Although many recent studies have shown that the lack of physical activity is one of the major causes of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease among children and adolescents, few studies have shown the connection between the lack of physical education and the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle. However, it is clear that physical education plays a crucial role in the development of motor skills that are necessary to become proficient in many kinds of physical activity. This article briefly traces the historical, intrinsic relationship between physical education and physical activity, its development as pedagogical work, its responsibility beyond the school walls, and the need for new strategies to educate children, parents, and administrators.