Time spent on physical education is being reduced in schools to give students more time to focus on core courses like science, math, and reading. Some districts have eliminated the course or do not even provide it. These courses, although very important, must not compromise the well-being of the student. Physical education provides the foundation for a student's future lifestyle and good health habits. Physical education should be treated like any other core course because it is a necessary part of a student's lifestyle that he or she will benefit from every day. Physical education provides: 1) a variation of motor skills aimed at improving physical, mental, social and emotional development, 2) an understanding to improve and maintain one's physical well-being, and 3) opportunities to advance by developing social and cooperative skills by acquiring at the same time a multicultural perspective. Physical education provides a variation of motor skills aimed at improving physical, mental, social and emotional development. Obesity statistics from 2009 quantified that childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since 1980, and in addition to chronic disease concerns, the incidence of overweight and obesity has even led to lower levels of academic achievement ( Taras & Potts-Datema, 2005). Furthermore, to teach students the importance of preventing these disorders, those who object to the amount of time devoted to physical education or want to eliminate it altogether should reconsider the issue. Instead, the time devoted to physical education should be equal to that of core subjects. Physical education can also help children in the classroom. The physical educator may incorporate mathematics or science into his or her lessons. If they jump rope, they can skip counting... middle of the paper... different sports and activities from various cultures. Good sportsmanship makes students respect each other and makes lessons and activities more fun. If students perform some skills better than others, then they may help those who have not yet mastered the skill. This helps with the social aspect of physical education. Working in cooperative groups allows students to develop strategies—strategies that will help knock down the castle or pass the ball five times before they can score in an activity. In conclusion, the time students spend in a physical education class should not be reduced or eliminated entirely. As I have already said, physical education class is as necessary as reading, writing and arithmetic. Everyone deserves the chance to live a long, healthy life, and education is the key to this success.