Prague - Czech physical education teachers have come to the conclusion that Czechs kids lack physical exercise and are threatened to become obese.
Obesity among students is increasingly becoming a common trend, and the teachers decided that few days before the new school year begins, it is the right time to speak up.
The polls say that as much as 60 percent of Czech students do not take exercise at all. In fact, only very few do.
Not a lesson, but a way of life
The gym teachers thus want to make their colleagues understand that it is necessary to explain the kids how important the exercise is, not only during a gym class but in other lessons as well.
"Exercise should not be one of the subjects taught, but a way of thinking," says Josef Horčic from Prague's Faculty of Physical Education and Sport.
The gym teachers want to hold a joint conference to unite their stance before addressing the Czech government, including minister of health and education.
Their fundamental requirement at the moment is at least one hour of moderate exercise a day.
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No extra funds needed
The teachers claim no demands for an extra gym class, which would require additional subsidies, would be needed.
In other words, they reject the approach pressed by Tony Blair a few years ago in Great Britain. The then Prime Minister tried to solve the problem of obese young Brits by injecting state funds into British schools.
The Czech Republic does not need such financially demanding programs, as two hours of a gym class a week are enough, say the gym teachers.
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Open the playgrounds
According to them, what they lack is above all general directions and guides that would encourage kids to take more exercise, which should be voluntarily, though, not used by force.
Opening school playgrounds for pupils outside the gym classes may be one of the solutions.
"It is necessary to alter the current legal and security regulations that make it almost impossible for kids to use the playgrounds without teachers´ supervision."
It should be a job of gym teachers, says Hořčic, to become active promoters of a healthy lifestyle at schools.
"Gym teachers should encourage children to go to school on foot, not to use elevators and do lots of walking during biology lessons, for example," says Horčic, adding that parents should be supportive too, as it is proved that it is mostly at weekends when Czech kids lack exercise most.
