Healthy campus initiative unveiled at opening of Sport and Aquatic Centre
Staff, students and members of the local community have the opportunity to lead healthier, more productive lives and achieve a better work/life balance thanks to a new program being offered by Macquarie University.
The Healthy People, Healthy Campus Program was unveiled by Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Schwartz at the official opening of the new Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre in late June.
Facilities
The new Sport and Aquatic Centre features:
- a 50 metre FINA-compliant outdoor pool and 25 metre indoor pool
- a state-of-the-art gymnasium
- group fitness, cycling and lifestyle studios
- a pool side café and juice bar.
These new facilities complement the existing six squash courts, eight badminton courts, basketball court, martial arts hall and recreation hall.
Healthy campus plan
The Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre is now arguably the best facility of its type on any Australian university campus. More importantly, however, says Professor Schwartz, the Centre will play a crucial role in Macquarie's new healthy campus plan.
"A few leading universities in the UK and US have taken on the responsibility of not only shaping the wellbeing of those who work and study in the organisation - which has had a positive effect on staff and on the retention and academic success of students - but also of promoting health in their local region beyond the limits of the campus," he explains.
"We know that 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day can make a significant individual health improvement and yet only around 56 per cent of men and 47 per cent of women in NSW participate in sufficient physical activity. This new program will help position Macquarie as a world class leader in the field of sustainable health promotion."
According to a recent Macquarie Staff Health Promotion Survey, 97 per cent of the University's staff are 'interested' or 'very interested' in leading a healthy lifestyle, however 76 per cent believe they are limited in engaging in healthier activities due to work commitments. A key part of the plan therefore revolves around easy access to on-campus healthy activities at times that suit users.
New programs on offer
The pilot stage of the program has already begun with yoga, Pilates and aqua aerobics classes at the new Centre and a walking group and basic circuit training across the campus. A staff social sport competition will follow this month and activities will gradually scale up until the official launch of the Healthy People, Healthy Campus Program on 10 September, which will include campus activities, an education program and online resources and newsletter.
By 2010 the program will include health and fitness checks for all staff and a comprehensive Staff Healthy Activity and Exercise Program.
For further information visit www.musr.mq.edu.au or email macsport@musr.mq.edu.au