UNIT I

AN INTRODUCTION TO
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
 HISTORY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
How it began
The brief history of physical education would start in just
about 1820 when schools focused on gymnastics, hygiene
training and care and development of the human body. By
the year 1950, over 400 institutes had introduced majors in
physical education. The Young Men's Christian Association
launched its very first chapter in 1851 and focused on
physical activities. Colleges were encouraged to focus on
intramural sports particularly track, field and football.
But physical education became a formal requirement
following the civil war when many states opted to
pass laws that required schools to incorporate a
substantial physical education component into their
curriculums. But it was not till 1970 that an
amendment was made to the Federal Education Act
that allowed women from high school and college to
compete in athletic competitions. Sex-based
discrimination was completely outlawed from
government funded programs at this point.
 Decline in Physical Education

But this is not meant to imply that the history of physical education
has been all rosy. Late in the twentieth century there was certainly a
decline in the commitment to physical education. The growing
offering of extra subjects and electives in schools means that the shift
was focusing away from physical education and towards academics.
The country also faced a recession around 1970 and 1980 and the
dearth of government funding means that physical education
programs were often the first to be cut from schools and universities.
 The Modern Age
But recent awareness of the need for balanced curriculums
particularly given the national concern over the state of obesity
and children's attention towards non-physical activities like video
games has brought physical education back in the spotlight. The
government has re-signaled its commitment to physical education
by making it mandatory in public schools in early classes.
 But it remains an elective at the high school level. One of the
most interesting developments in the history of physical
education has been how the definition of physical education has
evolved. While it only encompassed traditional sports in the
beginning, it now includes several less physical activities such as
yoga and meditation which are considered critical to helping
students develop a sense of control in such a stressful age .
What is Physical Education?
 it is an integral part of the school curriculum designed to
promote the total development of individual’s physical,
mental, social and emotional aspects through physical
activities.

Activities included in the program are designed to promote physical

fitness, to develop motor skills, to instill knowledge and
understanding of rules, concepts and strategies and to teach
students work as part of a team, or as individuals, in a wide variety
of play-like and competitive activities.
IMPROVED PHYSICAL FITNESS
Physical education helps an individual to
develop muscular strength, flexibility,
muscular endurance, body composition, and
cardiovascular endurance that can be used
in their everyday life.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Physical Education helps to develop
the motor abilities of an individual
which can be useful in every physical
activities they do.
REGULAR
HEALTHFUL
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical Education is a form
of recreational activities,
which an individual can
engage themselves to
maintain a healthy body.
SUPPORT OF OTHER SUBJECT AREAS
Physical Education also helps the other
subjects in the school curriculum as they
apply and use their body as they apply
different theories and skills in the
different subject areas.
SELF- DISCIPLINE
Through Physical Education, an
individual develops self- discipline as
he/ she engage into different physical
activities and learn positive attitudes
and behaviors.
IMPROVED
JUDGEMENT
Physical Education is not
only confined with the Physics
development of an individual,
but it also helps an individual
to develop a positive attitude
in life and experiences.
STRESS REDUCTION
Involvement of a person into
different physical activities
can help an individual to
reduce stress and enjoy every
physical activity.
STRENGTHENING STUDENT RELATIONSHIP
Physical Education is a perfect venue for
students to socialize with one another as
they engage in different activities as they
develop cooperation, teamwork and positive
attitude.
IMPROVED SELF-CONFIDENCE
AND SELF-ESTEEM
Individuals who engage into different
physical activities are more confident as
they master the different skills needed and
develop their self-esteem.
EXPERIENCE SETTING
GOALS
An individual has an
opportunity to set his/ her
own goal on how to achieve a
healthy and fit body.
 THE OBJECTIVES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The goal of Physical education is to assist the learner to

develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle that can be
achieved through the acquisition of knowledge, desirable
habits and attitudes, game and dance skills and wholesome
interpersonal relationships.

The objectives of Physical Education are focused on the

four aspects of developments namely;
 Physical Development
Physical fitness, which is the capacity of the body to
engage in work and play without undue fatigue, is the
foremost aim of physical education. This is achieved
through regular exercise and participation in varied
vigorous activities. In the pursuit of the development and
maintenance of physical fitness, fundamental movement
skills, games, sports and dance skills are acquired which
can increase one’s capability to enjoy life-time
recreational pursuits.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Through participation of an individual in
different Physical activities, they have the
opportunities for the development of
desirable social traits needed for
adjustment to the social life in general.
Some of the worthwhile characteristics;
friendliness, cooperation, respect for the
rights of others, good sportsmanship, good
leadership and fellowship, honesty in the
group competition, etc.
Emotional Development
Participating in varied physical
activities enables one to acquire pleasant
attitudes, desirable habits, appreciations
and values. Positive character traits such
as courage, self- confidence, discipline,
appreciation for beautiful performances,
as well as self- expression are developed
and become part of an individual’s way of
life.
 MENTAL DEVELOPMENT
Through participation in Physical Education
activities, the individual develops his/ her mental
capacities as he/she learns the mechanical
principles underlying movements, acquires
knowledge and understanding on rules and
strategies of games and sports, and discover ways of
improving the movements in gymnastics and dances.
LEARNING ACTIVITY
Make a reflection on the importance of physical education in your
course and in school and what physically educated person should
possess? Give some health benefits of exercise and physical activity
in your daily task.