Physical Education – Meaning and Importance

Physical education is a type of lesson that can be learned in schools. However, rather than involving sitting in a classroom all the time, physical education (which is also known as PE) is all about getting active and exercising.

Meaning
In short, physical education is about learning to exercise. It might involve playing a team sport such as rugby with your classmates, or it might involve aerobic activity. There may also be a theoretical element to physical education, as students might also learn about muscles groups and proper nutrition. However, as its name indicates, physical education is very much about physical movement.

For instance, a physical education lesson might involve a soccer match. Or, it might involve an hour of aerobics with a break in the middle. PE lessons ought to be tailored to suit the age and needs of the children who are studying physical education. For example, younger children cannot be expected to run the very long distances that older teenagers can as they do not have the stamina.

Physical education lessons should always be empowering. Though some sports do have an element of competition to them, it is crucial to ensure that all of the participants are having fun. Thus, good sportsmanship is one of the vital lessons that children will learn in physical education lessons.

A good physical education session will leave kids feeling strong, energized and confident that they are good at whichever sport or physical activity they are engaging in. It will leave them feeling totally ready for the next session.

Why is physical education important?
It is so important to get at least 20 minutes of exercise on average every day. Scheduling physical education into the school day makes it so much easier to get the exercise that your body needs. It also means that children get into good habits regarding exercise from an early age, habits which they can carry into adulthood.

Physical education is also important because it teaches skills such as team playing, mutual support and also practically teaches kids how to play various sports.

What is more, PE lessons can be the place where the great athletes of the future can be discovered Many PE teachers will encourage their best athletes to try out for regional events, and that may ultimately lead to that athlete competing at a national and then international level.

Even if a child is not an amazing athlete, though, PE will leave them feeling more confident about their body: strong, flexible and dynamic. Physical education can be enjoyed by absolutely everyone, at all levels. Physical activity leaves you feeling great both mentally and physically: people who exercise more generally feel more positive about their life than do people who have a more sedentary lifestyle.

Communities can come together through physical education. You can get involved, too, by setting up a sports club or volunteering to help out with physical education. PE can also take place after school or in the community away from the school.