire for classes such as these and putting them as a requirement in place of something else allows students to focus on themselves. 

This requirement has a lot of room for growth as students have different needs and wants when it comes to staying active. It does not have to fit the cookie-cutter high school experience where students learn a variety of sports they have no interest in playing or even watching. Like I mentioned, yoga is a great way to implement a mental health component along with physical activity. There are also dance classes or even stage combat. These are hobbies students could pick up outside of class and stick with throughout their lifetime. There is also an option of a lifestyle fitness class that can combine real world fitness scenarios and nutrition tips. The main goal of implementing a PE class is just to get the students moving. High school PE does not give students enough skills or motivation to keep up with exercise. In the same Oregon State University study, it was found that people who had PE requirements in college tended to be healthier longer.

Physical education in college is important for students so they can take these skills with them later in life. The goal is to form habits that will remain constant. PE also allows students to have a stress-free class amidst their busy schedules. There is already an interest in PE classes, all that is left is changing around some of the requirements and class availability. The benefits of working out go hand in hand with schooling. Having less stress and more mental clarity equals better grades. PE is not some childish class that needs to be eliminated as soon as higher education starts. Physical education needs to make a resurgence on college campuses.