The argument of whether physical education classes should be made mandatory to all pupils at all schools remains contentious. While some advocate for obliging all students to actively participate in sports by refering to the associated mental and physical benefits, others argue that some individuals, particularly those with underlying health problems, must be exempted from performing extrenuous physical activities. Ultimately, I would maintain that case-by-case exemptions must be given to students with specific medical conditions.
It is undoubtedly true that physical activity leads to several mental and physical benefits to human beings. In fact, sound research supports the relation between regular exercise and improved overall health. In the case of school children, the advantages of being physically active are numerous. Firstly, physical activity improves academic performance. For example, kids become more receptive to new information during classes and exhibit increased concentration levels. Second, physical activity has been associated with the duration and quality of sleep: students who are regularly active often sleep for longer periods and wake up less at night. These advantages highlight the importance of adding sports classes to school curricula.
Nevertheless, many people have counterindications preventing them from following certain workout routines. In fact, the drawbacks of exercise might outweigh the benefits for some individuals. A relevant example is people with preexisting heart conditions. For instance, students with heart arrhythmias and valvular defects might be advised against working out by their healthcare professionals. Moreover, people with lung conditions such as asthma could be better off without running for extended periods of time. Therefore, while sports classes should be mandatory to healthy individuals, exemptions must be awarded to individuals with medical conditions.
In conclusion, while the multiple health benefits of exercise warrant consideration concerning the necessity of making sports compulsory at school, I personally believe that special accommodations must be made to certain students after performing an extensive evaluation of their health status. Individuals with medical conditions and a note from an eligible healthcare provider should be granted exemptions from all or selected activities.