Chat with us, powered by LiveChat How Physical Education in Schools Benefits Students
Contact an Expert: 800-526-4677
Buying Guide

How Physical Education in Schools Benefits Students

How Physical Education in Schools Benefits Students

Physical Education in Schools Boosts Academic Performance

The benefits of physical education in schools are far-reaching, including both increased student physical health and better academic performance. Conversely, a lack of physical activity among youth is known to increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. By promoting physical education (P.E.) in schools, educators are in a prime position to help students establish life-long healthy behavior patterns and boost scholastic success.

Physical Activity Benefits

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 60 minutes of daily physical activity for youth aged 6–17 years, while research shows that behavior habits established during childhood often prevail into adulthood. Regular physical activity during youth is known to have the following benefits:


  • Builds healthy bones
  • Improves strength and endurance
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Helps control weight/reduces the risk of obesity
  • Improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Reduces feelings of depression
  • Boosts self-esteem
  • Promotes psychological well-being

Effects of Physical Education on Learning

In addition, physical education in schools has been shown to have positive effects upon learning, including:


  • Increased concentration
  • Increased attentiveness in class
  • Better grades
  • Better behavior

Student Participation in P.E. Classes

Yet despite the inherent rewards, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that participation in physical education classes among students has been steadily declining, with only 24% of grade 12 students attending physical education classes, down from only 41% of grade 9 students. This is especially troubling given that insufficient physical activity is one of the top health risk behaviors contributing to adolescent and teenage death and injury, along with tobacco, drug, and alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and injurious/violent behaviors.

On the positive side, research studies show that a mere 20 minutes of walking affects brain functioning, helping to stimulate students’ minds and improve academic success. Not only has a strong correlation been found between high fitness scores and high academic scores, but children who participate in P.E. are more likely to remain active during after-school hours.

How to Promote Physical Education in Children

The following are some of the ways educators can promote physical education both inside and outside the classroom:


  • Incorporate classroom-based physical activities
  • Encourage physical activities during recess
  • Provide physical education taught by a qualified PE teacher to all students
  • Invest in athletic and gym equipment
  • Sponsor school sports teams
  • Promote interscholastic sports
  • Share community sports facilities
  • Work with communities to provide after-school physical activity programs for children and teens

The old adage that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ puts the obligation directly on school health programs to reduce the incidence of student risky behaviors and increase the odds of academic success by promoting physical education at all grade levels. Investing in students’ physical health today will allow them to reap the rich rewards far into the future.

Facebook Twitter
All Guides
LiveChat Button