When P.E Leaves the Pitch and enters the Office

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 12:46:31 +0000

Physical education, that dreaded subject that often leaves many a learner questioning their athleticism and overall competence.

The subject that many students fake illness to abscond,  that dreaded subject that many evade upon completion of school is slowly making its way into the working place.

Following recent pronouncements by stakeholders it is expected that by the end of the year nearly half of all corporate institutions will implement some sort of physical exercise for their employees to be carried out on a weekly basis.

This has been received with mixed reviews  from different parties involved as in as much as the benefits of  exercise may be understood by many some still find the proposal unnecessary, tedious and counterproductive. They believe the decision to exercise  is personal and must not be imposed on everyone.

They suggest that the hours spent exercising could easily translate into time and energy that could get more work done.

Opponents argue that in the past, the country has faired considerably well even despite mandatory physical  exercise.

They further argue that it is neither the government or employers role to scrutinize the fitness levels of employees suggesting it is reminiscent of George Orwell’s 1988 when Big Brother made certain citizens participate in monitored routine exercise sessions.

Despite this however, Physical exercise is slowly gaining momentum in the country, thanks to modern trends and western ideas on health, spirituality and overall well-being.

More and more  citizens are learning the importance of staying fit and burning away unhealthy calories in order to revitalize and detoxify the body.

This activity is not entirely new as it existed in the past in different forms.

Weather consciously or sub consciously our forefathers lived relatively active lives. Exercise is defined as an activity requiring physical effort carried out to sustain or improve health or fitness, in essence it can be any activity performed deliberately to add value to the body.

It has often been remarked how compared to the current generation, our predecessors lived longer and healthier lives. Many of them lived very simple lives lacking the conveniences we enjoy today. They often had to walk for long distances that accustomed their bodies to endurance and built strength while burning calories at the same time.

With the modern conveniences of today however , more and more people opt not to use their feet and would rather drive even the shortest distances all in a bid to stay comfortable.

Many of the comforts and luxuries of our generation act as a double edged sword; satisfying the vainest desires while killing the body  slowly. From the fat-fried fast food to the GMO’s and toxic ingredients used to make our favorite foods and beverages. Statistics show that trends in healthy eating drop by roughly 20% every year.

Our predecessors often worked a variety of jobs and hardly was a man or woman stationery in one position from dusk to dawn, they often kept busy with chores such as hunting, drawing water etc. with today’s white collars jobs however the latter is predominant thus leading to an unhealthy work and life ethic.

Despite the increase in life expectancy the country is enjoying, it is imperative that the country takes greater strides to  promote healthy living.

The introduction of physical  exercise to the work environment is expected to produce a ripple effect that will positively benefit all areas of society both on a personal and collective scale .

The productivity of a  workforce is proportional to the heath and well-being of individual workers, healthier employees contribute greater to national development . With several urban citizens employed In the formal sector, what better place to implement the idea.

Men and women from all walks of life will  receive an avenue for  stress-release. The benefits of  exercise are numerous and can result in maximum productivity for a company. Physical education is  a subject that must not only be taught at primary level  but rather  must be encouraged throughout life  past the confines of a playground or soccer pitch.

Exercise  acts positively on the body as it releases harmful toxins that cause illness and stress. Scientifically, exercise promotes the release of natural  feel-good hormones like dopamine  that reduces stress.

With mental stress among the lead causes for counter-productivity in the workplace, exercise will definitely provide an outlet for steam.

Exercise also promotes blood circulation, active bodies are healthier bodies. Like an engine that doesn’t run often, the body begins to malfunction and loose efficiency without  exercise. Exercise keeps both the mind and body active while improving agility, reflexes and promoting longevity.

Physical activity helps  keep the body in shape.

In a society plagued by the influx of junk  foods , exercise helps the body cut down on unnecessary fats allowing the build up of muscle and strength. The need to lead healthier lifestyles  has led to many citizens joining fitness classes and gyms as well as aerobics and Zumba classes.

Ideas on health and well-being are slowly changing in the country with many members of society taking it upon themselves to lead active lifestyles. A drive through the city in the early hours of the morning will reveal active citizens of all ages jogging around their neighborhoods.

For many corporate entities, the only time company exercise comes into play is during the infamous inter-company relays when evidently fatigued managers and C.E.Os.  run at the pace of good old tortoise before reaching the finish line.

In as much as we can’t all be Usain Bolt, we can each make active choices to change of lifestyles and lead healthier lives. Employees  and employers alike must be encouraged to  exercise and participate in health building activities.

Many people today still find themselves averted to exercise , perhaps as the result of Olympic attempts gone wrong ,or as a result of an overbearing P.E teacher maybe even as a result of the dreaded  primary  P.E ensemble  complete parachute styled shorts with knee high white socks and glittery takkies.

Exercise is an important aspect of life an must be embraced at all levels. Employees in various sectors of society must be involved in physical activity in order to not only better themselves but contribute to national development.  Healthy living does not necessarily require endless hours at the gym ;instead, smaller steps  like jogging a few times a week, taking a stroll to the market or grocery store instead of using a car , taking your dog for a walk, hand-washing some laundry or  playing a game of real-time soccer as opposed to fifa17 can make a big difference.

Health is a priceless asset, therefore it is cardinal that steps are taken to promote it in all areas of  life.

 The author is a journalist and writer currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass communication .For comments and contributions email davidmwengwe @yahoo.com