Kickstart the new academic year
A new academic year is upon us as we welcome new students, workloads increase, and this is a time when physical activity and wellbeing probably feel like less of a priority, but this is actually the time to make them a bigger priority and start as we mean to go on. Whether you are in a role where you spend much of your day at your computer or a role where you spend it on your feet, it is important to look after your body and wellbeing.
MIND explains what characterises physical activity and exercise:
Physical activity is any movement your body does that uses energy. This might be as part of everyday activities, such as cleaning or cooking.
Or you might be active by choosing to do exercise. Exercise is physical activity that we tend to do intentionally, rather than as just part of everyday living. E.g walking, cycling, exercise classes or team sports.
Elevate Studio is part of UWE MOVE's city centre timetable.
How are physical activity and mental health connected? - Mind
Prioritising physical activity is crucial for many reasons and the benefits of physical activity are widely proven. We know there are benefits to our physical health such as reducing the risk of chronic disease such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, helping with weight management and strengthening muscles and bones.
I am going to focus on benefits that you may be less familiar with but could perhaps make the biggest difference to managing your day.
· Reduces stress and anxiety – Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins which are natural mood lifters, it can also act as a distraction taking the mind away from anxieties and focusing them elsewhere. Being in nature has been shown to lower levels of the body’s stress hormone cortisol which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tension.
· Improve mood and positivity – Physical activity can help boost mood and lead to a more positive outlook. Exercise outdoors can also elevate your mood exposing yourself to natural light and fresh air which can help stimulate the production of serotonin, a mood-enhancing hormone.
· Enhances cognitive function – Physical activity can help with concentration and brain connectivity. Ten minutes of exercise a day improves memory | Memory | The Guardian
· Boosts energy levels – Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health which ensures the body gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs more efficiently, leading to increased energy levels. It also improves sleep quality which helps you feel more rested and energetic throughout the day.
· Social connections – Many forms of physical activity, such as team sports, group classes or walking meetings and runs, offer opportunities to socialise and build connections with others, which is important for emotional wellbeing.
It may be a little overwhelming the idea of trying to fit in some exercise or physical activity into your day but UWE Bristol Sport are here to help…
Ø MOVE – Our MOVE programme has over 100 activities every week and it really has something for everyone including yoga, Dancefit, arial hoop and NEW beach volleyball! MOVE - Membership options | UWE Bristol
Ø 1 month free – New staff who are in their first 6 months can claim a months free membership, please email move@uwe.ac.uk
Ø Specialised Classes – We have specialist classes on the MOVE timetable for individuals who perhaps spend a lot of time at their computer: Yoga for office workers (Frenchay), those that perhaps stand for a long time: Flexibility and core (Glenside), yoga for men: Broga (Frenchay) and individuals going through the peri menopause or menopause: MenoSTRENGTH (Frenchay).
Ø City Wide – We have a MOVE city class timetable at studios and campuses around Bristol, this is to make our classes more accessible to everyone.
Ø Deskercise – For those who have limited time we have a resource to help you fit in some movement at your desk: General 2 — UWE Bristol Sport A little bit of something done regularly is a great way of breaking up prolonged periods of computer work and can reset your posture and release tight muscles.
Ø On Demand – We understand how limited time can be so we have some on demand video classes which you can do at your convenience to help you find a way to fit movement into your day.
Ø Facilities – UWE Bristol Sport also has a gym, squash courts, sports hall, and more a new outdoor beach volleyball court. UWE Bristol Sport
Ø Outdoors – We have a Trim Trail on Frenchay and Glenside General 1 — UWE Bristol Sport, there is also disc golf, table tennis an a bowling green.
Free September staff badminton sessions - Thursdays 4-5 PM!
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s a great way to stay active, have fun with colleagues and make your week a little brighter! To book please email move@uwe.ac.uk with the dates you would like to book and your contact number. Bookable dates are 5th, 12th 19th and 26th Sept.