Opinion Volume 7 Issue 5 - February 2020 DOI: 10.19080/JPFMTS.2020.07.555722 J Phy Fit Treatment & Sports Copyright © All rights are reserved by José Henrique Motivation in School Physical Education: A Path to The Education of Physically Active Individuals José Henrique*, Ellen Aniszewski and Gabriela Simões Department of Physical Education, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Brazil Submission: February 02, 2020; Published: February 19, 2020 *Corresponding author: José Henrique, Department of Physical Education, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil J Phy Fit Treatment & Sportsl 7(5): JPFMTS.MS.ID.555722 (2020) 001 Introduction This article aims to highlight the importance of school physical education to educate and raise awareness about the importance of physical activity as one of the factors for maintaining a healthy life. The narrative develops in the context of the Brazilian reality since official and international censuses have reported high levels of physical inactivity. In addition, national studies point to sub- stantial disinterest of young people and adolescents in physical education classes [1], in agreement with international evidence [2]. In view of these critical problems, studies conducted by the Research Group on Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, of which we are a part, have sought to identify the causes of the de- motivation of students to participate in physical education class- es. The self-determination theory (SDT) was adopted as a concep- tual framework because it is a widely investigated and empirically validated theory on the satisfaction of basic psychological needs. Based on the premise that active children and adolescents tend to become active adults [3], it will be important to know the rea son that attracts them to or alienates them from physical activity since school age. Health and education are two strategic areas for human development and therefore deserve the attention of gov ernment bodies because policies that integrate these areas allow both the prevention of diseases and the emancipation and auton- omy of citizens. Physical education is considered a key element in disease prevention and health promotion programs because it is present and operates in both areas, either through the participa- tion of physical education professionals in public health programs or the presence of this discipline in school curricula. The benefits of physical activity are well established and in- clude the prevention of overweight/obesity, hypertension and diabetes, as well as a positive effect on mental health [4]. The World Health Organization (WHO) [5] alerts to the association between obesity in childhood and adolescence and an increased risk of obesity in adulthood, which may even result in death due to heart diseases, respiratory problems, diabetes, and liver disease. In addition, considering that adolescence is a critical phase of de- velopment, obesity can also cause serious psychological problems related to the self-perception and low self-esteem of young peo- ple. To prevent obesity in adolescents, the WHO [5] recommends, among other measures, ensuring quality physical education for young people in school curricula, as well as disseminating nation- al guidelines for young people and family members that regulate screen entertainment, sleep and healthy nutrition. Within this Abstract The World Health Organization recommends the promotion of quality physical education for young people in school curricula. The school as a democratic institution that reaches society, as well as physical education as a curricular component, plays an important role in educating citizens who are physically active in the future. However, studies have shown a growing disinterest of students in physical education classes. The aim of this opinion article is to describe a proposal for diagnosing the motivation of students from southeastern Brazil in physical education classes to guide quality practical interventions that encourage them to value physical activity as a means of health promotion. The premise is that young people educated for active life will become aware and autonomous adults who will maintain an adequate level of physical activity. Keywords: School physical education; Motivation; Physical activity; Physical inactivity