How can universities encourage more exercise?
Given the evidence for exercise and the demonstrable need for wellbeing initiatives that work, it seems an obvious area for universities to investigate. But understandably, some may worry that such advice may be perceived as patronising.
Yet it’s been shown that students want universities to teach them how to better look after their mental health. A recent poll of 1,500 students found 96% thought universities should offer education to help improve their resilience against mental health problems. Bearing that in mind, these are the measures our experts suggested.
- Keep the conversation open
One simple way to encourage more activity is to keep an open dialogue with students. “A crucial way to make this happen is to ensure that exercise forms part of conversations. As a student support team, we will ask how people take care of themselves, how they manage stress and what they do to stay fit and well,” says Siân.
- Make exercise accessible
It’s all well and good extolling the virtues of exercise, but it needs to be made accessible for student uptake to happen.
“Because so much of university culture is focused around mental health, sometimes physical health can be overlooked when in fact they are very closely linked. With the stigma slowly but surely being overturned, it’s crucial for up and coming generations to be educated on the best practices to ensure that they are healthy, productive and able to perform to their best abilities both inside and outside the workplace,” says Kira.
Having exercise facilities in university accommodations can help to encourage students to exercise more since they have the equipment and space to do so right on their doorstep.
Kira Mahal, founder of RESET LDN
- Encourage walking
Some students may be discouraged from exercise, thinking it means they need to join a competitive team or spend hours in the gym. In these cases, it can be useful to remind them that exercise doesn’t have to be that intense and that something is always better than nothing.
“We can also encourage walking around to and from campus, as a free and beneficial source of exercise. If you have a long commute to your campus, try leaving the bus or the train one stop earlier than you normally would so you walk the rest of the way. You can then start to build this up over time,” says Siân.
- Set an example
In order to practice what you preach, universities could shine the spotlight on staff who prioritise their physical and mental health. “Universities can also promote staff engaging in exercise to help set an example to students. At Arden we have triathletes, footballers, powerlifters, dancers and many more amongst our staff which a great conversation starter with students,” says Siân.
- Advertise what’s on offer
From ultra-competitive sports teams and student gym discounts, to chilled out walking groups and restorative yoga, universities can help students access exercise which suits them by letting them know what’s on offer.
“Universities can also advertise benefits that are open to students, such as gyms which offer student discounts and walking clubs,” says Siân.
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