Every school in CUSD enforces a Physical Education requirement of at least two years. A small selection of classes such as regular PE, soccer, weight training, and yoga is offered here at SJHHS. Grades 9 and 10 are required to meet their PE requirements during their academic school day.

While physical education and activity is highly recommended and beneficial to students, exercising in a classroom environment can have a detrimental effect on how students view physical activity. This can put a strain on adolescents to perform a certain way or strive to meet an unspoken expectation.

At this age level, students view their physical activity as something personal and sometimes embarrassing. For those students who don’t perform well, however, this can be the beginning of negative self-perceptions and attitudes toward physical education. Students who are not as physically active as others may end up struggling more to keep up with their more athletic peers.

A study conducted by Fort Hays State University claims, “Measures of barriers to exercise, self-esteem, current exercise routines and negative experiences involving Physical Education classes were examined. A total of 101 participants completed the measures of barriers to exercise, self-esteem, current exercise routines and negative experiences involving Physical Education classes.”

Additionally, PE classes fill up a spot in your schedule that could instead be used for a class that is beneficial to your college applications. This makes it so students may be unable to take an important class or a class of their interest for two years. Colleges generally are not looking to see that your physical activity requirements are met. 

Exercising outside of class is just as beneficial as PE class in school. Students can easily have access to run outdoors and participate in activities. Yes, some worry about not having access to gym equipment, however, there are alternate ways to exercise and achieve a similar workout.

Yes, staff do worry that students will not actually participate in physical activity outside of class, however, requiring physical activity that can be signed off by a coach or instructor can be a great alternative. Neighboring school districts do have the option for students to participate in PE credit completion outside of school. Our school only has independent PE for students involved in Olympic sports or highly competitive sports. 

Accordingly, PE should not be a requirement for high school students during their academic day. Their school day should be filled with learning their subjects to better equip them for college and life after high school. This will also avoid bullying or feelings of embarrassment during physical education classes.

For students who agree there is an online P.E. option offered through Cal Prep.

-Zaleeya Dhalla

Maintaining physical education classes as a mandatory program for freshman and sophomores is critical for the health of the coming generation. 

Since the late 20th century and early 21st century, physical education classes have been on the decline. What originated as mandatory rope climbs, obstacle course runs, and grueling exercises has degenerated into smaller level exercises such as yoga. 

For example, according to PLT4M, the physical education curriculum has transitioned towards less physically demanding activities such as yoga, dance, and pickleball. 

The argument to remove physical education entirely not only seems unnecessary, but detrimental towards the wellbeing of others. 

Without substantial physical activity in our lives, we are increasing unhealthy lifestyles and risks for diseases and health disorders. 

The National Institute on Aging states that an active and healthy lifestyle has been linked to reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and reduced blood pressure. Physical activity can also reduce the risk of multiple diseases and some cancers—all of which contribute significantly to an individual’s performance academically and physically. 

It goes without saying that improvement sometimes requires being uncomfortable. You can never get better or achieve something you want without being engaged outside of your comfort zone. 

Rather than complaining, one simply must go to the gym and work out consistently in order to see results. Even if it means being exposed in front of those who seem “better” than you, exercising should be seen as a personal experience, not a competitive one. 

A study conducted by Florida Atlantic University found that simply exercising can lead to improved feelings of self-esteem and worth.Therefore, it should be necessary to have mandatory physical education classes, because one does not need to have a six-pack or be the strongest person in the gym to feel the good effects of working out. 

Taking away mandatory physical education strips away a factor of our life that can make us healthier, happier, and more well-rounded as individuals. With all the health benefits that physical education offers, the tradeoff for taking away physical education can be detrimental to the health of future generations. 

Again, physical education shouldn’t be seen as a competition. Everyone is working out for themselves, for their health, not in comparison to others. Reinforcing the idea that physical education is more of a self-improvement journey can motivate those who are uncomfortable to be okay with physical education. 

Active programs should be mandatory in schools. Physical activity is a self-journey towards improvement, not a competition or comparison to people who seem “better.” Therefore, we should be encouraging healthy habits to promote healthier lifestyles and happier futures.

-Caden Mai