Mental Health & Wellbeing Week

University of Edinburgh Sport & Exercise is participating in Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness Week.

University of Edinburgh Sport & Exercise has partnered with University of Edinburgh’s Sports Union (EUSU) and Student Association (EUSA) to raise the profile of mental and physical health, as well as the link between the two, as part of the Edinburgh University Student Association (EUSA) Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness Week (30 January-5 February).

Here is what will be on offer at Sport & Exercise:

Free Gym, Swim and Climb Weekend

4-5 February

Access to the Pleasance Sports Complex and Gym will be free for all students of The University of Edinburgh who want to experience its world-class facilities. Enjoy a workout in our 102-station CV Gym, pump iron in the Vaults or take on the challenge of our very own Climbing Wall (free entry and gear hire included at climbing facility). UoE students can also swim for free at our St Leonard's Land pool. This offer is valid during the weekend member swimming sessions outlined here. Simply sign up at reception on the day.*

Support for Physical Activity Programme (SPA)

If you don’t know where or how to start being active, book an appointment with the SPA Programme - a free, non-judgmental and confidential service that is designed to support you to be more active and feel better. Contact spa.programme@ed.ac.uk for more information or to make an appointment.

Free 5-a-side at Peffermill

30th January-3rd February

Come for a kickabout at Peffermill Playing Fields! Free 5-a-side will be available during the following times:

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10am-4pm

Wed: 10am-12pm

Book in person at Peffermill Playing Fields reception.

Why is physical activity an important factor in maintaining mental health?

We all know that being physically active is good for our bodies. But our physical health and mental health are closely linked – so physical activity can be very beneficial for our mental health and wellbeing too.

Check out these facts:

• Physical activity has huge potential to enhance our wellbeing. Even a short burst of 10 minutes’ brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood. (Ekkekakis, P., Hall, E.E., Van Landuyt, L.M. & Petruzzello, S. (2000)
• Researchers have found that people feel more content, more awake and calmer after being physically active compared to after periods of inactivity (Kanning, M. & Schlicht, W. (2010)
• Physical activity also plays a role in preventing the development of mental health problems (Zschucke, E., Gaudlitz, K. & Strohle, A. (2013). Exercise and Physical Activity in Mental Disorders: Clinical and Experimental Evidence. J Prev Med Public Health, 46 (1), 512–521), (Alexandratos, K., Barnett, F. & Thomas, Y. (2012). 

*Terms and conditions

Free entry applies to University of Edinburgh Students on production of a valid student ID card on 4-5 February 2017 only. Non-members must sign in and agree to visitor/guest terms and conditions of use. Free entry only valid at Pleasance Sport Centre and Gym, St Leonard's Land Swimming Pool (swim sessions Saturday and Sunday, 11am-1pm) and Peffermill 5-a-side (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10am-4pm, Wed: 10am-12pm).  University of Edinburgh Sport & Exercise retains the right to refuse entry. Offer subject to availability and maximum capacity at peak times between 7am – 9am and 5pm and 7pm.

The Climbing Wall opens at 12pm and use is subject to availability.