In light of the current situation worldwide, certain benefits of physical activity may be specifically pertinent to the COVID-19 Pandemic. These benefits are :
- Physical activity enhances immune function and reduces inflammation, it could therefore reduce the severity of infections.
- Physical activity improves common chronic diseases that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 (i.e. Cardiovascular Disease, Diseases).
- Physical activity is a great stress management tool through reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Physical activity helps bring cortisol levels in balance – Stress and distress (such as during a pandemic) creates an imbalance in cortisol levels and this negatively influences immune function and inflammation.
What kids need from PE
Physical education provides kids with more than just exercise, which is why activities like marching band and even team sports are, in my view, a poor substitute.
In elementary school, PE should mainly support the development of fundamental motor skills, such as jumping, kicking, throwing and catching, which are essential for a wide range of activities, such as most team sports, dance and gymnastics. Children who have mastered these skills are more physically active than those who haven’t.
Middle and high school PE programs should focus on keeping kids motivated to stay active. Because adolescents are more motivated to be physically active when they feel like they’re in control of their learning, giving them a say in terms of what they do matters. Since different kids have different interests, the PE curriculum should span not only team sports, but also activities that require fewer participants, such as tennis and golf.
Students at all levels of instruction should have opportunities to develop their physical activities especially their aerobic endurance, muscular strength and flexibility.
Physical activity is a behavior and physical fitness is a condition. Neither are synonymous with physical education but a good PE program will help bring about both.
