Recreational sport and active lifestyle activities

Free activities on offer every day of the week...

...plus monthly challenges

As an alternative to, or as well as, joining a Kingston University sports club, why not take advantage of our active lifestyles programme?

We have activities for each day of the week, plus a new challenge each month.

We also have some fitness challenges to take part in before the start of the new academic year.

All activities are available to students and/or staff at Kingston University. Please note that some activities on the programme are run by external clubs and these may not be free. However, they will always offer a discounted student rate.

If possible please bring your own racket to the tennis and badminton sessions. We have a limited number of spare ones.

Would you like to start a new activity but feel you need someone to accompany you initially? If so then maybe the u GO i GO initiative could help. The u GO i GO initiative is a short term stepping stone for helping people access activities at the University. We can provide a fellow student to accompany you for the first couple of weeks/sessions, to provide that little bit of extra support and confidence in trying out a new activity or joining a new club. Just contact your Sport and Active Lifestyle team on 020 8417 2412/13 or via studenthub.kingston.ac.uk. All recreational sports activities are listed as events on KU Extra.

See what sports are available on:

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday
• Sunday
• Additional activities for any day of the week
• Monthly challenges

Monday

Mind the Gap

As part of our uGOiGO scheme we are offering a FREE virtual session called 'MIND THE GAP' to help students take steps towards starting a new activity.

The title of the sessions, "Mind The Gap", was created by Michael – a highly experienced yoga and meditation teacher, to give people a memorable phrase that they could use for general mindfulness sessions to help them in their everyday lives. For example, the gap between feeling and thinking, thinking and doing, breathing and releasing.

In the sessions, students will receive simple but effective breathing and relaxation techniques to help with anxiety, depression and general well-being. There are easy-to-follow guided visualisation exercises and gentle and reassuring guidance for achieving a more peaceful state of mind in a relaxed and safe environment.

Participants do not have to have their camera switched on if they so wish. Whatever works and whatever is comfortable is the most important thing. Michael is also open to Q&A after each session if people want to ask questions or share their thoughts, and all emails will be answered within 24 hours.

The sessions will not require any special equipment, just a quiet place where you can join in and enjoy the time. Students can join at any time during the term.

• Time: 11am–12noon
• Location: Virtual platform on Teams
• Dates: Provides ongoing support over the winter break and into 2021

To sign up and join the session please email: Michael@yogahara.com

Dance barre classes

Barre sessions are a fusion of ballet technique and positions, the precision of Pilates, the alignment of yoga and the strength of Sports Conditioning. If you would like to get involved, please email Jo at J.Heath@kingston.ac.uk to register interest.

A new class will be on offer each week to keep you motivated.

The classes are pre-recorded each week and sent with a link that lasts seven days so that you can do it at any time, on any day and as many times as you like until the next class is available.

Classes are now £7 for students and staff. Ongoing classes throughout the winter break and into 2021.

Triathlon

If you would like to become involved in triathlon whilst at Kingston University we recommend joining Kingfisher Triathletes. The club is very friendly and welcoming and is open to all ages (18+) and abilities including complete beginners. Swim training takes place on a Monday evening at Kingfisher Leisure Centre (five minutes walk from the centre of Kingston) and on Wednesday evenings at Hampton Open Air Pool. Run training is at Kingsmeadow Athletics Track every Tuesday evening. There is a coached cycle session every Thursday and a long social club ride every Sunday morning. The club has full and PAYG member options, with a student discount, and members can attend as many or as few session as they choose. The club also organises several beginners courses during the year. To find out more and attend a free trial session, check out the club's site and then contact them directly.

Touch tennis – Pop Up Sport

• Time: 11am–12pm
• Location: The courtyard area outside the John Galsworthy building.
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

Boccia

• Time: 1.30–2.30pm
  
• Location: Bedelsford School, Grange Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2QZ (located between the Penrhyn Road and Knights Park campuses)
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

Boccia is a game similar to bowls. It is played from a seated position to allow for participants using wheelchairs. It is inclusive and open to all Kingston University students, either with a disability or not. Participants do not need any previous experience.

This is a free recreational session for all to enjoy. It is led by Jayson Shetty who is a Kingston University and Bedelsford School alumnus.

Recreational Netball

• Time: 6–7pm
• Location: Tolworth Sports Ground – hardcourt area
• Dates: Every Monday starting 26 April until 24 May 2021 (no session on Bank Holiday Monday 3 May 2021).

This session is free and for all those students wanting to play netball in a friendly sociable setting. Beginners most welcome.

Organised Walk

• Time: 7.00-8.00pm
• Location: Meet at the Fitness Centre reception at Penrhyn Road site.
• Dates: Every Monday starting 26 April until 24 May 2021 (no session on Bank Holiday Monday 3 May 2021).

This is an organised walking activity and lead by one of our student Sports Activators. Routes will include walks along the river and in Richmond Park. Numbers are limited due to COVID safe rules and so you must book your place with Abdallah by contacting him via email: abdallahysf91@gmail.com

Abs and pads

• Time: 7.15–8.15pm
• Location: Fairfields Park
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

This class is free for members of the More Energy Fitness Centre at Penrhyn Road campus and £5 for guests. Contact personal trainer Simon Bent for more details at coach.king.fitness@gmail.com or on Instagram – @coach_kings.

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Tuesday

Table tennis

• Time: 10–11.30am
• Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road 
• Dates: TBC

Free sessions. There are additional tables at Kingston Hill campus (outside Kingston Business School), Clayhill halls of residence and Roehampton Vale campus for all to use. Look out for information on termly table tennis tournaments.

Recreational Volleyball

• Time: 6–8pm
• Location: Tiffin School (Queen Elizabeth Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6RL)
• Dates: 18 May, 25 May and 1 June.

This session is free and for all those students wanting to play volleyball in a friendly sociable setting. Beginners most welcome. Please book in by emailing Zino Wagner as numbers are limited due to being in Tier 2.

Social Netball League

• Time: 6.30–9.30pm 
• Location: Tiffin Girls School KT2 5PL
• Dates: Starts back 11 May 2021, ongoing.

Run by GOMAMMOTH

For more details email hello@gomammoth.co.uk or visit the Go Mammoth site.

You don't have to be great to start but you do need to start to be great.

Women's Fitness Class

• Time: 7–8pm
• Location: Fitness centre, Penrhyn Rd
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

This is a free class as part of the "This Girl Can" campaign. Learn self defence, relieve stress, have fun and meet new people.

5-A-SIDE Football League

• Time: 8–9.30pm
• Location: Tolworth Sports ground
• Dates: Every Tuesday, starting 27 April until 25 May 2021.

Team entry is free. Simply get a team together and turn up in plenty of time to register with the sports activator. fill in the registration form. For more information, and to book, please contact Abdallah on abdallahysf91@gmail.com 

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Wednesday

Pop Up Sport

• Time: 11am–12 noon
• Location: Tennis courts at Kingston Hill
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice

Simply join our join our sports activator for a kick, game of badminton, tennis or volleyball as you are passing. Just pick up a racket or ball and join in. If there is no activator on site then please go to the Yorkon building to sign out the sports equipment for your own use. Plan to meet friends at this time for regular recreational fun and maybe warm up by running the Fitness Trail located around the Kingston Hill campus grounds.

Box Fit

• Time: 12 noon–1pm
• Location: Fairfields Park
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

This class is free for members of the More Energy Fitness Centre at Penrhyn Road campus and £5 for guests. Contact personal trainer, Simon Bent for more details at coach.king.fitness@gmail.com or on Instagram – @coach_kings.

Strength Defence – female only

• Time: 2–3pm
• Location: Fitness Centre Studio, Penrhyn Road
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

Free sessions as part of the ongoing 'This Girl Can' campaign to encourage more girls to take part in physical activity. Studio windows will be covered and the sessions are for women only, led by qualified female instructor.

Running Club

• Time: 2–4pm (mixed ability group, from beginners to advanced) 
• Location: Meet outside the Fitness Centre (Penrhyn Road) to run with a group
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

Simply turn up at the Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Rd ready to join the running group. Members of the athletics club lead the group.

Kick Fit

This is a free class for KU students and staff as part of 'This Girl Can' campaign for women only. It is a great workout and stress buster. Contact Yaasmeen the instructor for more details: yaasmeen_muhammad@outlook.com or on Instagram - @IAMF_T

• Time: 7–8pm
• Location: Online Zoom platform 
• Dates: 13 January to 17 February 2021

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Thursday

Pop Up Sport

• Time: 11am–1pm
• Location: John Galsworthy Courtyard, Penrhyn Road
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

Simply join our sports activator for a kick around, game of badminton, tennis or volleyball as you are passing. Just pick up a racket or ball and join in. Or, you could plan to meet at this time for regular recreational fun.

Table Tennis

• Time: 2–3pm
• Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

Back to Netball

• Time: 7–8pm
• Location: Raynes Park School, London SW20 0JL
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

Contact Leigh Martin to confirm dates and more details or visit the Back to Netball site. Back to Netball sessions are running across England and provide women of all ages with a gentle re-introduction to the sport. Run by passionate and enthusiastic coaches, sessions cover the basics of the game including passing, footwork and shooting. Sessions finish with a friendly game to put the your skills into practice.

Tennis

Kingston University students and staff can book free tennis courts at Tolworth Court sports ground between 8.30am and 4.30pm. Courts must be booked in advance by calling First Response on 020 8417 7523 or by email.

Courts are also now open at Kingston Hill campus. The gates will be open for students and staff to simply turn up and play.

Following the latest LTA update, outdoor tennis courts can remain open for individual exercise, and for people to use with others within your household, support bubble, or with one person from another household. One-to-one coaching outdoors is therefore also permitted.

Organised Running Session

• Time: 7–7.45pm for beginners
• Location: Meet outside the Fitness Centre (Penrhyn Road) to run with a group
• Dates: Every Thursday from 29 April until 27 May 2021.

Simply turn up at the Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road ready to join the running group. This is an organised running activity and lead by one of our student Sports Activators. Routes will include runs along the river and in Richmond Park. Numbers are limited due to COVID safe rules and so you must book your place with Abdallah by contacting him via email: abdallahysf91@gmail.com

Please note that more advanced runners can join the running club sessions at Kingsmeadow Athletics Centre KT1 3PB on Monday and Wednesday 7–9pm. Prior to arriving it is required that participants acquire their free ticket via this link.

Burn and Build

• Time: 7–8pm
• Location: Fairfields Park or via Zoom when on lockdown.
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice

This is a free class. A great workout and stress buster. Also available on zoom. contact Yaasmeen the instructor for more details: yaasmeen_muhammad@outlook.com or on Instagram – @IAMF_T.

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Friday

Pop Up Sport

• Time: 11am–12 noon
• Location: Tennis Courts at Kingston Hill
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice

Simply join our sports activator for a kick around, game of badminton, tennis or volleyball as you are passing. Just pick up a racket or ball and join in. If there is no activator on site then please go to the Yorkon building to sign out the sports equipment for your own use. You could plan to meet friends at this time for regular recreational fun and maybe warm up by running the Fitness Trail, located around the Kingston Hill campus grounds.

Big Read Fitness Trail

• Time: Any time
• Location: Fitness Trail at Kingston Hill campus – start at Station 6 of Fitness Trail outside the halls
• Dates: Ongoing.

Just turn up ready to either walk, jog or run around the Fitness Trail. A great place to organise a walking book club (for two people at social distance) to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some forest bathing and exercise at the same time.

Abs Blast

• Time: 11.15am–12.15pm
• Location: Fairfields Park
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

This class is free for members of the More Energy Fitness Centre at Penrhyn Road campus and £5 for guests. Contact personal trainer, Simon Bent for more details at coach.king.fitness@gmail.com or on Instagram – @coach_kings.

Badminton

• Time: 5.30–7.30pm
• Location: Kingston College, The Arena
• Dates: 21 May, 28 May and 4 June

Come along to this FREE recreational session, ready to play, led by a Level 2 qualified coach. All welcome. We encourage you to bring your own racket if possible.

Clubbersize

• Time: 7–7.45pm
• Location: Online live Zoom class 
• Dates: 8 January to 28 May 2021.

This is the closest thing to going to a club that you are likely to find at the moment. This is for everyone and the emphasis is on enjoying yourself through movement. The instructor will guide you through the moves and get you throwing some shapes to a club sound track. Please book in by emailing Jasmine and to receive the Zoom link.

Bodybalance

• Time: 6–6.45pm
• Location: Online live Zoom class 
• Dates: 8 January to 28 May 2021.

Bodybalance is a unique workout which incorporates Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates to help improve flexibility, build strength and leave you feeling relaxed and calm. You will carry out a series of stretches, poses and moves to create a holistic workout that brings the body and mind into a state of harmony. Please book in by emailing Jasmine and to receive the Zoom link.

Basketball

• Time: 8–9pm
• Location: Tiffin School (Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6RL)
• Dates: 21 May, 28 May, 4 June 2021.

Come along to this free recreational session, ready to play, led by a Level 2 qualified coach. All welcome. Please book in by emailing Dan as numbers are restricted due to being in Tier 2.

Saturday

Table tennis

• Time: 2–3pm
• Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road 
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

There are additional tables at Kingston Hill campus (outside Kingston Business School), Clayhill halls of residence and Roehampton Vale campus for all to use.

Stretch Strength and Core

• Time: 10–10.45am
• Location: Online via Zoom platform
• Dates: Ongoing until end of December 2020

This is a free class. Improves flexibility and core strength. Contact Yaasmeen the instructor for more details yaasmeen_muhammad@outlook.com or on Instagram - @IAMF_T.

Sunday

Table tennis

• Time: 10.15–11.15am and 1.15–2.15pm
• Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
• Dates: Cancelled until further notice.

There are additional tables at Kingston Hill campus (outside Kingston Business School), Clayhill halls of residence and Roehampton Vale campus for all to use.

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For more information about all of the active lifestyles activities above please contact Jo Heath by email j.heath@kingston.ac.uk or call 020 8417 2412.

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