by Lucius Trae

Created on: March 21, 2010   Last Updated: March 24, 2010

Some claim that certain students just don't succeed at physical fitness. In cases where medical reasons are present, this is true. In most cases, the average nerd is perfectly capable of being physically fit. At my school, the most successful students academically were usually physically active. Some weren't, but I'd say they were more physically fit than the average student. Why? It's simply that students with high degrees of intelligence should recognize that physical fitness is beneficial. It increases things like energy and concentration, and that's important for academic success. Thus, regular physical exercise, including bodybuilding, makes sense for students who want to maximize their GPA.

At my high school, I accepted the label "nerd" with pride. However, I also exercised regularly despite having a genetic condition that makes me prone to overheating. I still gave my best effort, played soccer regularly, and was more physically fit than the average student. I still didn't compete with the hockey players at lifting weights, but I could hold my own in soccer and running. In fact, I was one of the fastest runners. Now many nerds will complain of hand eye coordination issues, but these get better with practice, and they aren't needed for weight lifting.

I started lifting weights for basketball, and I worked out at school and at home. My physical education classes tragically stopped before my last two years of high school, but I enrolled in additionally physical education classes by choice. I worked with weights, ran, and improved my health and confidence. My teacher also used positive reinforcement to help some of my obese friends lose weight. I can't sugarcoat it. They had weight problems. Contrary to what some might thing, my friends benefited and enjoyed improving their health; it was all about having a positive environment.. We didn't insult them, we encouraged them and praised them based on effort and how much they improved.

Bodybuilding is important. I walk my dogs regularly and get a decent amount of cardiovascular exercise. In its own way, lifting weights adds strength, energy, etc. It can't simply be substituted for more cardio. Now people might have some gut reactions against compulsory bodybuilding. However, this may be because women are pressured to look a certain way. And frankly, real women are more attractive than models. Having women develop some muscle and upper body strength can improve their self-image and hopefully put society in the

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