Recent attention to the childhood obesity and inactivity epidemics in the United States would seem to bode well for public school physical education. I argue that it is actually a mixed blessing. Its effect is mixed because it presents physical activity as an obligation or duty. This stands in stark contrast to movement in the broader liberal arts tradition--that is, as a joy that more adorns one's life than adds further obligations. Most physical educators currently attempt to mix the two by providing health-oriented exercise and activity programs that are, for lack of a better term, fun. I suggest that it is difficult, for both theoretical and practical reasons, to thusly serve 2 masters. I recommend that the joy-focused, play-oriented mission receive priority attention.