ATTITUDE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS TOWARDS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Physical Education is an essential part of the curriculum in schools and colleges around the world. It plays a vital role in promoting a healthy lifestyle among youth, who are at a critical stage of their physical and mental development. Physical education can help youth develop a positive attitude towards physical activity, improve their physical fitness, and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Physical education is an important component of the school curriculum to ensure the overall development of students, including their physical health and well-being. It has been recognized that engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining optimum health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Youth are an important target population for physical education interventions as they are at a critical stage of development, with physical activity patterns that can influence their lifelong health habits. The aim of the research investigation to know the attitude of Physical Education students towards physical activity and their involvement in sports. The total sample size of participants was set as 120, more specifically, 60 participants from each institution under the age group of 17-25 years. This sample size was chosen to conduct a questionnaire survey. Participants of the study were selected as the students receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education (B. P. Ed) in the Directorate of Physical Education, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, or Govt College of Physical Education, Gadoora, Ganderbal. Respondents as per their self-perceived physical activity and respondents as per their level of voluntary participation in sports in 100 out of 120 (Male 80%, Female 20%) are active. Respondents were asked about their level of voluntary participation in sports. The result revealed that most of the students are actively involved and spend more time in physical activities. The male students are more involved compared to the female students.