Physical education. These words are the banes of today’s stationary society of teens parked in front of their laptops, Xboxes, and TV’s. I know because I am one of them.

In middle and elementary school, gym was the worst class I was forced to go to. Recess, now that was insanely fun. Gym? Not so much.

How many of you remember the physical fitness test? What about the wonderfully grueling mile run?

I was so relieved freshman year when gym and health teacher Adolf Pons informed my class that there would be no mile run or chin-ups. The class, instead, consisted of spontaneous badminton, volleyball, and “pillow polo” games.

Gym transformed from one of my most hated classes into one I looked forward to. I could relax and just have fun for once without being concerned about being the best.

Gym doesn’t need to be a formal class, but what about it being an elective offered after freshman year? One that’s not just offered to seniors?

I remember the envy we felt whenever we would walk into the gym and the seniors were simply hanging out there playing basketball.

It’s a well-known fact that the majority of Americans are overweight or don’t exercise as much as they should. Even First Lady Michelle Obama is making a stand when she made childhood obesity her “pet project.”

Why not have other options that require us creatures that hide in our rooms to leave the building, go outside, and do some form of physical activity?

I suggest that we have a walking class offered in the spring. Have a teacher take a group of students out for two mods and walk the campus. This class would be a great chance for us to relax and spend time with our friends while getting exercise.

Dance for Fitness is a great example of a class that’s not just a gym class. What about having a yoga class instead of a yoga club? A weight-lifting class would be extremely helpful and informative so that the people who don’t take sports can have a chance to use the weight room and know how not to severely injure themselves when pumping some iron.

Gym class doesn’t need to be a sweaty, gross, and required activity. It can be something that is fun, healthy, and dare I say it, enjoyable. All we need to do is add a little variety for the students who don’t want to join a team, but still want to get some exercise.

Alexandra Dunn can be reached for comment at [email protected]