All posts by kmn52

🌈 Mental Health Awareness Week at the UC Rec Centre🌟

Kia ora koutou,

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating with a week of themed group fitness classes at the UC Rec Centre! Whether you’re looking to sweat it out, dance it off, or just vibe with your favourite tunes, we’ve got something for everyone.

Here’s what’s coming up:

🚴  Monday 6 Oct

5:20pm Spin – Taylor Swift Edition

(book quick or join the waitlist – this will sell out!)

💃 Tuesday 7 Oct

5:20pm Zumba – KPOP
Bring a friend for FREE and double the fun!

🏋️ Wednesday 8 Oct

5:20pm Pump – Mamma Mia

🎉 Thursday 9 Oct

5:20pm Spin – Festival Vibes
(book quick or join the waitlist – this will sell out!)

🍒 Friday 10 Oct

12:05pm Core30 – Lana Del Rey

4:20pm – Zumba – KPOP Encore
Couldn’t make Tuesday? Or just want more? Join us again for an encore, and yes, you can still bring a friend for free!

🧘‍♀️ Bonus: Bring a Friend to Yoga – For Free!

Looking for a calmer way to support your mental wellbeing? You can also bring a friend for free to any of the below yoga classes during Mental Health Awareness Week. No theme, just a chance to reset together.

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 1:05pm
  • Tuesday, Thursday – 7:00am

How to Book:

Spots are limited, so make sure to sign up via reception or through our app. Don’t miss out on this chance to move your body, lift your mood, and connect with your community.

Let’s make mental health a priority – together 💙

For additional resources, please visit the MHAW website: Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Awareness Week.

Run the Wuhan Marathon & Represent UC in 2026!

UC has been invited to take part in the Wuhan Marathon University Team Challenge in March 2026, an exclusive event bringing together top global universities for a team-based competition.

We’re looking for 4 UC students (2 male + 2 female) to form our team and represent the University of Canterbury on the international stage.

Eligibility:

To be considered, you must:

  • Be a current UC student in 2026 (proof of enrolment required)
  • Be 20 years or older by March 2026
  • Have completed a full marathon OR a half marathon with verified results/official recorded times.
  • Be an experienced long-distance runner
  • Be willing to comply with group travel and race requirements, including a medical checkup within 1 month of the race

Tentative Schedule:

  • 20 March 2026 – Arrive in Wuhan
  • 21 March – Race kit collection & orientation
  • 22 March – Marathon race day
  • 23 March – Return to NZ

 What’s covered?

All travel, accommodation, and local expenses will be provided by the organisers.

How to apply:

Send your application to josiah.leigh@canterbury.ac.nz with:

  • Your marathon/half marathon official times and/or Strava links
  • Confirmation of your UC student enrolment for 2026

Selections will be made by a panel including UC Rec & Sport, Athletics NZ, and UC’s Strength & Conditioning coach.

[By submitting your information, you acknowledge and consent to it being shared with the selection panel for the purpose of assessment and for the panel to contact you directly with any follow-up questions and consent forms]

Applications close: Monday 6th October 2025.

Do not miss the chance to apply for this awesome opportunity!

Rec Centre Closed on Saturday 6th September until 1:00 PM

Kia ora, 

The UC Rec Centre will be closed until 1:00 PM on Saturday, 6 September due to essential maintenance work affecting the building’s power supply. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

To clarify:

  • The gym is open as usual until Saturday, 6 September

  • On Saturday, 6 September, the gym will be closed from opening time until 1:00 PM.

  • We will reopen from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturday.

  • Normal hours resume on Sunday, 7 September.

Thank you for your patience – we look forward to seeing you at the UC Rec Centre soon!

Ngā mihi,

UC Rec&Sport