Gym class: the place where some of my fondest memories from elementary school took place. Whether it was climbing the rope in front of my whole class in hopes of being the first one to reach the top or the excitement I felt when I walked into the gym and saw the huge rainbow parachute calling my name, I always enjoyed gym class. However, once students reach the high school level, the excitement of working out during school seems to die down. Students will come up with every excuse in the book to get out of gym, from “I’m tired from my after school sport,” or “I’m ‘injured’ and can’t participate.” Whatever excuse a high school student can think of will be used in hopes for the advantage of sitting out. I think high school students need to channel their inner elementary school student and remember why we loved gym class so much in the fourth grade.

At the very least, a student should enjoy physical education because it is an additional class we are given to socialize. I don’t know about you, but I have never been in a gym class where silence was a requirement. While working out, playing soccer, swimming or whatever the activity may be, teachers allow students to talk with their friends in the class. Some of your closest friends can be formed in a gym class.

With these close friends by your side in gym class, you can cool down and forget about your stressful day. Physical activity is a positive and healthy way to relieve stress. Gym class can be your opportunity to zone out and take a break from your academic schedule. Physical activity can be a way to boost your mood and help you feel better overall.

Some high schools, including Naperville Central, have done their best to place most students in a gym class at the beginning of the day. Working out at the beginning of the day wakes students up and preps the brain for a long day of classes. Studies have shown that student’s test scores have also improved when they participate in physical activity before taking the assessment.

Sophomore year, every student is required to take Health. As much as students dread this class, it may be the only place they can learn the information. Drug and alcohol awareness, nutrition plans, mental illness, and more health related topics are addressed in this class. Some students would not have been given this information without Health class. Learning CPR is also valuable for real life situations.

While gym may be dreaded by some students, it is important to recognize the reasoning behind why we have it. The effects of gym on socialization, stress relief, test scores, and real life lessons, are all extremely positive. The promotion of physical well-being in gym classes can prepare our generation for a long life of activeness and health.