SouthFlorida.com | Teen Link South Florida

According to the American Heart Association, 16 percent of teens are overweight, and 30 percent are at risk.

That is a shocking rate of unhealthy teens that will only continue to get worse if something is not done.

Therefore, having mandatory P.E. classes doesn't seem like such a bad idea.

Ever heard the saying, "A healthy body houses a healthy mind"?

This is true for teens who take P.E. classes. The physical activity involved in these classes helps a student stay focused, which improves test scores and makes learning easier.

As most people know, an average teen is overwhelmed with core classes. The last thing you want to do is work your brain to the point of exhaustion. Your brain needs a class to relax and work on your body's physical fitness instead.

P.E. classes not only make you healthy and physically fit, but they can improve motor skills and increase self-esteem, as well. These skills can't be learned or gained in an academic class.

P.E. classes can also cut down on the high rate of high school obesity. Teens in such classes learn good eating and workout habits. These skills can be carried not only throughout high school but for the rest of your life as well.

Of course, many teens dislike mandatory P.E. classes. They either hate the idea of any physical activity or would rather use the space in their schedules to take a class that would work toward a career.

However, when it comes down to it, being healthy should be a top priority and come before any other class in school.

So instead of complaining about having to take P.E., you should try it first.

Who knows, you might gain some muscle to impress the girls or lose a few extra pounds to boost your confidence.

Overall, having to take a P.E. class is no sweat when it comes down to your body's health.