BRIT Challenge

Get involved in the 2024 BRIT Challenge!

Saturday 24 February to Sunday 24 March 2024

The BRIT (British Inspiration Trust) is a charity focusing on supporting and improving mental health, fitness, and wellbeing – the perfect reason to get involved. 

This year’s theme is 24, and we’ve got a bunch of themed challenges and activities to get you involved. 

White BRIT (British Inspiration Trust) Challenge logo.

CONTENTS

240-Hour Fitness Challenge

Help us achieve a team total of 240 hours of exercise time in 10 days! Run, cycle, row, cross-trainer and climb your way to the target! Whether you are contributing 1 minute or 1 hour every little helps! 

Between 14-24 March there will be two ways for members/users to contribute their exercise times: 

  • In-person: log your times with Gym staff in both Sport & Fitness and Tiverton Gyms on the paper-based trackers 
  • Online: Join the online challenge via Strava.

The challenge will only be applicable to CV equipment and exercises – in or out of the Gym. Results will be collated and combined, feeding into progress bars on display in both Gyms. Participants can contribute multiple times/workouts across the challenge period.

In Strava, follow the ‘University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness’ page, and we will invite you to join the ‘BRIT 240-Hour Challenge’. Once you have accepted the invite, all your wonderful Strava activities will be included in the challenge.

Two gym members walking on the treadmill at Sport & Fitness.

Meditation

Meditation is an easy and accessible way to bring a feeling of calm, control and focus to your busy lifeOver the course of BRIT Challenge we’ll be offering a number of completely free sessions for you to engage with, both in-person and online, and will mix guided and self-guided practices. A period at the end will be available for anyone wanting to ask questions.

Book inperson classes here or follow the teams link to attend the virtual session. 

In-person meditation (guided)

These 15-minute sessions are suitable for beginners, or those looking for a more formal, group-led session.  A chair will be used to sit on throughout.

  • 27 February, 12.00pm, S&F Meeting Room 
  • 7 March, 2.30pm, S&F Meeting Room 

In-person meditation (self-guided)

A 20minute session aimed at those who do not need guidance and would like a quiet place to practice with likeminded individuals.

  • 18 March, 5.00pm, S&F Meeting Room 

Virtual meditation (guided)

This guided, virtual session will last for 15 minutes and is suitable for complete beginnersIt is recommended that participants choose a comfortable, seated posture throughout.

  • 14 March, 12.00pm, Teams link will be available here shortly
Two members in a yoga class on mats in front of a mirror.

Social Sport

Free Tasters

Try something new with our free Social Sport taster sessions, where you’ll get to experience new sports in a welcoming and fun environment suitable for complete beginners. Activities will start at 2pm and 3pm, but dropins welcome throughout! 

  • Thursday 29 February, 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Munrow Arena 2 & 3

Social Sport – reduced cost sessions

If you enjoyed the taster session, then get involved in our regular sessions at a discounted price of just £2.40!  Sessions are mixed and can be booked via the Sport & Fitness app under the Social Sport icon. 

  • Badminton: Tuesday 12 March, 5.00pm – 6.00pm, Sport & Fitness, Munrow Arena 1 
  • Basketball: Tuesday 12 March, 6.00pm – 7.00pm, Sport & Fitness, Munrow Arena 1 
  • Netball: Tuesday 12 March, 6.00pm – 7.00pm, Bournbrook Outdoor Netball Courts 2-5 
  • Badminton: Thursday 14 March, 4.30pm – 5.30pm, Sport & Fitness, Munrow Arena 2 
  • Basketball: Thursday 14 March, 6.00pm – 7.00pm, Sport & Fitness, Munrow Arena 1 
Male Badminton player hitting the shuttlecock

Classes

Each week, across the duration of BRIT Challenge, three classes will feature to give you the opportunity to try something new and at a reduced cost! Group exercise classes are a great way to get involved in physical activity in a fun, social and supportive environment. 

 

Classes are bookable via our classes page or on our app – UBSport&Fitness – under the ‘Classes’ tab.

Week commencing Saturday 24 February:

  • Saturday 24 February – 9.20am – Sprint (Cycle)
  • Monday 26 February – 7.20pm – Body Pump
  • Thursday 29 February – 10.00am – Kundalini Yoga

Week commencing Saturday 2 March:

  • Tuesday 5 March – 7.15pm – Body Combat
  • Thursday 7 March – 4.15pm – Yoga/Pilates
  • Friday 8 March – 8.15am – Body Attack

Week commencing Saturday 9 March:

  • Saturday 9 March – 9.00am – Yoga
  • Tuesday 12 March – 7.15pm – Body Combat
  • Wednesday 13 March – 12.10pm – Cycle

Week commencing Saturday 16 March:

  • Tuesday 19 March – 6.15pm – Body Jam
  • Thursday 21 March – 9.30am – RPM
  • Friday 22 March – 12.15 – Hatha Yoga
Individual working out in a Body Pump class.

Active Residences

Try Something New with Active Residences programme for residents of University accommodation and join the Active Res BRIT challenge!

Do five different activities, get a stamp each time, and snap a pic of your completed stamp card to win a University of Birmingham New Balance T-shirt! Pick up the cards at your first Active Residences activity for all the details of how to submit.

Trying new things boosts creativity, resilience, widens perspectives, and connects you with awesome new people! These sessions are available exclusively to students living in University accommodation.

  • Cardio Class: Tuesdays; 5.45pm – 6.15pm; Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower, The Vale 
  • Wheelchair Basketball: Wednesdays; 6.30pm – 7.30pm; Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness 
  • Dodgeball: Thursdays; 7.00pm – 8.00pm; Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness 
  • Games Night: Wednesdays; 6.30pm – 7.30pm, Ground Floor, Chamberlain Tower, The Vale 
  • Just Run: Fridays; 6-7pm; Athletics Track, Behind Tennis Courts Halls 

Winterbourne Walks (student only)

Join us for a scenic 2.4km stroll from Sport & Fitness to Winterborne House and Gardens. Discover local biodiversity, meet new people, and stay active outdoors.  Studies prove that walking in nature reduces stress, lifts mood, and promotes overall wellbeing. Plus, enjoy a £3.00 voucher towards a hot drink at Winterborne Gardens café to complete the experience! 

  • 13 March – 2.00pm 
  • 20 March – 2.00pm 
Individuals working out in a Cardio Class.

Tennis

Tennis is an amazing sport that combines hand-eye coordination, physical activity and a lot of funAcross BRIT Challenge, we hope to inspire you to reach a 24-shot rally across Cardio Tennis and Social Tennis. Cardio tennis is a fun, sociable group fitness class with a tennis twist, while Social Tennis sessions allow you to practice your skills, play matches and enjoy the social side of Tennis. All sessions take place at the Outdoor Bournbrook courts and equipment is provided. Book via the Sport & Fitness app. 

Cardio Tennis: 

  • Wednesdays (28 Feb, 1, 8, 15 and 22 March); 5.30pm – 6.15pm 
  • Fridays (1, 8, 15 and 22 March); 12.15-1pm  

Social Tennis: 

  • Wednesdays (28 Feb, 6, 13 and 20 March); 6.30-7.30pm 
(Normal charges will apply*)
Individuals taking part in our Cardio Tennis sessions.

BRIT Challenge Activity Timetable

Sprint (Cycle) |  9.20am  | Sport & Fitness

Body Pump |  7.20pm  | Sport & Fitness

In-person meditation (guided) |  12.00pm  | Sport & Fitness Stretch Room

Cardio class (student-only) |  Active Residences  |  5.45pm – 6.15pm | Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower

Cardio Tennis |  5.30pm – 6.15pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Social Tennis |  6.30pm – 7.30pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Wheelchair Basketball (student-only) |  Active Residences  |  6.30pm – 7.30pm | Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower

Games Night |  Active Residences  |  7.00pm – 8.00pm | Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness

Kundalini Yoga |  10.00am  | Sport & Fitness

Social Sport Free Tasters |  2.00pm – 4.00pm  |  Munrow Arena 2 & 3

Games Night |  Active Residences  |  6.30pm – 7.30pm | Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness

Dodgeball |  Active Residences  |  7.00pm – 8.00pm | Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness

Cardio Tennis |  12.15pm – 1.00pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Just Run |  Active Residences  |  6.00pm – 7.00pm | Athletics Track, Behind Tennis Courts Hall

Cardio class (student-only) |  Active Residences  |  5.45pm – 6.15pm | Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower

Body Combat  |  6.00pm  | Sport & Fitness

Cardio Tennis |  5.30pm – 6.15pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Social Tennis |  6.30pm – 7.30pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Wheelchair Basketball (student-only) |  Active Residences  |  6.30pm – 7.30pm | Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower

In-person meditation (guided) | 2.30pm  | Sport & Fitness Stretch Room

Yoga/Pilates  |  6.15pm  | Sport & Fitness

Games Night |  Active Residences  |  6.30pm – 7.30pm | Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness

Dodgeball |  Active Residences  |  7.00pm – 8.00pm | Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness

Body Attack  |  8.15am  | Sport & Fitness

Cardio Tennis |  12.15pm – 1.00pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Just Run |  Active Residences  |  6.00pm – 7.00pm | Athletics Track, Behind Tennis Courts Hall

Yoga  |  9.00am  | Sport & Fitness

Badminton | 5.00pm – 6.00pm  | Munrow Arena 1, Sport & Fitness

Cardio class (student-only) |  Active Residences  |  5.45pm – 6.15pm | Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower

Body Combat  |  6.00pm  | Sport & Fitness

Basketball | 6.00pm – 7.00pm  | Munrow Arena 1, Sport & Fitness

Netball | 6.00pm – 7.00pm  | Bournbrook Outdoor Netball Courts 2-5

Cycle  |  12.10am  | Sport & Fitness

Cardio Tennis |  5.30pm – 6.15pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Social Tennis |  6.30pm – 7.30pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Wheelchair Basketball (student-only) |  Active Residences  |  6.30pm – 7.30pm | Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower

Virtual meditation (guided) | 12.00pm  | Teams

Badminton | 4.30pm – 5.30pm  | Munrow Arena 2, Sport & Fitness

Basketball | 6.00pm – 7.00pm – 5.30pm  | Munrow Arena 1, Sport & Fitness

Dodgeball |  Active Residences  |  7.00pm – 8.00pm | Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness

Cardio Tennis |  12.15pm – 1.00pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Just Run |  Active Residences  |  6.00pm – 7.00pm | Athletics Track, Behind Tennis Courts Hall

In-person meditation (self-guided) |  5.00pm  | Sport & Fitness Stretch Room

Cardio class (student-only) |  Active Residences  |  5.45pm – 6.15pm | Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower

Body Jam  |  7.15pm  | Sport & Fitness

Cardio Tennis |  5.30pm – 6.15pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Social Tennis |  6.30pm – 7.30pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Wheelchair Basketball (student-only) |  Active Residences  |  6.30pm – 7.30pm | Hampton Room, Chamberlain Tower

RPM  |  9.30am  | Sport & Fitness

Dodgeball |  Active Residences  |  7.00pm – 8.00pm | Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness

Games Night |  Active Residences  |  6.30pm – 7.30pm | Slater Hall, Sport & Fitness

Cardio Tennis |  12.15pm – 1.00pm  | Bournbrook Tennis Courts

Hatha Yoga  |  12.15pm  | Sport & Fitness

Just Run |  Active Residences  |  6.00pm – 7.00pm | Athletics Track, Behind Tennis Courts Hall