Mandatory Physical Fitness for University Students?

           Mandatory fitness might not seem very appealing to some of you. People usually do not like to be forced and they like to do things when they want to. Every person has their own exercising routine and some schools are forcing the students to come out to the gym and work out certain days instead of letting themselves be responsible for their own fitness. The schools are highly encouraging these rules with some good reasons but some of the students are thinking differently and going against them. Let’s see what there own opinions are!

           There are a couple beneficial results from getting exercise. First, researchers have proven that physically fit students do better in school and it has shown that it is due to the blood flow that helps their brain work better. The amount of blood and oxygen that goes into the brain increases which leads to decrease of stress and better mood. Who would like to do work when they are in a grumpy mood? Moreover, having physical activity before studying is proven to help students focus on their work for a longer period of time. A lot of students get distracted by other things around them and eventually fool around, talk to their neighbours, fiddle around with their pencils and more. These work habits are commonly seen from many students in any grade but physical activity prevents the students from showing these bad work habits which is perfect. Therefore, the quality of their work and their overall work habits would be much better if they concentrate and focus. And here comes the reason that everyone gives on why they should exercise…it should be mandatory because they can keep in shape and be fit through out their lives. Once they’re used to the routine, there would be a high chance of continuing them even when they do not go to school. It’s important to be fit because if they aren’t, they will be a lot sicker which could affect their school career. These reasons clearly prove why it should be mandatory for students to get physical fitness. 

           Along with the persuasive reasons on why students should go to the gym, now it’s from the students perspectives. It sounds like the schools’ opinion is perfectly reasonable but the students’ opinions are a whole different story. They do realize that going to the gym is very beneficial for them but the argument is… do they need to FORCE them? The issue is that, they are in university and they are clearly adults now so therefore, they could be responsible for their own fitness and health. They aren’t little children who have to be reminded and watched. They can decide what’s healthy and beneficial for their health and control certain food they eat and get the right amount of exercise rather than trying to follow what everyone else does. Everyone has different routines and they know what the best is for them. Moreover, it is unfair for the BCIT students because they are the only students that come out for exercise when they could have other plans and things they could do. The reason is because there are stereotypes that think that computer programmers always sit in front of the computer with nerdy glasses and never get off of their chairs. The students disagree on this and in fact, a lot of them work out on their own time several times a week even when they aren’t forced to. Surprisingly, students who study different subjects could be not getting enough exercise than the BCIT students. Many people watch TV, go on computers, and play with their phones for a long period of time. Furthermore, they are forced to go to the gym at 8:30am sharp and when they arrive, they don't give any specific instructions and they make them do any exercise. That wouldn’t be fun at all. Who would want to work out in the morning with bags under their eyes without any certain instructions? People would probably lack off. The BCIT students can’t even skip or miss their gym periods because it affects their mark if they do. Basically, the whole point of going to the gym is to check their name off of the attendance list and just stand there not knowing what to do.    
      

           Therefore, there are pros and cons of making it mandatory for students to go to the gym and get physical fitness. Everyone has their own opinions but personally, I support the students because I never like being forced to do certain things. Even if I don’t get forced to go to the gym and get exercise, I can jog around the neighbourhood in my free time quickly every day or so. The school is making a big deal out of it and it’s honestly up to themselves whether they want to get some exercise or not. People have different ways and routines and it seems like the school is caring beyond their school career. To meet the students expectations and needs, the school could help arrange times that work for most students and let it be optional for students whether they want to come work out or not depending on their schedules. Even though I get the point of this mandatory rule, I wish that the school would be a bit more thoughtful and listen to the students’ opinions and try to work it out for everyone so there aren’t or not many complaints.

Sources I used:

http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/03/12/health-news-you-wont-want-to-sit-down-for/#more-244421

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120102180846.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128113246.htm

http://www.academica.ca/top10/stories/1570

http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2012/04/20/mandatory-gym-ctrl-alt-delete/