Ditch the Laps.
Protect the Joy of Movement. SHAPE America asserts that withholding physical activity and physical education as punishment — or using exercise as discipline — is inappropriate and counter to best practice.
WHY IT MATTERS Punishing with movement can harm how students feel about physical activity for life. Doing so also: Undermines trust and psychological safety in your classroom; Disconnects students from the joy and purpose of movement; Disproportionately affects students who already feel excluded. Physical education should uplift every student and support their well-being.
OLD PRACTICES vs. BETTER APPROACHES Instead of ...
Try this ...
Taking away recess to manage behavior
Protect recess as essential time for learning and well-being
Requiring push-ups or laps as discipline
Use restorative conversations and reinforce class norms
Excluding students for not dressing out
Offer clothing alternatives that allow safe participation
Using exercise as a threat or consequence
Build positive, joyful movement routines
Disciplining using physical activity
Promote positive behavior support
PROTECT MOVEMENT, INSPIRE LEARNING Physical educators shape how students experience movement — for life. Here are more ways to support students: Design welcoming, inclusive spaces for all students; Use proactive routines, not punishment, to guide behavior; Normalize participation over perfection; Model respect and care in every interaction; Partner with school leaders to protect movement time.
Movement is a right. Not a privilege. Never a punishment. View the full SHAPE America position statement. Copyright © 2026 by SHAPE America | shapeamerica.org | All rights reserved. PO Box 225, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 | 800.213.9527