Every day, a group of students is seen walking up the stairs after first period, still catching their breath after PE. Their shirts are drenched in sweat, their backpacks feel heavier than usual, and the early-morning energy that filled the gym has already begun to fade into tiredness. For many students, the transition from running laps or playing sports in the gym to stationary sitting in a classroom can feel abrupt. Scenes like this have sparked debate over whether reforming the system is necessary to meet students’ academic and physical needs.
Proponents of first period PE contend that PE is one of the best ways to begin the day. For those who have difficulties waking up early in the morning, physical activity can allow them to feel more energized and alert heading into their next academic classes. Exercising early can also boost energy levels and potentially help students feel more prepared to focus throughout the rest of the school day.
“Research shows that exercise in the morning increases blood flow to the brain, boosts alertness, and can improve focus and mood for the rest of the school day,” Ross Atkins, high school PE teacher, said. “It can also help students manage stress and build healthy routines, which is why many adults intentionally schedule their workouts early in the morning.”
Advocates of this system also enjoy the fact that they can “get over with” PE early in the day and clear up the rest of their schedule to shift their attention to other subjects without worrying about a physically demanding class later.
“While it may not sound as appealing at first, I really think first period PE allowed me to let off some steam in the morning,” Ian Kim (10), first period PE student, said. “All the stress that builds up from the previous day can have a really detrimental effect on students, and I think PE is the perfect way to deal with it in a healthy and physical way.”
On the other hand, not all students share a similar level of enthusiasm about starting their day in the gym. Those against first period PE believe that intense levels of physical activity very early in the morning can make it difficult to focus in subsequent classes. If a student has a summative or presentation later that day, the exhaustion from running, stretching, or playing sports may lead to reduced concentration and slow cognitive processing during important academic moments.
“One of the biggest challenges is that students arrive at school at different levels of readiness; some are fully awake while others are still adjusting to the day,” Mr. Atkins said. “Ideally, everyone could choose their preferred time, but realistically, that’s not possible in a school schedule with limited spaces. Timetables have to balance many classes, subjects, and facilities across the whole day.”
Others suggest issues that are more tangible, such as lingering sweat or body odor before the school day has fully begun, which make students feel uncomfortable sitting in confined classrooms for the rest of the morning.
“I used to dread the very thought of moving my body at 8 a.m.,” Chris Ahn (11), former first period PE student, said. “What made this especially difficult was sitting in a classroom feeling fatigued, not knowing whether my sweat was causing discomfort among my classmates.”
Moreover, students’ muscles and joints are often stiff after waking up, meaning their bodies could potentially not be fully prepared for arduous exercise. Therefore, some students assert that early morning workouts can lead to soreness, fatigue, or even minor injuries, raising concerns as to whether this schedule truly benefits everyone. As the administration continues to balance academic performance with student well-being, the debate over first period PE shows that certain schedules may not equally meet the needs of every student.
