According to livestrong.com, out of the 4,000 teenagers interviewed, almost half were sedentary- meaning that they rarely, if ever, exercise. Exercise helps build strong muscles and joint while also providing IQ benefits. A healthy amount of exercising is correlated with a higher IQ level. In addition, exercising regularly also increases confidence levels, self-worth, and happiness.

According to cdc.gov, the Center for Disease Control’s website, the percentage of kids in the U.S. ages six to eleven who are obese has more than doubled, from seven percent in 1980, to 18 percent  in 2012. The percentages of children ages 12-19 who were obese has quadrupled, from five percent in 1980 to 21 percent in 2012.

The CDC also states that obese youth are more likely to have cardiovascular problems including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5 to 17 year olds who were obese, over 70 percent of those children had one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Obese youth are also more likely to have prediabetes, a condition which affects the blood glucose levels. Obese children and adolescents are put at a greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems involving poor self-esteem.

“By offering summer classes for physical education it allows students to meet the requirements during summer so they can focus on academics during the school year. It’s a good thing because it exposes students to different types of workouts and gets them interested in exercise. It’s placing kids out of their comfort zones, which will prepare them for college life,” says Dave Bechtel, a teacher and football coach at Arrowhead High School.

In 2011, a survey was conducted by Healthy People 2020, an organization ran by the National Office for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The organization concluded that one out of every ten high school students gets enough exercise. The government defines “sufficient amount of exercise” as 60 minutes of aerobic fitness per day, along with three to four days a week of muscle and strength training. The study also showed that the students who were at the most risk for inactivity were female, obese, and upperclassmen.

According to the Wisconsin Statute section 121.02 and Wisconsin Administrative Code section PI 8, high school students must complete a minimum of three years of physical education classes, taken over three separate years. Skills that are obtained over high school physical education classes include: choosing to be physically active, assessing and improving upon personal health behaviors, and setting goals for an active lifestyle.

“In the summer we offer three different physical education classes, as well as two to three different times for each of those classes.” Says Dave Bechtel.

Over twelve million children and teens across the U.S. are overweight, according to dosomething.org. In the last 30 years, the obesity rate has tripled. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation study in 2010, the average teenager spends 11 hours on technology per day.

“I believe it’s very important to exercise regularly. I’m involved in cross country in the fall, gymnastics in the winter, and track in the spring. I rarely have down time, but that’s the way I like it. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, and I’ve met so many great people through my involvement in sports,” says Tiana Rohe, a varsity athlete at AHS.