Helping students with barriers access exercise
Some students, like those with physical disabilities or experiencing severe mental health issues, may have a harder time accessing exercise than the rest of the student population. But arguably, they would often be the ones to benefit most from exercise.
“When you have a medical condition, injury, disability or challenging barrier it can be even harder to exercise. But conversely, appropriate levels of exercise is even more important for you, especially for mental wellbeing, as any illness or injury can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression” explains Sarah.
Finding things that are possible with a physical disability is key. Is there a local wheelchair basketball team, or a football team for deaf people that you can link up to? Swimming pools can offer hoists and adapted changing facilities and many gyms will offer a free induction session and will have personal trainers that can help adapt workouts. CrossFit is also known as a sport that can modify any workout.
Siân Duffin – Student Support Manager at Arden University
The key is to think outside the box. This might be best achieved with the help of support staff who are more likely to know about a range of potentially suitable activities.
When it comes to mental health issues, a similar approach can be taken.
“With a serious mental health issue, it can be the social aspects of exercise that are helpful, but also the most daunting. Is there a friend who attends a class or does a sport you could go and watch before trying? Some solitary exercises like swimming may offer an outlet but not require as much interaction. If you want to try a class, see if you can meet the instructor beforehand,” says Siân.
Ola is keen to point out that such individuals should be a priority for universities. “Tailored services should be created to support healthy living, closer working between students and staff to ensure that needs are met to include those in such cases. Examples would be mixed team exercise groups, partner exercises, group discussions, one on one discussions etc. There is always a way to include people as long as you have understanding. Nobody wants to be left out and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle is key. Any movement is better than no movement,” he says.
In conclusion…
With student wellbeing a major focus at many universities up and down the country, it’s worth paying some serious attention to the mental health benefits of exercise. Relatively easy to access, it can help students manage stress and mental health issues through a range of benefits including increasing endorphins, improving sleep, better self-esteem and self-efficacy, establishing a routine and developing social connections.
While universities may be reluctant to ‘micromanage’ students, students have shown a clear desire for universities to help them better understand how to look after their mental health.
Universities could help make exercise an option by discussing it with students at appropriate times, making exercise accessible on and off campus and encouraging simple positive steps like walking to university. Universities could also help by showcasing staff who make a point to prioritise their physical health and also making sure they advertise all available options to students.
Some students face extra barriers to accessing exercise which can prove challenging. Conversely, in many cases this population would be the one to benefit most from physical activity, so extra steps should be taken to ensure they can access it. This could include a multi-pronged approach with initiatives like mixed team exercise groups, extra gym or pool facilities and personal trainers that can help adapt exercises.
While exercise alone won’t solve the student mental health crisis, it could certainly be better utilised as part of a multifaceted approach improve the wellbeing – not to mention physical health – of UK students.
