Walk in to work out

by Paul McPate

The Institute of Sport and Exercise has taken a positive step towards encouraging University staff to lead healthier, more active lives, with the launch of a 'Walk in to Work Out' initiative.

'Walk in to Work Out' not only provides staff with supportive information relating to the health benefits of walking to and from work, it also provides information on local transport links and key travel points around the campus, enabling staff to co-ordinate their use of public transport with designated walking routes to and from the main campus.

Research indicates that becoming an 'active commuter' through walking or cycling part or all of the way to work, can be an effective way of increasing your daily physical activity and enjoying the associated health benefits, including reducing body fat, enhancing mental health and improving blood cholesterol.

The initiative promoted by the Institute of Sport and Exercise provides staff with the information and support needed to enable them to make regular daily activity a central part of their lifestyle.

The Institute staff co-ordinated their walking promotion with a sponsored five miles fundraising walk for the British Heart Foundation. Designed as a kick-start to the new academic session, the event saw many staff and friends enjoying a leisurely walk along Riverside Drive and through Invergowrie before returning to the University sports grounds. For those with energy left to burn, Institute staff provided a range of fun sports events ranging from supervised children’s activities to "beach" volleyball, frisbee and touch rugby.

The Institute is also committed to providing fun exercise opportunities for children, with the next children's programme running from 11 to 15 October. Children aged from 3 to 16 years will be able to participate in a range of courses including Junior Sports, Playfit, Trampoline coaching, NRG Max and Street Dance.

Application forms can be picked up at the Institute reception & swimming pool. For more information contact: Hazel Ednie tel: 3451777, h.c.ednie@dundee.ac.uk or Cindy Wilson on 344121 or c.a.wilson@dundee.ac.uk.