Zippy-The-Pinhead wrote:
First off, I agree there are some psychological benefits to those who enjoy gym class. However, there were always several kids (many obese)for which forced participation in a sporting activity was pure torture. I also don't buy into the idea that 45 minutes (at most) of P.E. does much to eliminate obesity when bad eating habits still exist (particularly in many parts of the south). Finally, I think you've drawn a false correlation between lack of recess to bad grades. Of the numerous factors to poor academic performance I would guess lack of P.E. is way down the list.
1)45 minutes of exercise per day makes a huge difference in anyone's life. There is plenty of evidence to suggest this. Further, in an area where there are good playgrounds, gym class and recess, most children would likely get more than 45 minutes of exercise per day. In areas where none of these exist, you get towns that have 90% obesity rates among their children, who also show early symptoms of heart disease and other health problems.
2)You forwarded the demonstrably false dichotomy between academics and physical activity. I merely pointed out the two complement one another.
3)I agree that some obese kids often find competitive sports intimidating and unpleasant. That's why some forward-thinking schools have used stationary bikes and other individually-oriented, non-competitive strategies to encourage physical activity among students who are interested in this approach. The results I've heard about suggests the programs work. To encourage sedentary behavior among obese children is the equivalent of greasing their downward path into an early grave.
4)Of course one must take a holistic approach to physical health. No one has said otherwise.
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Antonio Gramsci wrote:
The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.
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