In these challenging times - while the majority of us are working or studying from home - it is more important than ever that we look after our physical and mental health by keeping active and establishing healthy routines.

Simon Tunley, Head of Sport at the University of Sussex, said:

“The key for me is keeping campus students and staff engaged and active during this period of lockdown, and making use of the expertise we have in Sussexsport to deliver quality classes online.”

To join you'll need to sign up to classes using your Sussex email address. You can register via the University's Zoom account at: https://universityofsussex.zoom.us

As always, sport and fitness will continue to play a vital part in our happiness. So how can we keep physically and mentally well if we can’t get to the gym?

A response to the quarantine

Thankfully, Sussexsport, the sport department at the University of Sussex, has already established FREE online fitness classes, via Zoom, to encourage the University community to keep active.

They hope these classes will help combat the social isolation and loneliness many are feeling at the moment, with friends meeting up virtually to join a class; able to see and talk to each other again.

Terry Cooper, Deputy Head of Sport, said it was important to bring classes online as soon as possible.

“Our weekly group exercise programme has always been very important to our users, not only to help them keep active, but because of the connections that are made with our instructors, so it was crucial that we moved quickly to keep those relationships going.”

The class timetable includes a host of different physical activities including: PiYo (Pilates+Yoga), HIIT (High Intensity Training), seated stretching (perfect for a home workout) and classic Yoga.

What else is on offer?

A series of short online videos of simple stretches you can do if you’re working or studying from home.

Students and staff are also invited to take part in a monthly Motivator Challenge. This is similar to the Commit To Get Fit program, which Sussexsport runs each year.

To get involved simply sign up as an individual, in a team with friends or within your department. Miles can be earned by completing exercises at home, going for short walks or joining an online class. The aim is to have fun, do something together and keep active. For more information about how to sign up go to Together Sussex.

Sussexsport social media channels

In conjunction, student focused videos are available on Sussexsport’s social media channels Instagram and Facebook:

-       Active US Instagram (the student-focused, participation arm of Sussexsport). Their first video tests students’ physical prowess with a toilet roll!

-       US Girls Can Instagram (open to all self-identifying women, transgender and non-binary students). They are providing video exercises classes taken by US Girls Can Leader Freya Sumner, an undergraduate studying English.

-       Sussexsport Facebook and Instagram: Linked fitness instructor videos and advice

A list of some of the other FREE or low-cost fitness services available across the Internet

-       Brighton Natural Health Centre – pay what you can, £3-£9

-       Blue Koala Pilates - £3, some Pilates experience advised

-       POPSUGAR Fitness - FREE

-       The Body Coach TV  - FREE

-       Our Parks - FREE

-       Sweaty Betty Workouts - FREE

-       NHS Home Workouts - FREE

-       Fitness Blender - FREE

For a full round-up of what’s on offer check out Sport England’s website.