Around the US, gym class is a prominent subject in a school’s curriculum. Whether students love it or hate it, it’s bound to be talked about. After all, it could potentially be considered a free period, just some time to play fun sports with friends. Or, is it a period to dread, being forced to participate in sports and take the blame for losing the game because of one’s low skill level? It’s a current debate topic: should gym class be mandatory?

In the MBHS student body, a few seniors had something to say on this topic. Carlie Camarda, who’s quite sporty, believed that “gym should be a mandatory class because, for some people, it’s the only exercise they get.”

Sabrina Alirkan, who loathes gym, agreed with her, and added that “there should be a variety of options.”

Giselle Tecante, who’s pretty neutral about gym, said that “it’s important to stay active and what better place to learn than in school?”

Coach and athletic director, Mr. Friedman, said that “physical Education is, has been, and should always be, a cornerstone of formal education. Enrichment programs for the arts and athletics provide children an opportunity to become well rounded young adults.”

The general consensus in MBHS seemed to be that gym should be mandatory, but the current gym curriculum could be changed to better fit more of the students.

Three different gym classes are only available for seniors, the other grades have to either suffer or excel in regular gym for three long years.

According to an MSNBC investigation, “students are active for an average of just 16 minutes” in gym classes. In a class period that is only 45 minutes long, that isn’t a lot of active time.

On the other side, according to an article in Public School Review, “supporters [for physical education] argue that public schools have a responsibility to encourage children to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle … Activities that promote muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility, they argue, can help reverse the trend of American children gaining weight.”

Users on Debate.com argue that physical education is not part of a school’s job, “instead, it should be the parent’s job. Schools are for learning, not for physical education.” Physical education is pointless, according to some users.

While both sides of this debate show good points and have valid reasons for their thoughts, there’s no real answer. In this day and age, the conversation about gym class being mandatory is just a seminar waiting to happen in a classroom.