Wellbeing through Physical Activity and Sports based programmes
There is plenty of evidence that suggests that being physically active can have a very positive effect for our mental health and wellbeing. Not only does it mean taking steps to look after our body, but feel-good hormones are released through exercise. Physical activity can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression while improving mood, leading to a sense of a more balanced lifestyle.
Are you interested in becoming more active? You may be interested in going the gym or perhaps you would like to try a class like yoga, gardening and wildlife activities might be more of your kind of thing? The exercise referral scheme maybe something you’d like to consider to help support your wellbeing.
The exercise referral scheme can help in a number the following ways:
- The opportunity to use an 8-week free Gym pass for the Stanley Matthews Sports Centre - Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre - University of Staffordshire (staffs.ac.uk) There is a chance to check in with staff at the beginning, middle and end of this period to consider your goals. On completion of the 8 week pass discounted membership is an option to those going through the exercise referral scheme.
- Staff from the sports engagement team can offer information about nutrition.
- There are a number of Active Sports to get involved with which includes social sports like volunteering, Fit Fab (female only programme) and swimming.
- We have Turn up and play sports programmes which include social football and Yoga classes with an instructor that comes along weekly.
- There are a number of Sports Clubs within the University, many offer the chance to participate for more information see - Clubs and Societies (staffsunion.com)
- Wild Staffs offers the chance to be involved in Wildlife activities including building hedgehog boxes and outdoor gardening around campus.
If you think the exercise referral scheme can help you, then get in touch with our Student Wellbeing team, to discuss your overall current situation and gain support from them, while also asking for details to refer through to the exercise referral scheme.
Sensory Awareness periods at the gym – Every day between 8 and 9am the music will be turned down in the Stanley Matthews Sports Centre to allow for a more accommodating gym experience for members.
Walking/Jogging offers a leisurely way to achieve exercise goals, with walking good for reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels. There are a number of routes that you can choose to walk or run.
- The Mersey Trent Canal runs North to South through Stoke-on-Trent, to the south within 3-4 miles you can get to Trentham Gardens, to the North over 4-5 miles you can make it to Westport Lake around the canals.
- 5-10 minutes’ walk from the University Campus down Boughey Road and you can get to Hanley Park. Every Saturday morning at 9am Hanley Park plays host to a weekly Parkrun a global running community covering 5km, it’s incredibly welcoming and inclusive for all abilities see here - https://www.parkrun.org.uk/hanley/
- Berryhill Fields is 2-3 miles east of the campus offering fantastic views for miles around.
- Jump on a bus and you can head towards Leek with the Peak district on your doorstep.
- Finally not to forget on campus we have shorter walks that take in the nature reserve and River Trent with plenty of wildlife and plants to look out for. Look out for nature walks around campus on social media channels.