Category Archives: Health and Fitness

Thank you for taking part in Biketober!

Thanks to the incredible students who dusted off their bikes and got involved in Biketober this year! 

Check out the photos from UC’s Bike Breakfast event below and see the action from other events around the city @biketoberchch. 

Beyond the month of October, cycling is a great way to travel around our city – it lowers emissions, it’s convenient, affordable, good for mental and physical health, and… it’s fun!  

See how UC supports cyclists by checking out the website here and learn what is planned for the future in the UC Cycle Plan 2022-2030. If you’re keen to explore the network of cycleways in our city (over 60km!), check out the latest Ōtautahi Christchurch Bike Map here. 

Share your feedback  

What was your favourite Biketober event?  

Do you have a suggestion for an activity you’d like to see happen on campus next year?  

Let us know in the comments below! 

Special thanks to GeogSoc, UC Human Power and our amazing Eco Volunteers for their help on the day. Photo credit to Corey Blackburn and Dominic Blissett.

Up your study game and down your stress – 3 easy steps

Exams are in full swing, and you may have noticed your mood, sleep quality and stress levels changing.   Did you know that exercise is one of the best ways to manage those stress hormones that are going a little crazy during exams? 

Step 1: Pick your favourite exercise

Your goal is to simply move.   It’s the movement that will help release endorphins which will in turn help lower your cortisol and stress levels.   It could be a walk, bike or gym session, yoga or group fitness class.  Whatever floats your boat, but just do something!

Step 2:  Allocate exercise time and stick to it. 

Seems simple enough, but often we don’t treat our exercise with as much importance as a doctor’s appointment that we can’t miss.  But think of exercise as medicine, because it is!    Even just 10mins a day will make a difference to your stress levels and keep you in a positive mindset. 

Step 3:  Activate your study breaks.

Immediately post-exercise your brain is fresh and primed to learn better!  No joke.  So, when taking your study breaks, be they micro or a bit longer, make them active!   Added bonus – head outdoors if you can for some fresh air to stretch your legs and energise your brain.  Studies have shown that being in nature can help boost mood and lower stress levels.

Good luck with the remainder of your exams and we’ll see you at the gym soon! 

Ngā mihi
Te Ratonga Hākinakina | UC Rec&Sport 

 

Biketober is back for 2023

Join Biketober (Bike+October!) with other keen students by cycling to uni more this October. Dust off your bike after winter and join in the fun – plus save money, improve your fitness and reduce carbon emissions at the same time.

What’s on for Biketober at UC?

Bike Breakfast
Free kai and hot drinks if you cycle to UC on Monday 9 October!

Come and claim your free danish and hot drink from 8.00am – 10.00am at the Beatrice Tinsley Bike Park.

See the event information here.

Cycle skills sessions
Free workshops are being run on campus to help gain confidence and learn ways of cycling safely around Ōtautahi by bike.

Email sustainability@canterbury.ac.nz for details or to register.

Tuesday courses: 12:00pm – 1:00pm Thursday courses: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Tuesday 3 October Thursday 5 October
Tuesday 10 October Thursday 12 October
Tuesday 17 October Thursday 19 October

Dr Bike
Free weekly basic bike servicing like repairing punctures, tuning brakes and oiling chains.

See Dr Bike on C Block Lawn on:

  • Thursday 5 October. 1:00pm – 2:30pm
  • Thursday 12 October: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
  • Thursday 19 October: 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Biketober also have events running month-long across Ōtautahi Christchurch. Check out their website to get involved.