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There's a lot of big fat kids out there in America. The cconservative estimate says nearly 20 percent of our nation's children are overweight or obese. America's youngest generation is becoming more sedentary, pastimes involving technology are rapidly replacing activities involving sports and fitness. So the question arises, should weight training be mandatory for our students?

At most public schools, physical education is required in the curriculum. This can help our youth's fitness problem, but it's not enough. Adding bodybuilding to that isn't much of a stretch from what they are already doing, and the benefits would increase by leaps and bounds. They already force your kid to play dodgeball, what's the difference?

Basically, the benefit lies in the increase in metabolism that bodybuilding creates. The increase of muscle mass that comes with bodybuilding makes the body burn calories, even hours after the period of exercise is over. So the effects of a short weight training regimen are going to benefiting him for much longer than the time dedicated to it. If she lifts in the morning, she will still be burning calories at a faster rate when she's watching television after school.

Another big benefit is a boost in self image and self esteem. Depression and personality disorders are raging in our high school students right now, and these problems are often tied in with physical image problems. Remember in the comic books when the beefcake dude kicks sand on the skinny wimp? Take Charles Atlas' word for it, a youngster in the throes of puberty is going to feel a lot better about himself when he looks in the mirror and sees a person who is physically fit.

Making your kid bodybuild might end up saving you some money, too. If your son or daughter has a positive self image based on their own character and abilities, maybe you won't end up spending a boatload on designer clothes and other crap that gives a false sense of worth.

If you have qualms about forcing students to participate in something that they aren't particularly interested in, maybe you should look at how consistent you're being with that sentiment. You are apparently happy with being forced to pay for public schools. You don't mind the fact that your child is forced to attend. You really don't have a choice in the curriculum. So why is your kid being forced to bodybuild such a big deal? Just shut up and take it up the tailpipe like you always do.

Learn more about this author, Dan Keizer.
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