Are you worried, or maybe mildly concerned, about keeping up your fitness during university? Essex has lots of options for exercising to suit all tastes. Even if you don’t like team sports or heavy activities, there’s something for you! These are the most popular options:
- Join a sports club! One of the best ways to meet people is to join a club. There’s one for almost every sport: tennis, squash, ultimate Frisbee, badminton, football, rugby, cricket, ping-pong, hockey, pole dancing, boxing, dance, archery, basketball, handball, netball, volleyball, cheerleading... during the first week of the year all clubs organise come-and-try sessions, so you can try and see if it’s for you! Most sports have several teams with different levels, so you can join even if you’re a beginner. Have a look at all the options in:
Not a team sports person? Then how about:
- Aerobics at the Sports Centre! This is the one activity organised especially for getting in shape! There are classes every day: Hardcore, Legs Bums and Tums, Core Conditioning, Sunday Shape-up, Studio Strength... even Yoga on Thursdays! Pick your favourites and go for it! You don’t have to be a member of the Sports Centre to go, you can just pay 3 pounds for any session you want to go to!
- The new Evolve gym: if you pay a gold membership (there is bronze, silver and gold, depending on how often you go and what facilities you want to use), you can use the gym all day until 10pm. The gym was renewed in 2011 and it’s very modern and well-equipped. Use one of the cross-trainers/ static bikes, or go around the machines to get super toned!
- You can also rent a tennis/squash/badminton/ping-pong court in the Sports Centre and also rent a racket for free (you have to buy the balls for a pound or two though). Squash and badminton are great even if you’re a beginner: they’re really fun and easy to get the hang of, and also great exercise!
- Ever tried the climbing wall in the Sports Centre? I haven’t done it myself but I have many friends who are fans of climbing; I have to remember to try it out!
- Or, just a good old run around the outside of campus. There is some great landscape around the uni if you want to go for a lonely run!
See you soon!
Ana
