Growing up, I had the opportunity to participate in structured physical education (PE) classes. I distinctly remember later swapping school stories with friends and shocking them with the rigorous nature of PE in my elementary school. You did that in elementary school? The version of dodgeball we played is a story for another day. But for years I took for granted the gift that was. Those years formed how I would later move my body as an adult. It shaped what is now my comfort participating in physical activity and taking up exercise now (laziness aside) and my ability to take coaching and cueing well to perform exercises properly. It is clear to me now that not everyone received that gift.
When the conversation around keeping PE in schools comes up, the well-founded arguments often center around the mental benefits of physical activity. Proponents speak to how getting daily physical activity will make better students. The socio-emotional benefits, test score improvements, and on-task behavior are all great reasons to increase access to PE. I agree with all of that and yay for brain power! But isn’t it good to just move?
Can we as a society come to recognize that it is a good thing for kids to play just because play is good? That they should be learn to move their bodies now because it is good to move their bodies? That kids who are confident in their bodies grow up to be adults who are confident in their bodies? That physical health in and of itself is a good thing? Along with flexibility, mobility, strength, and fitness?
I am thankful that I received the gift of physical education as a child. I hope that we can make it so that more kids across the nation are able to receive that gift, to be empowered in their bodies and set up for a healthier and brighter future.
The Sideline Fix 
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