Blog #9 Argument & Counter-Argument

Argument

The stress levels of students are now being taken very seriously today as the importance of mental health has skyrocketed. Exercise is often misconceived as only beneficial physically however it is just as beneficial psychologically. The article, Exercise and Mental Health, by D.M.W. de Coverley Veale highlights the importance of exercise as a therapeutic experience. With the burden of doing well in college, students can easily find themselves discouraged or depressed. The article highlights the psychological benefits of exercise and how it can be used as a form of therapy. Although colleges already provide mental health services, there is a stigma around seeking outside help as "weak" or "shameful". This strays students away from seeking help but can be very helpful. The research provides information that exercise does indeed hold therapeutic properties to relieve stress levels. Courses having students exercise could have them benefit physically as well as psychologically. Overall, it would be an avenue for students to access an array of benefits whiles staying active and present in school. Stress levels and physical activity levels seem to have an inverse relationship, therefore by increasing physical activity levels around campus there would be a decrease in collective stress level by those students. 

Counter-Argument

Some students may stress that education is far important than exercise at the moment. They would argue that they can focus on exercising and their bodies after they are done with school. Exams usually happen once where exercise can be done other times. The educational demands would outweigh the exercise demands on health. While they aren't in any life-threatening danger, it would not be so bad to gain a few pounds. Others might argue that exercise-based courses would not make a difference. There is a study on decreased physical activity levels of medical and nursing students. These are students who are prospective medical professionals and still do not meet the proper physical activity recommendations despite learning about proper health behaviors. I would then argue that education is just as important as exercise and they should be supplemental to one another, not prioritized over each other. I would then go on to give examples of schools and colleges that have successfully implemented these measures to combat the decreasing physical activity levels and why it can work!