Get fit for free with Oxford University Sport
Oxford University Sport invites staff and students to stay active in lockdown with a temporary free membership. Sports Coordinator, Kate Mulrey, talks about access to Active Anywhere
Kate Mulrey
There seems to be much discussion about what you should and shouldn’t do at the moment, but there is one thing that most people agree on: the benefits of exercise during lockdown – and beyond! You will be hard pushed to find a ‘Tips for Lockdown’ article that doesn’t cite the physical and mental benefits of exercise, as well as the structure it can bring to your day, which is absolutely key during this time. So whether your motivation is dwindling, you are new to fitness or you want to change your routine, Oxford University Sport is giving you – staff, students and community members – opportunities to stay active.
The newly launched Active Anywhere membership is free for University staff until further notice; alternatively, you can engage with our #StayInWorkOut content on social media.
Active Anywhere
The newly launched Active Anywhere membership will help keep you on track when life, and the world, feels a bit out of balance. This is a no fuss, no commitment option which gives you access to over 500 fitness and wellness classes, catering for all ages and abilities. These range from on-demand workouts, lasting between 10 and 60 minutes, to quick stretch breaks that are perfect for lunchtime, as well as nutrition education classes – all accessible at the tips of your fingers.
Funding has been secured to make this membership free for as many participants as possible, and for as long as possible. Once this has depleted or we have a confirmed re-opening date from the University, you will be contacted with the option to continue with the Active Anywhere membership or to cancel before charging begins.
#StayInWorkOut
We provide easy-to-follow short videos which can be used indoors or outdoors on our social media channels. This series appeals to a variety of different needs and are focused not only on getting your heart pumping but also on increasing mobility.
The featured video is designed for those who have been sitting down for a long period, for example at a desk or in a car. If you’ve had to give up your comfortable office chair for something less supportive at home, these exercises are perfect for relieving and preventing back pain and other associated problems that come with sitting for long periods.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/oWE4G6AGOTc
If you’re looking for something more intense, then there are different workout ideas such as HIIT, core workouts and circuits. All the workouts can be done with no or minimal equipment and don’t require much space.
Oxford Sport’s Accessible Sports Programme provides chair-based workouts for those who have limited mobility. These incorporate resistance bands or household items to make a fully accessible exercise option.
As work continues at Oxford University sport facilities to meet government regulations, we look forward to welcoming all our members back when the time is right. When that time comes, should you be interested in joining the Iffley Road Sports Centre, including the gym, swimming pool, squash courts, tennis courts and more, then you’ll enjoy discounted staff membership options.
