Any doctor, surgeon general or psychologist will tell you that physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. While college students may not have the healthiest lifestyles, it's still essential for our demographic to stay physically active or at least maintain a form of physical prowess that does not include the ability to down a three-beer funnel.
Brown students are already quite active, with around three-quarters participating in intramural sports, not to mention the large percentage of varsity athletes. The University doesn't have any physical activity requirements, which shouldn't come as a surprise, considering the near absence of academic requirements. (Aside from completing courses towards a concentration, students only need to know how to recite the alphabet forwards, though some students have had to pass a test requiring the completion of the aforementioned task, but backwards.) There are very few colleges or universities other than military academies that have physical activity requirements, but many do mandate that their students pass a swimming test.
I believe that for the betterment of the community as a whole, Brown should institute a physical activity requirement. In no way do I want to incite a protest or a coup de Herald with such a rash suggestion - I am only trying to help Brown students enjoy their college experiences to the max. Before calling your parents (trust me, you'll thank me later), or anyone else who could block such a measure, weigh the options.
Many students at Brown come from high schools that had physical education requirements, and they in no way want to return to the strict confines of their rigid pre-college institutions. But what these students may not realize is that they are already participating in activities that would fit under the auspices of the proposed "obligation."
This will not be an all-encompassing and intrusive bill like the Patriot Act, which may have its merits, but more like the pork-barrel bills passed where everyone sees the benefits (see bills dealing with the subsidy of soybeans).
So what will be considered physical activity? Recreational activities such as Hacky Sack on the Main Green or virtual-reality video games like "Dance Dance Revolution" more than suffice, as they provide an outlet of energy and require the participant to maintain focus. If a sport such as power walking is worthy of a medal event at the Olympics, then why shouldn't the annual naked doughnut handout in the library count? Such an activity calls upon skills like agility, flexibility and the ability to maintain focus and not get too excited (unless you need to hold extra doughnuts).
Not everyone is comfortable participating in activities that require the attire worn in the original Olympics and some special parties at Brown, which is why activities like cooking and baking will be acceptable. Competitions such as Iron Chef exemplify the strenuous work that goes into the culinary arts. Even though a larger percentage of students are still on meal plan, it is common knowledge that the majority of Brown students bake. And we all know that baking begets the preparation of other food. I'm sweating and coughing just thinking about it!
Because of the busy schedules of students and the limitations of the hours during which athletic facilities can be open, the plan will advocate after-hours physical activity. Much like the Department of Public Safety suggests that during after hours, students walk in pairs (or large groups), I recommend that the after-hours exertion be done in pairs (or large groups). Aerobic activities are the best bet when you exercise with a partner, as you can talk, and a partner makes for great motivation. A drawback, however, is that when one person finishes, the other sometimes can't keep exercising.
Even those who are pressed for time can get in a quick few reps of squat thrusts or back arches, as long as they have proper support - which, again, can come in the form of a partner.
As with all good ideas, there will be naysayers. To those who are against the insertion of such a program into the curriculum of our well-endowed university, I give you the advice that Vice President Dick Cheney recently gave to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., even though for many of you the act may be illegal.
Oh, and if this idea rouses you in any way, remember that with many physical activities, your doctor recommends you use proper protection.
Herald sports editor Ian Cropp '05 exercises regularly.
