It’s getting close to 2015. Ladies it’s time to get involved in a sporting activity or two if you haven’t yet. Luckily if you’re a University of Leeds student this is quite simple, as there are many options for the beginner to the expert which means you don’t have to be intimidated if you’re new to the sport. The options are so numerous that you may find you don’t have time to check out everything that sounds appealing.
Talk to your flat mates, friends or ladies in your modules. Find out if you share any common interests and get yourself to The Edge, as this is a great place to run on a treadmill or lift some weights.
Try out badminton, basketball or squash. See if you can reach the top of the rock climbing wall. Test out your lap swimming abilities. One of these may be your niche. The Edge also has a variety of classes all 7 days of the week that will get your blood pumping and if you keep at it, in great shape.
If you want to meet new people, you can’t go wrong with checking out the sports societies offered by the Leeds University Union. One of these societies is sure to meet your interests. A variety of sports are offered from netball to volleyball to gymnastics to dance. Some of the societies are co-ed but for example, football has a society for men specifically and a separate one for women.
Personally, I really enjoy gymnastics so I recently joined the Gymnastics Society. They meet on Wednesdays and Sundays and the time is spent learning new skills, getting on a variety of apparatuses, strengthening your muscles and as well as getting fit. My goal is to learn how to do a back flip before the school year ends and get in shape. There are many different students taking part in the Gymnastics Society with a variety of experience from complete novice to those who can do quite impressive skills. The important thing is to challenge one’s self and to have a good time. It has been a great way to meet a variety of people. By finding the society that suits you best at http://www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/, you are sure to have a great time, meet new people and learn something new that will make your year even more enjoyable.
Some of us are more adventurous than others. Have you ever watched people skydive or snowboard and thought to yourself that sounds like fun but I’m not doing that because it’s far too expensive and I wouldn’t know what I’m doing? Luckily, the university offers adventurous outdoor societies. Skydiving and snowboarding (along with skiing) are options, but if you’ve always dreamed of surfing just like they do in California, the university offers a surfing society. These societies should hopefully satisfy the adrenaline junkies out there! If those aren’t for you, see what else there is under the “Outdoor” section of the Union website. One of them might really intrigue you.
If you would rather keep your feet firmly on solid ground and you enjoy running, then don’t forget to check out the Leeds parkrun, held every Saturday for free. Great for all types of runners, you can do a 5km run at your pace, giving you a chance to get in shape, work on improving your time if that’s something you’d like to do and get to know other people who enjoy running. Best of all, after it’s over, you get the opportunity to socialise with the others who participated at a local café. There is even a prize given out at the end of each month to one specific individual. For more information, visit: http://sport.leeds.ac.uk/page.asp?section=353§ionTitle=Leeds+parkrun
If you’re not a runner, nor are you into physical sports, but you’re just looking for something to convince you to get off your bum and get you more active, there are options as well. Learn to be more like Katniss from The Hunger Games by trying out the Archery Society, or master your skills at any of the other societies under the “Sports” section at the Union website. Remember, it isn’t just for those who are looking to burn massive amounts of calories.
Then, there’s those of us who want to be involved with our department’s society and don’t feel like joining society after society to see if something appeals to an individual. Fortunately, many of the departmental societies have their own sporting events. For example, my department, which is Geography, has a couple of football teams as well as a hockey and a netball team. Joining something with my department would be a good way to connect with those doing similar programs as me, as well as feeling more involved with the department. Is this something you’re interested in? See if your department offers this as well.
If you find that you absolutely love a sport and have real talent for it, see if the Leeds Gryphons are for you. Check out the link for more information: http://sport.leeds.ac.uk/landing.asp?section=31§ionTitle=Sport to find out if being a part of competitive team is for you.
Thanks to the variety of sports to try out at the University of Leeds, you’ll be sure to have a good time and get in great shape. Enjoy your adventures. And most importantly, remember to have fun! After all, you’re at Uni and you have to spend some time away from the books and pubs, right? Sure you do.
Image source:
1) http://sport.leeds.ac.uk/page.asp?section=63§ionTitle=Fitness+Suite
2) http://sport.leeds.ac.uk/page.asp?section=353§ionTitle=Leeds+parkrun