Trio walking alongside the outdoor courtsCategoriesEvents

Walk your way into May | National Walking Month

Walk your way into May | National Walking Month

May marks National Walking Month, centred around promoting the benefits of walking on your physical and mental wellbeing.

What are the physical benefits of walking?

 

From a physical health perspective, walking is a fantastic form of exercise that can increase cardiovascular fitness. When done regularly, it strengthens bones, boosts endurance and improves your heart health. Whether you prefer a slow stroll with a friend in the park, or a faster paced walk whilst listening to your favourite hype songs – all forms of walking are beneficial.

Sport & Fitness centre

How can walking improve mental wellbeing?

 

Walks can help increase mental alertness and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. They are a great way to clear your head, re-align your focus and self-reflect. Fancy some company? Taking a stroll with friends, family and loved ones provides the perfect opportunity to have a conversation and share thoughts at the same time as keeping active – it’s a win win!

Walking opportunities at the University

 

Active club

 

As part of our Active Club Programme, we host Walking Sport sessions which are exactly as the name suggests – playing your favourite sports, but at a slower pace by walking. These sessions are open to all, and offer a gentler form of exercise tailored to all fitness levels. With Table Tennis, Basketball, Football and Netball taking place every week, get involved and meet likeminded people.

Outdoor courts with blossom tree
Outdoor courts with blossom tree

Explore the campus

 

With a beautiful campus to explore right at your fingertips (or toe-tips in this case), take a scenic walk around our facilities and the wider campus. We may be biased, but the path alongside our outdoor sports courts offers a fantastic view of both sports action and the blooming blossom trees.

 

The Campus Mile is a guided route around campus, that takes 30 minutes on average to complete at a leisurely pace – we recommend you check the weather forecast beforehand!

Behind view of girl on cross-trainer

Discover our gym facilities

 

Should the sunny spring weather not hold up, there’s always the option to get your steps in indoors!

 

With our recent Technogym refurbishment, we have a range of recently installed, world-class cardiovascular equipment for you to track your steps, speed, endurance and more!

Selfie of Kacper and Ross at the top of a mountain with the sunset in the backgroundCategoriesEvents

150+ miles in 20 hours | The Longest Day Challenge

150+ miles in 20 hours | The Longest Day Challenge

On Sunday 11 June, two of our UoB Sport and Fitness Operations staff took on an incredible challenge.

 

Duty Manager Kacper, and Senior Duty Manager Ross decided to complete ‘The Longest Day’ challenge as an opportunity to fundraise for British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK, causes close to both of their hearts.

As one of the most intense one day physical challenges, Ross and Kacper underwent six months of training in the lead up to make sure they were as prepared as possible.

Image of climbing rocky cliffs

What is the longest day challenge?

Taking inspiration from the “The Longest Day!” YouTube video documentary from Global Triathlon Network channel, the following activities have to be completed within a tight 20-hour window.

1) Walking the 8-mile Ranger Path to the mountain peak of Snowdon.

2) Cycling 39 miles from Snowdon to Cadair Idris.

3) Walking the 5.5-mile Pony Path loop to the mountain peak of Cadair Idris.

4) Cycling 101 miles from Cadair Idris to Pen-y-Fan.

5) Walking the 4-mile Path to the mountain peak of Pen-Y-Fan.

 

‘After a gruelling 20 hours, we have successfully completed our fundraising endeavour in support of the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research. We have experienced many highs and lows both in relentless rain and scorching sun. Starting at 4am and finishing at midnight, we have conquered three of the highest peaks in Wales and cycled through over half of the country to reach each mountain.’

Map of the 20 hour activities
Selfie of Kacper and Ross sat down next to bike

Kacper and Ross have already exceeded their optimistic fundraising goal of £1,000 and express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported them through the journey, both through encouragement and generous donations.

 

Want to support the cause? Donations to the just giving page will go a long way in aiding the ongoing efforts to combat heart disease and cancer, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals.

Ready to take on your own challenge? Our facilities provide the perfect opportunity to train and build your stamina! Explore our memberships today.