A recent U.S study showed adult attitudes about exercise are deeply affected by memories of school gym classes. Positive or negative memories of enjoyment of Phys Ed were the most substantial correlates of present day attitudes and intentions for physical activity. Almost one fifth of respondents said they experienced a lack of enjoyment in gym class and more than one third reported feeling embarrassed by their experiences in those classes. However, they say today’s school children are not having the same gym experiences as their parents. Phys Ed classes are now more likely to emphasize group games that spotlight teamwork instead of individual performances and to focus on lifelong fitness activities and health awareness. I do remember looking forward to Phys Ed class, or PE as it was sometimes referred to, when I was in school. It was a nice break from sitting at a desk listening to a teacher or working on an assignment. It was fun doing things in the gym or outside in nice weather. I may be a bit prejudiced because as I have said in a previous talk, I had thoughts of becoming a Phys Ed teacher when I was in high school. The aforementioned study is American and was of adults 18-45 spread across 46 states. I haven’t researched what we are doing in Phys Ed classes in our schools but one would hope the aims are the same when it comes to focusing on fitness for life and awareness of what needs to be done to maintain good health.
That’s Coffeetalk. I’m Vic Dubois.