We know gym class promotes physical fitness and encourages kids to live actively. But many educators also focus on the mental benefits of exercise for students.
Physical exertion causes the brain to produce endorphins, which can improve mood and outlook. Students can then go into their other classes feeling happier and more relaxed.
Improved Sleep
Many people are intimidated by gym classes, but there’s nothing to fear. Exercise can improve your sleep, benefiting you in the long run.
Physical exertion during exercise increases body heat and depletes energy, both stimulating restorative processes during sleep. Studies have shown that aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises can improve sleep quality, though avoiding exercising too close to bedtime is essential.
Since Kirkland gym class will likely make you sweat, it’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes for each day or, even better, practice changing quickly outside of the locker room at home. This will prevent you from getting caught off guard in the locker room.
Increased Self-Esteem
Others regard physical education to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of their day, while some despise it and view it as a waste of time. The positive atmosphere and socialization that occurs during gym class can have a significant impact on mental health in the long run.
A well-taught gym class can teach kids a lifelong pattern of physical fitness. This, in turn, can increase a student’s self-esteem and body image.
Less daunting classes can be achieved by approaching them with the appropriate mindset and preparation. Students ready for a phys ed class can avoid awkward situations like being measured by their gym teacher in front of their peers, making them feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.
Increased Coordination and Flexibility
Kids who participate in a variety of PE activities can strengthen their coordination. Skills learned in gym class, like throwing and catching a ball, swinging a bat, or aiming a bow and arrow, can all increase kids’ coordination and flexibility.
Physical exertion during gym class can also trigger endorphin production. These feel-good hormones can help boost students’ moods and outlooks, making them more positive throughout the rest of their school day.
Keeping students interested in gym classes is essential. That’s why many schools try to level the playing field by mixing things up every two to three weeks, offering new sports options like pickleball. They also provide “free-day Fridays” where students can choose their sports. This allows students to practice leadership and decision-making and build teamwork skills.
Endorphin Production
Taking a gym class can help to increase your endorphin production. These are feel-good brain chemicals that relieve pain and cause a euphoric feeling.
When you attend a group exercise session, you can see people go from dreary expressions to exuberant fireballs when class ends. They started the workout, barely able to crawl into the room, and by the end, you could practically feel their energy rising.
Besides exercise, other things that boost your endorphins include laughing until it hurts, playing with your pet, listening to music, eating spicy food, and acupuncture (just kidding about the last one). Group fitness classes are an excellent option for those who want to maximize their endorphin release because they are social, fun, challenging, and affordable.
Increased Socialization
If you are like many people, you recall a time when you had gym class. Although movies often portray physical education, well-taught gym classes provide students with regular exercise.
They also help kids develop coordination and flexibility that they can put to use their whole lives. Moreover, these skills may encourage them to pursue dance and gymnastics, which are great social activities.
While playing sports in school may cause occasional skirmishes, a good teacher can guide children in learning how to interact with one another healthily. They can also learn the value of teamwork and the joy of victory and defeat, a skill that will serve them well later in life.
