Illustration of a gym teacher juggling different sports gear with multiple hands

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Should Kids Have Gym Class Every Day?

January 30, 2023

Last August, students in the Austin Independent School District in Texas started spending more time in the gym. Austin public elementary students used to have physical education (P.E.) class once or twice per week. Now Austin schools require a 45-minute P.E. class every day.

Some school officials point out that daily gym classes help kids get the exercise they need. To stay healthy and strong, kids should get at least 60 minutes of exercise each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But experts say many kids don’t get that amount. They say that more time in gym class can help students meet exercise goals. Plus, doctors say physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety.

But others argue that, even though physical fitness is important, schools should focus on more essential subjects. They say having P.E. class every day takes too much time away from math, reading, and science.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

At my school, we have gym twice a week. But I think having it daily is a great idea. Gym helps me to be a team player because we play group sports. It also helps me to be a better cheerleader. In gym, we do stretches to increase flexibility and push-ups to build strength.

Experts say being active daily helps improve memory and concentration. After gym, I feel energized. I’m able to focus better and finish my work, which helps me stay on the honor roll.

Having gym class five days a week would be exhausting. Plus, we would lose time for reading and writing. Writing is my favorite subject, and it’s what makes me feel most successful.

Besides, sometimes we play the same games over and over in gym class. There are other ways to get exercise. Some students are involved in sports after school or on the weekends. I stay active during recess by using the swings and ropes, and by playing four corners.