Going to the gym offers social interaction and a variety of activities that are suitable to various fitness levels. The Tuks Student Gym (TSG) offers competitive rates that include monthly, quarterly and seasonal packages that do not break your student budget. TSG is located on the Groenkloof campus and LC de Villiers Sports Campus. Equipment on offer includes free weights, cardio equipment and resistant machinery. Registered gym members also have access to a variety of early morning and evening classes namely cardio, spinning, pilates, aerobics and boot camp.
Virgin Active Hatfield is the more expensive option, however, if you have substantial medical aid cover or register while there is a special, this is a great membership to have. The gym boasts world class facilities, personal trainers and classes such as Zumba, G.R.I.D and Shape.
Another option is participating in a sporting code offered by TuksSport. TuksSport offers over 30 sporting codes divided into 3 categories. The priority category includes football, rugby and netball. The specialised category includes archery, cheerleading and trampoline, and the recreational category includes dance, basketball and gaming. A comprehensive list of all the codes is available on TuksSport’s website.
On the Hatfield campus, there are three running trails. The 3.8 km track is marked by red antelope foot prints. Yellow marks a steenbok foot print of 2.1 km while Blue is marked by lion foot prints and it extends the yellow trail by 2.3 km. Running on the trails offers a beautiful view of university architecture and artistic displays and a chance to learn how to navigate campus like a pro. Join a campus boot camp and fitness group hosted by students ? these are advertised on the bulletin boards in the student centre.
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is paramount to your wellbeing as a student. The Centre for Disease Control recommends that adults engage in 150 minutes of physical activity weekly. The benefits of exercise not only include maintaining a healthy weight and reducing susceptibility to disease, but also assists in keeping a good mental health state which is crucial to being a successful student. Exercise also reduces stress and anxiety, boosts moods and energy, increases sleep quality and promotes social interaction ? all great benefits for first year students.
Image: Sally Hartzenberg
