Have you got Uni friends coming home to Christchurch for summer, who need a gym to go to?  Starting at just $49, why not recommend the UC RecCentre?  They get a bargain and you get a gym buddy!

Summertime at the RecCentre

The RecCentre goes into chill mode for Summer, making it an excellent time to come down and enjoy the space and your own pace.   It’s also a time where old friends might come home for summer break, or perhaps you have some flatmates who aren’t UC students, also a loose end?

Summer Sizzler Specials

Our prices are already pretty darn good, but right now we also have our Summer Sizzler specials available.   We have three rates:
Non-UC Students at other tertiary (or secondary) institutions $49 UC Staff $79
General community $149

All are valid for 3months. Check out all the terms and conditions online. 

These aren’t available for long – sale ends Sunday 24th November, 2024!

UC Students Memberships valid until 1 March, 2025

As a UC student, your levy funded membership is valid until 1 March, 2025.  Some exceptions apply (like some Postgraduate courses), so check with us if you’re not sure.  Haven’t registered yet? No worries, you can do it now! Hit up the online registration, then pop over with your student card to get moving!

Ngā mihi
UC Rec&Sport | Te Ratonga Hākinakina

There are times that we are put in a position where we can’t keep up our usual exercise routines – exams, holidays, full-time work over summer and childcare, to name just a few.

Time is the number one barrier to exercise, or is it?  We always say we don’t have time, but in reality, could we make a choice to prioritise some time for exercise?  Here are a few ways to rethink your strategies to stay active when you’re short of time.

1. Home-based exercise
   There are so many online platforms where you can find an exercise routine that works for you. You save time by cutting down the admin – travel time, carparking, traffic, changing etc.      Another hot tip is to use your scrolling time at night, to pick out the video/activity you’re going to do the next day. Lay out your exercise clothes and equipment the night before also, so it’s super hard to ignore the visual cues.Remember – do your research and ensure the person you’re following is qualified to give the advice they’re sending.
2. Train Smart
   If you genuinely have less time, but you don’t want to change your goals, then you need to rethink your training strategies.  You may also need to make a compromise in other areas of your life to free up the time you need. You can get an epic workout in just 20mins, if you sequence it well and work at high intensity (think HIIT workouts). Consider investing in a personal trainer or life coach to write a plan with you, not only for an individual workout, but also to help you structure your week.  This makes sure you get the right amount of exercise and recovery to be well.
3. Download the Rec&Sport App – it’s free 
   Why? Because there’s a huge amount and range of free workouts in the app that you can follow at home or at the gym. Simply navigate to the Explore section and use the filters. Or try the coach section, where you can build your own workout. All have helpful videos to show you how to do the exercise.Need help? You can book in for a PT session with one of our consultants to help you with creating a smart programme to suit your lifestyle. UC students get discounted prices, $60 for 60mins. Or, we have PT bundles available to get the cost down a further
   As a UC Student, you can download our app for free, once you’ve registered for your membership (student levy funded, so you don’t need to pay anything further).

Don’t forget, the RecCentre is open for most of the summer break, (check out our holiday hours online or in the app). If you’re around Christchurch we’d love to see you!  Your student membership is valid until 1 March 2025 (some are different though, like postgrads sometimes, so if you have any access problems, just check with our reception team).

Ngā mihi
UC Rec&Sport | Te Ratonga Hākinakina

Prepping for an exam is a lot like prepping for game day, finding that sweet spot of mental and physical state which will give you optimal performance.    So, here are our top tips to prepare on game day to help you do your best in your exams.

Mental Preparation

1. Mindset 
   Stay positive and focus on your strengths.  Try not to let any negative thoughts creep in.
2. Positive Affirmations (Self-Talk) 
   Athletes use this all the time!   Repeat a little positive statement to yourself to remind yourself that you are amazing and that you’ve got this!
3. Visualisation 
   Imagine your success.  See yourself writing the exam, the words and numbers flowing onto the page or screen.  See yourself completing the exam and being super happy with your effort.  See yourself celebrating afterward.
4. Relaxation 
   Practice techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or PMR to help calm nerves and anxiety.   Even a simple box breath practice will help you settle and focus.

Physical Preparation

1. Nutrition
   Try to avoid heavy or greasy foods, which can affect your mood and make you feel sluggish.  Instead, opt for a balanced meal of protein, carb and healthy fats.

2. Hydration
Did you know your brain is approximately 75% water?  This means it’s crucial to stay hydrated so that it has all the water it needs to function optimally.  Dehydration causes fatigue & brain fog, all leading to impairment of concentration and performance.

3. Recovery 
It’s absolutely critical to get a good night’s sleep.  In terms of your brain’s performance (and ability to recall the facts you need and construct a legible sentence!) quality sleep will help you more than burning the midnight oil.  Aim for 7-8hrs of quality every night during the exam period, but especially the night before!

4. Warm-up 
Tension builds in your muscles from sitting, which can lead to stiffness and pain.  Try this short back stretch routine throughout your study sessions, and before or  during your exam if you start to feel stiff.

Bonus tip! 
Arrive early and take a 15min walk right before you head into the exam. That fresh arrival of oxygen to the brain will stimulate your thinking power!

Of course, come down to the RecCentre afterward for some exercise to shake things up, before settling back down in the books.   Taking care of yourself first is most important, as you’ll be in your best physical and mental state to take on those exams!

Good Luck!
Te Ratonga Hākinakina | UC Rec&Sport