If we have to analyze the term of Physical Education we can see that it is composed of two clearly differentiated parts: the term "education" (referred to guide) and the term "physics" (referred to nature and science). Defining physical education at the outset is an arduous task, but it must be borne in mind that it is part of the educational process of every person. It focuses on the movement of the body to strengthen physical, cognitive and affective capacities, especially in youth. Thus, physical education for example can be an educational, recreational, social, competitive or therapeutic activity.
Due to the beneficial effects that physical education has for health, it is considered a compulsory subject in all primary and secondary schools due to its impact on comprehensive training, understanding such training as a continuous, permanent and participatory process whose objective is to develop harmonic and coherently all the dimensions of the human being (ethical, spiritual, cognitive, affective, communicative, aesthetic, corporal and social). It is clear that physical education is a very pleasant experience for young people where they can enjoy; hence the link that this subject has with the recreational and recreational.
Now, at what point in the history of humanity does the concept of physical education emerge as an important component in personal development? If we go back to prehistory, the practice of exercise was crucial for the survival of man. Later, for example, the Spartan civilization focused physical education as a means of preparing for war and combat. And in ancient Greece, the conception of the human as something separate from the soul is what urged to give a lot of importance to physical education, and it was then that many sports that are practiced until today were born, including, of course, the famous Games Olympians. And as for modern gymnastic sports, linked to athletics, such as dance, fencing, swimming, balance or horseback riding,emerged related to physical education. Later it is worth noting in terms of speed sports, cycling and motor racing, in which physical ability and mental speed are related to mechanical efficiency.
Therefore, in the educational system, we cannot focus on the school as the place where formal knowledge is transmitted, as it is also the place where values, abilities and competences related to the body and motor activity are transmitted. It is also true that physical education is not only limited to the practice of sports but also involves a reflection on the meaning and effects of motor activity as well as the adoption of healthy habits practiced regularly. The objective is to incorporate the habit of moving the body to keep it active, for which first it is necessary to know our body well and locate where the main muscles are located. Physical education is directly associated with food, a healthy and balanced diet, and an orderly life, eliminating excesses, to achieve healthy development.
However, encouraging young people to mobility in the face of passivity is an increasingly complex task, because with new technologies children tend to adopt a sedentary attitude, choosing to stay, and increasingly from younger ages, in front of screens. and video games, and what is worse, locked away at home away from sports activities. Before the rise of the technological age, children played, exercised, and played outdoor sports on the street without adult supervision.
Now, we can affirm two things; First, that physical education appears in front of other classes where the child adopts a totally passive role. And second, the fact of considering physical education more as something compulsory than as a fundamental element in the training of children and young people.
Regarding the benefits and advantages of physical and sports activity, we can verify that it prevents diseases, allows us to get to know our body, in addition to introducing ourselves to teamwork, not only agreeing rules with the opposing team, but also acquiring values and recognizing the effort of one team and another.
Physical education is interrelated with other knowledge, such as mathematics (when dealing with distances), physics (the force imposed on a mobile and its direction), art (when many sports are related to aesthetics) and also with music (when sports have a great sense of rhythm.
It is important to emphasize that the practice of physical education is not only a matter for children and young people but also for adults. But the sad reality is that sedentary lifestyle has expanded as well as the increasingly long working day, which means a lot of physical inactivity, often adopting the same position either sitting in front of a computer or standing behind a counter;and it is essential to change the position, so young and not so young adults should be recommended to dedicate part of their time to practicing some type of physical activity, always taking into account, of course, their abilities and limitations. But how does physical activity benefit them? By reducing hypertension, strokes and diabetes, as well as reducing the risk of hip or spinal fracture, and of course, it helps maintain weight. That is why our elders should feel motivated to go to the multiple institutions that offer gymnastics, yoga classes, etc.
In conclusion, the practice of physical and sports education should be carried out regularly, leaving the comfort zone for a few hours (at home sitting in the armchair in front of the television, computer or mobile phone). This is valid for people of all ages as it represents a benefit for physical, mental and social health. Physical activity coupled with healthy eating is the key to living longer and better. For all this we must bet on mobility versus passivity.
