Dance, aerobics, and gymnastics are a few activities that prove my first point. Boys and girls have different levels of interest in different activities. Imagine the excitement a grade 7 boy would show when the teacher announces it’s time for gymnastics. Most boys don’t like it. Just like most girls don’t like to wrestle or play contact sports. These are just a few examples of how interest levels differ between boys and girls in a Co-Ed class.
Boys and girls have different comfort zones. Since most girls feel more comfortable participating in activities with other girls, it would be easier to have girls separated from boys for various religious and cultural reasons. As a female, I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing various physical activities around boys. Girls and boys have different issues while participating in activities and if they were separated, those issues will not be as big of a problem.
The most obvious difference between boys and girls is the level of ability to do the activities. For example; in weight training, boys are able to excel to a higher level. This is intimidating to most of the girls, which in turn prevents them from participating to their fullest ability. Individuals might hold back their skill level if faced against a lower skilled student. In wrestling, a boy would rather wrestle another boy without holding back, than wrestle a girl and be worried that they will “hurt her.”
Due to the differences in interest in activities, personal comfort zones, and levels of strength and ability, I conclude that Co-Ed gym classes should not be allowed.