Why do girls hate P.E.?

Across several middle and high schools, there are raising concerns about the environment in physical education classes, describing it as uncomfortable, exclusionary, and at times, emotionally distressing.

One recurring issue is team selection. Girls report being picked last during sports activities, which reinforces feelings of being undervalued. 

Running drills also contribute to anxiety. While intended to build fitness, many girls say they feel exposed and judged during timed runs.

“I would feel very subconscious when I ran. I could hear snickering in the back,” Junior Vianca Church said. 

Perhaps the most troubling issue are the concerns about body scrutiny. Being girls, you often feel watched when you run.

If you don’t try, you’re “lazy” and never get picked for teams but if you do try, you’re either “bad at it,” or a “tryhard.” 

It should not be normal for girls to feel invisible and at the same time feel targeted. The blatant sexism going on across the world is a real issue. Change should be a given. Not begged for.

Experts in adolescent development emphasize that physical education should promote health, confidence, and belonging—not discomfort. As schools reflect on these concerns, the message from students is clear:

PE should be a place where everyone feels seen, respected, and free to move without fear.