Clare, Dentistry
Throughout my time at UCLan, I have found keeping active is one of the best ways to both improve my mood and increase my energy. Before I came to study here, I was a novice gym user. But I got myself a membership at Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, and gave it a go. I’m so glad I did.
I was immediately impressed with the modern facilities. They include full-sized sports courts, studios for classes, an Ibiza-themed cardio room (to get your blood pumping). There's also the main weights/machines room too. You can hire the sports courts and equipment at no extra cost, perfect for a game of badminton with friends.
One of the big highlights for me is the diverse, packed timetable of classes. These range from Zumba, Pilates, Yoga and so many more. To build up my confidence, I chose to attend these classes. They’re led by instructors and I felt I could learn to train my body in the most effective way possible while preventing injury.
The instructors who take the classes are friendly and knowledgeable. They’re always there for advice on how to use the equipment/perform exercises in the most effective way. Although I usually go to the gym alone, there are so many friendly faces and people to greet. The classes, in my experience, build a great sense of community amongst the gym users. My personal favourite way to start the day is the morning blast class. It allows me enough time to get home and ready for my lectures, which usually start at 9am. The friendly faces of those attending the morning classes motivate me to attend on those cold winter mornings. I always feel better afterward.
Open seven days a week
Something that’s so convenient about Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre is that it’s on campus. It's no more than a 10-minute walk from the furthest of uni buildings.
If you’re less of a morning person than me, you will be happy to know that although the gym opens from 7.30am, it closes at 10pm on weekdays. During term times it's also open seven days a week, so it’s really easy to fit a session into busy periods of work.
I would really encourage anyone coming to UCLan to make the most of their membership. And enjoy the benefits that exercise can bring both to your physical and mental health.
