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With 600,000 people across Australia who have participated in aerobics at one point in time, it can be manifested that aerobics is one of the most marginalized sports within the country (Ausport, 2000). With such a marginalized sport, there are many stereotypes that are associated with just the word aerobics. This is explored through the survey that was conducted and was answered by the students at StAC. Many of the stereotypes that are believed in society are that aerobics is a sport dominated by females and that it more of a dance class. This report will evaluate the possible influences that have shaped students’ perceptions using Figueroa’s Framework and Maslow’s hierarchy. Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, and cardio-vascular fitness) (Balbach, 2013). It is usually performed to music and may be practiced in a group setting led by an instructor. It can clearly be seen that with music and a fitness instructor leading the class that many people may have these common stereotypes fulfilled. Figueroa’s framework explains the concepts of equity, access and equality through the 5 levels constructed by Professor Figueroa (Crossley, 2013). Another significant piece of evidence held in this report is Maslow’s hierarchy and is the theory involving the psychology of human development (Macleod, 2007). Figueroa’s framework -2.0 Figueroa framework refers to the framework developed by Professor Peter Figueroa and has been a useful tool in the investigation of issues surrounding equity, access and equality, in sport and physical activity. (Crossley, 2013) The framewor... ... middle of paper ... ...at aerobics is like to younger kids and not how it is seen through media outlets. Lastly, the clothing should be optional when performed at StAC as this will entice many more people who have self esteem or confidence issues or who just don’t like the traditional clothing worn in aerobics. . If these recommendations are acted upon than the engagement of not just males but females will advance within the following years. Conclusion – 4.0 As seen throughout the entire report it is evident that the perceptions held by StAC students are no different then the common stereotypes held by society towards aerobics. This has been done by examining each level of Figueroa’s framework as well as Maslow’s hierarchy and relating to the data collected by myself. If the recommendation’s stated earlier are implemented then these perceptions here at StAC will change for the better.
The book begins by explaining how important exercise and being active is to our health and well-being. The author then transitions into a story about Naperville Central High School. This high school was in the forefront of a revolutionary new concept that involved vigorous exercise of its students instead of a traditional gym class. This new approach stimulated new research on the brain, and the effects of exercise on the well being of our body and minds. After the introduction of the new fitness programs, the school’s students showed drastic increases in standardized tests, and on normal tests as well.
A course in the sociology of sport and physical activity should be part of an undergraduate curriculum in a kinesiology program because social issues that impact sports and athletes are often overlooked within kinesiology program despite playing an important role within sports. Kinesiology programs tend to focus on the impact of sport and importance of sport and physical activity and could use the insight that sociology of sport and physical activity can provide. The more we know about the social issues around sport and physical activity, and how to limit them, the more we can understand sport and how to improve it and the equality within it.
Standard 7- Understands that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction.
The Australian curriculum assessment and reporting authority (ACARA) contains high morals for valuing movement in the health and physical curriculum. Valuing movement is the third of the five propositions to deliver this commitment in the ACARA curriculum. Learning objectives have been situated to increase the participation of children in physical activity. It is to encourage ongoing participation throughout one’s life. Valuing movement focuses on students developing movement skills with confidence and competence. The Australian curriculum and reporting authorities, (2013) allows opportunities for students to enhance a range of social and personal skills, through chal...
Fagrell, B., Larsson, H., & Redelius, K. (2012). The game within the game: girls' underperforming position in Physical Education.Gender & Education, 24(1), 101-118. doi:10.1080/09540253.2011.582032
As it becomes increasingly acceptable for women to be athletic in American culture, a new question arises: in which sports should women be allowed to participate? From a physiological standpoint, it has been scientifically proven that female bodies do not differ significantly enough from male bodies to prevent them from participation in any "male" sports. This division between "male" and "female" sports clearly stems from age-old, socially constructed norms of femininity and masculinity. When women attempt to challenge these societal molds by participating in sports that are traditionally male, the intricate web of norms is disrupted. Like many other instances where traditional social constructions are tinkered with, individuals and communities are forced to reevaluate how they think about and categorize their surroundings. I would argue that women's participation in athletics, especially in non-traditional sports, is instrumental in breaking down stereotypes and social confines that have plagued women for centuries
Roberta Sassatelli, in her piece Fitness Culture: Gyms and the Commercialisation of Discipline and Fun, gives rise to this idea of a “gender-activity matrix” (pg. 74) within fitness centers. It is here that she point o...
One of the theories behind this gender inequality in athletics is due to the strict traditionalism of society. “Society does not like to see women in roles that go against the norm of what a woman ‘should be” (Rodriguez). A woman is expected to carry on traditional feministic traits that include being sexy, delicate, passive, graceful and essentially powerless. “Nowhere does the word ‘athletic’ appear on that list” (Rodriguez). These female athletes are not just exceeding in a sport that they play, they are tearing down the barriers that have always left women on the outside of the world of professional sports. The idea of a strong, athletic woman gives many people an uncomfortable feeling because it is not seen as an attractive trait or loyal to traditional characteristics. This unaccepted view of athletic women has led to unjust stereotyping. If they participate in a sport that is not perceived as feminine, women are often stereotyped as being lesbian. Women who do not fit the cultural definitions of femininity run the risk of being labeled a homosexual. Societal expectations are restrictive and seem to refuse to view the athletic talents of women as acceptable behavior.
Physical activity’s importance in the classroom is overlooked. Vianney’s students would benefit greatly from just the forty-five minutes of encore, if they were able to be physically active. In an
Proponents of physical education often contend their case with these and other similar arguments, but upon closer examination of the physical education system, its true use and effectiveness are highly questionable. Those who argue that physical education is integral to the nation’s health must reexamine the nation in which we live, a nation in which more than one-third of adults are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pennsylvanian legislation has mandated physical education since 1999, but since 1999, the adult obesity rate has risen by 11%. Regardless of the proponents’ claims, physical education is not having its intended effect on public health. (Note: I am not trying to suggest that physical education is deleterious to public health. I am just showing that physical education has done a negligible job promoting health). Furthermore, physical education consumes an entire class period of a student’s day, a class period which could be spent learning one of many highly important, pertinent 21st century subjects that the Common Core has inexplicably ignored: micro and macro economics, U.S.
Movement is one of the most highly debated topics among teachers today, as every individual has his/her own opinions in their teaching philosophy. Teachers must get around barriers caused by the high priorities of standardized testing and low effort to include movement in their classroom; therefore, it puts too much stress on the general education teachers. There are insufficient amounts of space to complete activities requiring movement when in a classroom; therefore, the teachers are incapable of safely navigating students around the room. Some students will refuse to participate in different physical activities, causing frustration when teachers are trying to plan full class activities, and this takes away from academic instruction. It is often that educators exclude these physical activities from the classroom due to stress that is put on the schools to perform higher academically; however, studies show exercise may be a large factor in the student’s performance. There are so many ways to incorporate movement into the lessons that increase the students’ academic achievements while motivating them. As space is limited in the classroom, during the warmer months, teachers can use the outdoors as an engaging experience to refresh the students’ minds and prepare them for new lessons. Physical activities can also be used to reinforce information that was previously taught during lessons to increase the student’s knowledge of the topic. Opinions vary from one person to another, but there is only one way to find the effects that exercise has on the student’s abilities. Physical activity should be incorporated into the classroom because it promotes cognition and academic achievement, improves student behavior and attitud...
As the saying goes “health is wealth”, a good health is as primary a need in human life as food, clothing, and shelter. Exercise plays a key role in achieving a good health. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, exercise can be defined as the “physical activity that is done in order to become stronger and healthier”. Scott Roeben, a humorist and creator of the award-winning humor Web site, Dribbleglass.com.Scott, in his article “The Case Against Exercise” states that the claim that exercise is a good and positive thing is a ludicrous claim and is the most destructive rumor among the rumors spread upon the humankind. He believes that exercise causes human suffering rather than promoting better health and a longer life and that the hazards
It is time to put the physical back into education. If the objective is to educate our students, shouldn’t the courses help maximize knowledge intake? Exercise is a great method to enhance brain cells and function, therefore the physical education courses must make a rally to truly maximize the student's’ potential. “Physical activity increases production of neurotransmitters that support learning readiness; oxygen flow, which facilitates healthy brain functioning, and the brain chemical BDNF, which enhances creation of neurons and synapses”(Conyers, 2015, p.68). Critics believe that a Physical Education class is unnecessary, leading to a decreasing interest and investment towards the subject. Others believe that physical activity leads to
Opponents of physical education in schools state that gym is not the best way to utilize students’ time. Students’ should be given the choice to participate in gym class or not because many students aren’t as athletic and don’t enjoy it enough to want to do it in school. Despite this downfall, PE is important in students’ life and even though some don’t enjoy it as much, they need it in order to be successful in life. If not, diseases and health risks could come up and it wouldn’t be robust. Ultimately, physical education provides superior benefits.
Equally, It is reported by a National Institute of Mental Health (n.d) panel that regular exercise can have a positive influence on anxiety and depression (Salmon, 2001). Similarly, Berman (2003) in Preventive Medicine magazine give more support to the link between regular exercise, anxiety, depression and personality. What is more, Atlantis and Kirby (2004) indicated that regular exercise can effectively improve mental health and enhance quality of life. These experts all suggest that regular physical activity could help relieving anxiety and depression, it also proves that regular exercise brings positive effect on mental health.