Wellbeing Blog: Physical Activity

Did you know that your physical wellbeing can have a significant impact on your learning and your psychological wellbeing?  Exercise, nutrition, hydration, sleep, sunlight and being close to nature have all been shown to affect academic performance and overall being.

Regardless of your level of experience, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get active while studying at Trinity Hall. Whether you are interested in exploring the nearby green spaces, developing a new skill, or just meeting people and having fun, there is something for everyone.

Opportunities at Trinity Hall

Trinity Hall Sports and Exercise Facilities at Wychfield

Are you making the most of Wychfield? Have you tried the brilliant trim trail yet, or registered for your gym induction? Why not explore the box of equipment and games on the sport pavilion veranda which, among other things, includes a soft tennis set, hula hoops, soft footballs and a twister set. Alternatively, a stroll in the beautiful gardens might be just the thing.

Trinity Hall Clubs and Societies

Whether you fancy ultimate frisbee, badminton, cricket, climbing, water-polo, football, netball, basketball, tennis, yoga or a cold-water swim on a Sunday morning, there are plenty of student-led clubs and activities at Trinity Hall that encourage physical activity.

Trinity Hall Boat Club

Opportunities to row are for everyone regardless of your level of experience. You can learn to row by signing up to a tubbing session. For more information about how to get involved, click the link in the Boat Club Instagram Bio or contact Eve (eh663) or Ben (bc586).

Volunteering in the Garden!

Every Tuesday during term-time from 1:45pm-3:15pm, the Gardening Team will be welcoming up to four students to volunteer in the garden and work with them. Whether you have some gardening experience or none, if you think you would enjoy spending some time working in the gardens at Wychfield, please contact the Gardening Team at gardens@trinhall.cam.ac.uk.

Walks with the Master

Every term, the Master of Trinity Hall hosts a walk for all. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, and to get some light exercise and fresh air. The next walk will be to Coton and back on Sunday, 29^th October. Meet at the Porters’ Lodge at 10:30am.

Punting at Trinity Hall

Chauffeuring a punt gets you moving and is a great exercise in balance! You can rent a punt for £10 via the Porters’ Lodge on Central Site. Enjoy the punts while you can before they get put away over the colder months.

Opportunities at the University

‘Give it a Go’ Physical Activity Programme (University Sports Centre)

‘Give it a go’ offers free, weekly activities to Cambridge students that enable you to develop skills, meet new people and have fun! Regardless of your level of experience (including complete beginners and those less confident with exercise), you can choose from a range of activities such as volleyball, pickle ball, ultimate frisbee, football, squash, touch rugby, netball, badminton, lacrosse, table tennis, squash and tennis.

University Clubs and Societies (Cambridge SU Societies Directory & University Sports Clubs page)

There are hundreds of clubs and societies at the University, including those that encourage physical activity such as rambling, trampolining, yoga, martial arts, dance, cheerleading, ice skating, mountaineering, pole sports, water polo, orienteering, golf and much more.

In Cambridge and the wider area

Green Spaces (Visit Cambridge & Walks of Cambridge & Walking in Cambridgeshire)

If you enjoy walking, jogging, cycling or just soaking up the atmosphere, there are plenty of green spaces in and around Cambridge to enjoy. Within minutes of Trinity Hall, you can access Jesus Green, Midsummer Common, Stourbridge Common, Parkers’ Piece, Botanic Gardens, and Paradise Reserve. Under an hour’s walk away are the pretty villages of Grantchester and Fen Ditton. And there are many more routes slightly further afield.

Sport and fitness activities in the city of Cambridge (Cambridge City Council)

If you are looking for opportunities beyond Trinity Hall and the University, Cambridge City Council provides information about local activities.

Bike Safety and Maintenance

With so many of you starting to cycle for the first time, or picking it back up after the summer break, we thought it would be helpful to highlight the following resources.

• Safety Tips: The Cambridge Cycle Campaign is a local charity that campaigns for cycling and cyclists in Cambridge. The charity has produced some safety tips that can be viewed on their website including a video and guide. They also give advice on how to keep your bike secure and how to register it in case it gets stolen.
• Maps and online route planners: The Cambridge Cycle campaign also provides printed “cycle” maps of the City as well as links to an online route planner.
• Bike safety and maintenance: Cambridge students and staff can access a free 1:1 two-hour session of cycle training provided by Outspoken, a nationally recognised cycle-training organisation. Student and staff can also get their bike assessed at a free ‘Dr Bike’ session held periodically around the University estate.
• Cycles and College: For information about the trinity Hall Cycle Policy, see the Student Handbook (sections 6.3.2 and 6.3.3).