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You are here: Home / Opinion / Editorials / Exercise reqs are too demanding for some

Exercise reqs are too demanding for some

February 27, 2014 by Optimist Editorial Board

Several years ago ACU instituted a policy that ACU students must complete two exercise science courses and a Lifetime Wellness class. The goal of this requirement is very reasonable; ACU wants students to learn about health and wellness in practical ways. The timing was also perfect because the Student Recreation and Wellness Center was set to open and would provide space for a wide variety of fitness classes.

The problem with this rule is not the motivations behind it but that there is no way for students who are already exercising to opt out of the classes.

Student athletes spend hours practicing and conditioning each week. For many, playing a collegiate sport is the equivalent to having a job. These students spend hours exercising each week and must maintain good grades and any other extracurriculars on the side. Forcing these students to take exercise classes is a waste of their time because they are already active in their sport. Spending three hours a week to receive a one hour exercise credit that does not pertain to their degree should not be a requirement for student athletes.

There are also students who exercise and educate themselves about health issues on their own and do not need additional classes on the subject. ACU students run marathons and triathlons, they play intramurals and pick up games. Many students use the SRWC on a regular basis and take the classes offered there. It is unnecessary for ACU to require more physical activity from students who are already meeting standard exercise criteria.

The purpose of the SRWC is to provide space for students to exercise and socialize on their own. While on some levels it is good that ACU has made it a requirement for students to make exercise a part of their college experience, this requirement should not apply to students who are already doing this. One of the most important aspects of college is learning how to be an adult and take responsibility for your own life. The motives behind the exercise requirement seek to educate students about fitness but forcing these classes upon students who have already taken this responsibility upon themselves places an unnecessary burden on them.

The current exercise requirement needs to be adjusted to allow students who are already exercising to opt out of these classes so their time is not wasted.

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion Tagged With: Health, Rec Center

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20h

"Lack of interaction — whether online or in-person — leads to lack of connections between professors and students." Read more from Guest Columnist Morgen Maltby below:
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Active COVID-19 cases dropped for the fifth-consecutive day at ACU Friday. There are currently 30 active cases and 86 quarantines.

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"Lack of interaction — whether online or in-person — leads to lack of connections between professors and students." Read more from Guest Columnist Morgen Maltby below: ...

Quality online education requires lecturing and better communication - Optimist

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With the university handling new forms of teaching in light of COVID-19, many classes have been moved to an online format due to safety for the professors and students. Because of this unexpected transition, fewer guidelines were placed on class procedures. Some professors chose to have weekly Zoom....
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Active COVID-19 cases dropped for the fifth- consecutive day at ACU Friday. There are currently 30 active cases and 86 quarantines. Taylor County continues to see increased numbers with over 2500 active cases. ...

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