Recreational sport and active lifestyle activities

Welcome to our active lifestyles programme

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 a wide range of activities covering each day of the week, plus some fun monthly challenges that you can take part in.

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

Want to get started on a new activity?

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.

u GO i GO is a short-term stepping stone to help people access activities at the University. It can provide a fellow student to accompany you for the first couple of weeks/sessions, giving a little 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.

KU Extra

Mind the Gap

As part of u GO i GO, we are offering a FREE virtual session called 'MIND THE GAP' to help you 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; whatever works and 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; all emails will be answered within 24 hours.

Sessions don't require any special equipment, just a quiet place where you can join in and enjoy the time. Students can join at any time during term.

  • Time: 11am–12noon
  • Location: Virtual platform on Teams
  • Dates: Every Monday, ongoing throughout 2023

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

Activities on offer

Browse the many sports and activities available. There's something for each day of the week.

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

Badminton

Badminton: Friday

  • Time: 5.30–7.30pm
  • Location: Kingston College, The Arena
  • Dates: Starts back September 2023

Come along to this FREE recreational session, ready to play, led by a student sports activator. All welcome. We encourage you to bring your own racket if possible.

Boccia

Boccia: Wednesday

  • Time: 12–1pm
  • Location: The Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: Wednesdays, 3 May until 31 May 2023

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, a Kingston University and Bedelsford School alumnus.

Boxing

Pad Work: Tuesdays

  • Time: 6.45–7.45pm
  • Location: The Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: Tuesdays, ongoing throughout 2023

Box Fit: Fridays

  • Time: 10am–12 noon
  • Location: The Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: Fridays, ongoing throughout 2023

Both sessions led by a qualified boxing coach. Beginners welcome. For staff and students. Great fitness workout with gloves and pads.

Basketball

Basketball: Friday

  • Time: 6–8pm
  • Location: Tiffin School (Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6RL)
  • Dates: Fridays, 5 May until 26 May 2023

Come along to this free recreational session, ready to play, led by a Level 2 qualified coach. All welcome.

Bowling

Ten-pin bowling is available at The Rotunda, Kingston: Student discounts available Monday to Friday until 6pm. Two games of bowling for £5 or unlimited bowling for £7.49. To book call 0871 221 0000.

Circus Fitness

Circus Fitness: New courses for 2023

Free for students

  • Dates: TBC
  • Times: 6pm–7.30pm
  • Location: The Fitness Centre Studio, Penrhyn Road

Do you want to add a bit of fun to your fitness routines or just try something new?

The 'Sport and Active Lifestyle' team are offering FREE circus fitness classes with Annie Zita. Annie is a graduate of the 'National Centre for Circus Arts' and has been training since 2010.

The classes take place in the Fitness Centre, located at the Penrhyn Road site. They will focus on handstands/conditioning, hula hoop/movement, juggling/coordination/games, and flexibility. All levels are welcome. Focus is on fun, moving and trying new things.

Book for the whole week or just a come along for a drop-in session. For bookings and more information please contact Jo Heath via j.heath@kingston.ac.uk or call 0208417 2412

There are 15 places available for each workshop.

Cycling

Kingston Wheelers Cycling Club: Wednesday

Kingston Wheelers is one of the biggest and friendliest clubs in London and part of Kingston's cycling culture since 1924. It offers Wednesday evening social rides around Richmond Park and regular rides, including a Sunday club run. The club hosts many local races and charity events. Students can get a discounted membership at £20 for the year, which includes access to the club forum, Le Col cycling kit, refunds on race fees and social events. Find out more at the Kingston Wheelers website.

Njinga Cycling: any day of the week

Offers training for riders looking to improve their cycling. Our Wattbike lab, just on the Kingston Bridge, offers Wattbike classes seven days a week. Yoga and strength & conditioning classes for cyclists are also available. Find our schedule on the Njinga app or visit our site.

All new customers entitled to our new customer offer of two classes for £14.

  • Ongoing pay as you go student rates are: £9 per class (Adult classes normally £17).
  • Our unlimited monthly Wattbike student package is £60 (50% off adult prices). To include yoga and strength & conditioning for cyclists add £15 per month.
  • There are no admin or membership fees.
  • We also run a referral scheme.

Dance

Dance 'Barre' classes: Every day of the week

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 to register interest.

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

The classes are pre-recorded 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 £5 for students and staff. Ongoing classes throughout 2023.

Salsa

  • Details TBC

Strictly Dance Class

  • Time: 3–4pm
  • Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Rd
  • Dates: TBC

Free class for students. No dance experience needed. Beginner friendly. Strictly Come Dancing themed workout class. Learn some 'Strictly' moves. No partner required. Wear trainers.

To book a place please sign up by emailing Jo Heath on J.Heath@kingston.ac.uk.

Clubbercise Dance Class

  • Time: 3–4pm
  • Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Rd
  • Dates: TBC

Free class for students. No dance experience needed. Beginner friendly. Start your bonfire night with a bang and come and throw some shapes to some banging club tunes. Wear trainers.

To book a place please sign up by emailing Jo Heath on J.Heath@kingston.ac.uk.

 

Disability Multisport Sessions

Fulham FC Foundation has partnered with Kingston Mencap to offer Multisport Sessions for adults with learning difficulties/disabilities.

  • Time: Thursdays 1:30-2:30pm; Saturdays 1-2pm
  • Location: Searchlight Community Centre, Kingston KT3 3RX
  • Dates: Thursdays from 20 April 2023; Saturdays from 29 April 2023

These sessions are part of Mencap's Drop-in Sessions and have a charge of £5 per person. (This includes tea and coffee and water/juice; bring your own lunch). Carers are free.

Full details of the drop-in sessions are:

  • Thursday Fun Club - 1pm to 3pm
  • Saturday Drop-in – 12pm to 2:30pm

No booking is required, just turn up on the day of the session you wish to attend.

Fitness Trail

Fitness Trail

  • Time: Any time and day
  • 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. Why not start with this year's Big Read book, The Gravity of Us? Pick up your free Big Read book from any campus and get out in the fresh air and enjoy some forest bathing and exercise at the same time.

Football

Female Football-'This Girl Can' Programme -Tuesdays

A football session for all girls. Lead by a qualified female coach. No previous experience needed.

Come along and learn how to play the beautiful game. Gain confidence in a friendly welcoming group.

  • Time: Tuesdays 3.30pm-4.30pm
  • Location: Fitness Centre on Penryn Road campus
  • Dates: 2 May until 30 May 2023

Campus Football

If you are an avid football player or just want a regular game each week, then get yourself involved on the Kingston Student Football Programme.

A great social setting to play football with your friends, course mates or house mates in our 8-a-side campus football league, against other students.

The cost for a team per semester is £80.

To sign up and play, contact Nicole Soriano.

Football - More Than A Game: Tuesdays

  • Time: 2–3pm
  • Location: Kingsmeadow Athletics Centre
  • Dates: Every Tuesday - ongoing

Free all-inclusive football for all abilities (18+). Come along for 45 minutes of physical activity followed by 15 minutes of mental health support/wellbeing activities. All inclusive session open to all abilities, disabilities, cultures, backgrounds and genders. Contact Jo Heath to sign up for a session. In partnership with Fulham Football Club.

Female Disability Football

  • Time: 10.10–11.30am
  • Location: Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park
  • Dates: Ongoing Saturday mornings

Sessions are for females, aged over 16, with any form of physical and/or learning disability or educational need.

To book, visit: www.fulhamsoccerschools.com.

Golf

Golf: throughout the week

  • Hampton Court Palace Golf Club, Richmond
    £550 membership deal for Kingston students and staff which includes: no joining fee, full seven-day membership, includes unlimited play year-round. Contact James Cooper, hamptoncourtpalace-sales@crown-golf.co.uk
  • Strawberry Hill Golf Club, Twickenham
    Four taster sessions for £40. To book or for further information, contact Peter Buchan via email peter.buchan7@btinternet.com, by calling 020 8894 0165 or visiting www.shgolf.co.uk
  • Sunbury Golf Centre, Shepperton
    Seven-day free trial of up to four one-hour group lessons, range and use of the course at off-peak times. Free club hire.
  • Sandown Park Golf Club, Esher
    Two free beginner group lessons and free club hire. Balls cost £6 per session.
  • World of Golf, New Malden
    Six free beginner group lessons and free club hire. Balls cost £5 per session.
  • London Scottish membership
    Also available is a fantastic student golf membership offer from London Scottish (near Wimbledon Common) for only £288 for the year. This will entitle any bona fide student to play seven days a week all year round and enter all competitions to gain an official handicap. This would normally cost £902 for the year!

 

For more information and booking about all golfing activities please contact Jo Heath by email or call 020 8417 2412.

Go-karting

Go karting is available at Sandown Park: discounts available if students book online.

Horse Riding

Chessington Equestrian Centre offers a 10% discount for Kingston University students on prices for 1:1 half hour lessons and small established rider groups during off peak hours. All prices can be found on the Chessington Equestrian Centre website.

Please contact the centre directly to make your bookings and payments.

Laser Quest

Laser Quest is available in N Surbiton, 1st Floor, Hook Rise, KT6 5AT. Take your student ID card for the latest discounts. To book call 020 4599 1350.

For more information, visit Laser Quest Kingston.

Netball

Recreational Netball: Tuesdays

  • Time: 5.30–6.30pm
  • Location: Tolworth Sports Ground – hardcourt area
  • Dates: 16, 23 and 30 May 2023

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

Social Netball League: Tuesdays

  • Time: 6.30–9.30pm
  • Location: Tiffin Girls School KT2 5PL
  • Dates: Tuesdays, 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.

Back to Netball: Wednesdays

  • Time: 8–9.30pm in Woking (The Winston Churchill School)
  • Time: 6–7pm in Woking (Woking Leisure Centre)
  • Dates: Ongoing.

Contact Grace Thornborow (Grace.Thornborow@englandnetball.co.uk) 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 your skills into practice.

Padel Tennis

Padel Tennis: Monday - Friday

  • Time: 9.30am-2pm - every weekday
  • Location: Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club, Berrylands, Surbiton, KT5 8JT
  • Date: ongoing.

Bookings can be made maximum 24 hours in advance. For example, to book for 10am on the Wednesday, you can do so from 10am on the Tuesday.

Bookings can be made by emailing us, info@surbiton.org and mentioning Kingston University in the email, and then payment can be made at reception at the time of booking. Bats/ balls are available to borrow. The student rate per hour is £8 for a court (only £2 for each player).

Pop-up Sport

Pop Up Sport: Wednesday

  • Time: 11am–1pm
  • Location: John Galsworthy Courtyard, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: TBC

Simply 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. Plan to meet friends at this time for regular recreational fun.

Pop Up Sport: Thursday

  • Time: 11am–1pm
  • Location: John Galsworthy Courtyard, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: TBC

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.

Plogging

Plogging: any day of the week

Plogging is a new Swedish fitness craze that combines exercise and eco-friendly activity. Simply pop into see the Sport and Active Lifestyle team in Grove House, Penrhyn Road, to pick up gloves and a bag and away you go.

The idea is to combine your walk, jog or run with picking up plastic along the way. Return your recycling to us and we will log your activity. There are prizes for those clocking up the most runs throughout the term and collecting the most plastic.

Ongoing throughout the year. To get involved, contact Jo Heath.

Rugby

Men's Rugby League: Tuesdays

Student and staff players wanted.

  • Time: 7 to 8.15pm
  • Location: Elmbridge R.L., Old Cranleighan Sports Club, Portsmouth Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0HB
  • Dates: Every Tuesday - ongoing

To sign up please contact by email or call 07720 805834.

Women's Rugby League: Saturdays

Student and staff players wanted.

  • Time: 12 noon to 1pm
  • Location: Elmbridge R.L., Old Cranleighan Sports Club, Portsmouth Rd, Thames Ditton, KT7 0HB
  • Dates: Every Saturday - ongoing

To sign up please contact by email or call 07720 805834.

Running

Running Club: Wednesday

  • Time: 2–4pm (mixed ability group, from beginners to advanced)
  • Location: Meet outside the Fitness Centre (Penrhyn Road) to run with a group
  • Dates: TBC (see Triathlon activity for alternative running session)

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

Organised Running Session: Thursday

  • Time: 2–4pm for beginners
  • Location: Meet outside the Fitness Centre (Penrhyn Road) to run with a group
  • Dates: TBC.

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.

Please note: 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.

Squash

Squash: throughout the week at Surbiton

  • Location: Surbiton Squash Club, Berrylands
  • When: Monday to Friday 8am–5pm
  • Booking: Students can book into this private club on production of Kingston University student card and a court is approx £5 per hour during off peak hours. To book a court call 020 8399 1594 on the day and state you are a Kingston University student.

Squash: throughout the week at New Malden

  • Location: New Malden Sports Club, KT3 5RG

Students can attend all of the Open Squash sessions for the following discounted prices:

  • Mondays 8–10pm: Club Night - Friendly match play session suitable for all abilities including beginners. Cost £6 (runs every Monday except for Bank Holidays)
  • Fridays 6–7.30pm: Open coaching - Fun drills and technical coaching followed by friendly match play. Suitable for all abilities including beginners. Cost £7 (runs every Friday except Feb 17th 2023)
  • Thursdays 7.30–9pm: Ladies-only squash coaching - Fun and social coaching suitable for all abilities. Cost £5

Student Social Group

Student Social Group on Wednesdays

Open to all students looking to socialise and feel connected to the campus. Come along and join the 'student sports activators'. Plenty of games and activities to get involved in or sit back and watch the fun and have a chat.

  • Location: Student Life Centre, John Galsworthy Building, Penrhyn Road campus.
  • When: Wednesdays at 1–1.50pm
  • Booking: No need to book
  • Starts back on 3 May, runs until 31 May 2023

For more information, please contact wellbeing-group@kingston.ac.uk

Swimming

FREE 'learn to swim' or 'gain more confidence in the water' lessons

  • When: Every Wednesday, starting back on 11 January 2023
  • Time: Beginners: 1.45pm–2.45pm. Improvers: 2.25pm–2.45pm.
  • Location: Nuffield Health Surbiton Fitness and Wellbeing Gym, Simpson Way, Surbiton KT6 4ER

Swimming is the only sport that can save your life and we think it's an essential life skill to have.

Whatever your reason for not learning to swim before, please be reassured that signing up for these lessons will be the best decision you make this year.

Not forgetting the added health benefits of this physical activity, which include good heart and lung health, improved strength and flexibility, increased stamina and improved balance and posture.

Learning to swim will boost confidence and belief in your own abilities. It also opens up the door for a range of other activities such as kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, surfing, triathlon, yachting and just good times to be had with friends and family at swimming pools, water parks, giant inflatable leisure lakes and boat trips.

Open to students only. To book a space and for more information, please contact Jo Heath, Sports Development Manager, by emailing J.Heath@kingston.ac.uk or phoning 020 8417 2412.

Swimming: any day of the week

Hampton Pool is a heated open air pool that is open 365 days of the year. Even on Christmas Day!

  • Location: Hampton Pool, High Street, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2ST
  • Telephone: 020 8255 1116
  • Booking: Student discount is available with student ID card. Public swim rate is £6.90. Student rate is £4.70. It is advisable to book your session via Hampton Pool's website.

Table Tennis

Table Tennis on Tuesdays

  • Time: 10–11.30am
  • Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: Tuesdays, 2 May until 30 May 2023

Table Tennis on Thursdays

  • Time: 2–3pm
  • Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: Thursdays, 4 May until 25 May 2023

Table Tennis tournament on Fridays

Open to all players. A rolling tournament to compete for top of the leaderboard.

  • Time: 5-7pm
  • Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: Fridays, starts 5 May until 26 May 2023

Table Tennis on Saturdays

  • Time: 2.30–3.30pm
  • Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: Saturdays, 6 May until 27 May 2023

Table Tennis on Sundays

  • Time: 2–3pm
  • Location: Fitness Centre, Penrhyn Road
  • Dates: Sundays, 7 May 2023 until 28 May 2023

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.

Tennis

Touch tennis – Pop Up Sport

  • Time: 11am–12noon
  • Location: The courtyard area outside the John Galsworthy building. Simply turn up and play. Lead by a student sports activator.
  • Dates: TBC

Tennis: Tuesdays

  • Time: 5.30–6.30pm
  • Location: Tolworth Sports Ground
  • Dates: 16, 23 and 30 May 2023

Free recreational tennis sessions. All welcome. Led by a student Sports Activator, UTA (University Tennis Ambassador) supported by the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association)

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 via sport@kingston.ac.uk.

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

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.

Swimming sessions

  • Monday: 9pm-10pm at Elmbridge Xcel Leisure, KT12 2JG
  • Wednesday: 9pm-10pm at Hampton Open Pool, TW12 2ST

Running sessions

  • Tuesday: 8pm-9pm at Kingsmeadow athletics, KT1 3PB

Cycling sessions

  • Thursday: 8pm-9pm virtual Zoom
  • Sunday: 9am-12 noon meet @ Kingston Gate Richmond Park

The club has full and PAYG member options, with a student discount, and members can attend as many or as few sessions as they choose. The club also organises several courses for beginners during the year. To find out more and attend a free trial session, check out the Kingfisher Triathletes website and then contact them directly.

Volleyball

Recreational Volleyball: Tuesday

  • Time: 7pm–8pm
  • Location: Tiffin School (Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6RL)
  • Dates: Every Tuesday in May (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th)

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

Walking

Wednesday Wellbeing Walks

Look out for the student sports activator carrying the 'Walk and Talk' board at ad hoc times every Wednesday. Join them for a riverside or park walk for some gentle exercise. Or maybe just a short walk around campus. Our student activators are there to keep you moving and also offer a friendly ear if you just need a talk or want to ask about other activities that we offer.

 

Yoga

Yoga: Monday

  • Time: 12.45pm–1.30pm
  • Location: The Fitness Centre on Penrhyn Road Campus
  • Dates: Starts back September 2023

All welcome. No previous experience needed. Mats provided.

Yoga: Wednesday

  • Time: 5.00pm–5.45pm
  • Location: The Fitness Centre on Penrhyn Road Campus
  • Dates: Starts back September 2023

All welcome. No previous experience needed. Mats provided.

Energetic Vinyasa Flow Yoga: Thursday

  • Time: 6.00pm–7.00pm
  • Location: The John Galsworthy Building Rm PRJG3003
  • Dates: Starts back September 2023

Monthly challenges

In addition to the range of activities available each day of the week, the Sport and Active Lifestyle team offers a monthly challenge. These will help you keep fit in a fun way, building in extra activity to your lifestyle.

May Challenge: Unlock Your Happy

Pick one thing from the following lists to do every day in May.

Serotonin: the mood stabiliser list

  • Get outside into nature
  • Have a massage
  • Breathing exercises
  • Practise daily gratitude
  • Aerobic exercise

Dopamine: the reward chemical list

  • Celebrate success
  • Get enough sleep
  • Mindfulness/Meditation
  • Listen to music
  • Sunlight exposure

Endorphins: the pain killer list

  • Creative activities
  • Laughter
  • Eating cacao rich foods
  • Random acts of kindness
  • Taking hot salt baths

Oxytocin: the love hormone

  • Practise yoga
  • Cuddles and hugs
  • Petting a dog
  • Telling someone how much you care
  • Spending time with family

If you need inspiration for any of these activities please contact Jo Heath from your Sport and Active Lifestyle team.

April Challenge: Just Breathe

We invite you to receive simple but effective breathing and relaxation techniques to help with pre-exam stress, 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; whatever works and is comfortable is the most important thing. Michael is open to Q&A after each session if people want to ask questions or share their thoughts; all emails will be answered within 24 hours.

Sessions don't require any special equipment, just a quiet place where you can join in and enjoy the time. Students can join at any time during term.

  • Time: 11am–12noon
  • Location: Virtual platform on Teams
  • Dates: Every Monday, ongoing throughout 2023

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

March Challenge: Plonk a Plank into your Day

This month the Sport and Active Lifestyle Team is completing the plank challenge. We will be doing a plank exercise every day in March, building up to a three-minute plank on the last day.

How to do a plank

  • Lie on your stomach, squeeze your belly button up into your spine and gently lift your torso onto your forearms (elbows aligned under shoulders) and toes while keeping your back straight.
  • Your body should be in a straight line from neck to heels.
  • The hard bit is to now hold the position. Keep squeezing the abdominal muscles (belly button into spine) and also squeeze your quadriceps (thigh muscles) and glutes (buttocks) as much as possible. Push through your heels, keep your back straight, pull your shoulders back from your ears, keeping your neck straight and don't forget to breathe!
  • If you are a beginner start with a few seconds and gradually progress up to 60 seconds per day.

If you have any back issues or find this an impossible position for your body then please let us know. We can provide you with alternative exercises that will work for you.

You can literally 'Plonk a Plank into your day' anywhere, whether it be on the bedroom floor, whilst the kettle boils, during the TV adverts or in a nice sun trap in the garden, on the balcony or in the park. Apart from the obvious physical benefits of this exercise, which includes improved core strength, posture, flexibility, balance and coordination it will improve your overall mental health.

If you are interested in signing up for this challenge then please express your interest with the 'Sport and Active Lifestyles' team. Contact Jo Heath so that we can motivate and support you throughout this challenge.

February Challenge: Clowning Around

Clowning Around with the Sport and Active Lifestyles team

We all know that life has been a bit of a juggling act lately and so the ‘Sport and Active Lifestyle' team thought it would be far more fun to learn a circus skill, to take your focus away from all the serious stuff.

We challenge you to learn to juggle or hula hoop. The idea is to practice either juggling or hula hooping (or both) each day during the month of February. Set aside at least 15 minutes to learn, practice and perfect your new skill.

Let us know how long you can keep going by the end of the month and send in your time on the last day of February.

To register, contact Jo Heath in the Sport and Active Lifestyles Team.

Free circus fitness class for KU Students

You may already have the above-mentioned skills, so why not sign up for our FREE Circus Fitness workshops taking place throughout February.

Want to add a bit of fun to your fitness routines or just try something new? The 'Sport and Active Lifestyle' team are offering free circus fitness classes led by Annie Zita, a graduate of the 'National Centre for Circus Arts' who has been training since 2010.

Sessions will take place every evening from 6-10 February 2023, from 6pm-7.30pm in the Fitness Centre, located at the Penrhyn Road site.

The workshops will focus on handstands/conditioning, hula hoop/movement, juggling/coordination/games, and flexibility.

All levels are welcome with the focus on fun, moving and trying new things.

There are 15 places available for each workshop.

To register, contact Jo Heath in the Sport and Active Lifestyles Team.

January Challenge: Dance your Christmas socks off

Don't let those unwanted Christmas socks go to waste. Let's see if you can wear them out as part of our January challenge.

The 'Sport and Active Lifestyles' team encourages you to dig out your most colourful socks and dance your way through January.

Whatever you can move or shake about, do it like nobody's watching, get your socks on each morning and dance your way through one whole track of music that makes you feel good.

The idea is that you do this at the start of your day, before doing anything else. Yes, even before the first coffee of the day!

We challenge you to do this each day during January.

We guarantee that if you stick with this challenge, you will kick-start those happy hormones and start your day with a more positive mindset.

Prepare to take on the challenge

Get a playlist ready of all your favourite tracks. The more uplifting the better.

Get your brightest socks lined up by the side of your bed.

‘Pair up' with a ‘sock buddy' and get somebody else on board to complete the challenge with you. This could be a friend, family member, work colleague or maybe somebody that just needs to connect in January and do something a bit silly to lift their mood.

Let the Sport and Active Lifestyle team know that you are taking up the challenge and register with Jo Heath (J.Heath@kingston.ac.uk) so that we can keep you dancing and help you stay motivated.

December challenge: Advent Activity

If you like to have an advent calendar on the lead up to Christmas Day, why not set yourself an activity for each day from the 1 December to 25 December?

The Sport and Active Lifestyle Team challenges you to write down 25 activities on pieces of paper and place them in a jar. Or maybe make an advent calendar, if you want to get into the spirit of the challenge, and place your written challenges behind each window.

Simply pick one out on the 1 December and commit to completing that activity during the day.

Do the same each day, until your last challenge to be completed on Christmas day.

The type of activity is up to you, here are some examples:

Run, jog, walk, swim, stretch, dance, cycle, kayak, climb the stairs, play frisbee, catch and throw, plogging, squats, knit, gardening, skip, yoga, hula hoop, sing, trampoline, paddle board, meditate, keepie-uppies, shadow box, play boccia.

We recommend doing your daily activity for at least 30 minutes. However, if you did choose to buy a chocolate-filled advent and have eaten all 25 chocs on day one, to make room for your written challenges, then we recommend a good hour of physical activity each day to make up for it!

Get creative with your ideas and choose activities that your body allows you to do. You can do the same activity each day or change it up.

November challenge: Macmillan's Yoga Challenge

Join Macmillan's November Yoga Challenge and complete 15 minutes of yoga a day throughout November to raise vital funds to support people living with cancer. This challenge is designed for you to challenge yourself and develop your overall fitness.

The first 10 students to sign up to the challenge receive a free yoga mat. (Please note: these are second hand mats donated by Sweaty Betty.)

October challenge: 11 daily stretch exercises

A great challenge to ease you into the first full month of term.

Starting on the 1 October, the challenge is to complete 11 stretch exercises daily until the end of the month. View the stretch exercises.

Tick off each day on your calendar to have a visual reminder that you are achieving your goals.

Take a note of how flexible you are at the start of this challenge compared with how you feel at the end of the month.

If you can, try and complete these exercises first thing in the morning to help your muscles perform better for the day ahead. You will increase the flow of blood and improve circulation to all areas of the body which in turn will give you an increased range of movement and improve your flexibility.

Perform each stretch for at least 20 to 30 seconds before moving onto the next one.

Please let us know if you are taking up this challenge as we would like to support you along the way and keep you motivated.

Register your interest by emailing Jo Heath.

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