So, somehow, it’s already July (actually wait, August) and the New Years’ Resolution to “get fit” is looking a bit doubtful. Granted there’s been sprinting (to the fridge to emotionally eat all the pain of uni away) and hiking (how else can you describe the journey to the third floor of the new Learning and Teaching Building?), but luckily for us, Monash Sport has heaps of initiatives to keep us healthy and active through the upcoming months.
Run Monash
If you’re keen to improve your running skills in a friendly group environment, Run Monash is definitely for you! At Clayton, the free class is conducted by Trever Vincent, a former Commonwealth Games medallist. The program caters to all, from beginners to advanced runners, and is the perfect way to de-stress at the end of the day.
The group meets every Tuesday at 6pm at the Baseball Diamond at Clayton campus for approximately an hour session. Make sure you bring water and wear appropriate running gear and I’ll see you there!
Not at Clayton? You don’t have to miss out. A running group has recently formed at Caulfield Campus as well. The class has already been a huge hit, and coach Niamh is always welcoming new members. Meet in the Foyer in Building S, Mondays at 6 pm.
Prefer to go solo or with a few mates? Not a problem. Head down to the Monash Tan Track any time for a walk, jog or run. Choose from the 1 or 2-kilometre circuit and feel free to make use of exercise equipment stations positioned along the route on the way.
Water Wise
All Monash students can learn to swim for free with the Water Wise program at the Doug Ellis pool at Clayton campus. These classes are perfect if you’ve never learnt how to swim or are a beginner swimmer. The program will ensure you to feel confident and safe around water. Term 3 classes commence on 16 July and Term 4 begin on 8 October. Head to the Monash Sport website for more information (monash.edu/sport).
Happy Hour
Every week day from 12-2pm, students can access discounted court hire and get some adrenaline pumping before their dreaded afternoon lectures and labs. Students at all campuses can get 50% off when hiring badminton courts, while those at Clayton campus also receive the same discount when hiring a squash court. Students at Clayton and Peninsula can also hire tennis courts for $2 per hour or $1 for a half an hour session during Happy Hour. Make sure you bring your student ID card and own equipment. You can also hire equipment from Monash Sport for an extra cost.
Free Play
Monash Sport also offers students the chance to get active and play for free with no bookings or reservations required. Clayton students can play football, soccer, basketball and use the indoor stadiums and the outdoor Informal Sports Zone from 8am – 5pm every week day. Studying at Caulfield? Head down to Chisholm Hall Building S for basketball and indoor soccer from 9am -12pm Monday-Friday. Peninsula students don’t miss out either and can use the hockey pitch from 7am- 5pm and the indoor courts (Building W) from 8am – 5pm every weekday. Bring your ID card and your own equipment, and please note that these spaces are subject to availability and bookings.
Memberships
Thinking you want to pump the iron or try some group classes? Monash Sport have multiple membership options including fitness and aquatics. Membership gets you access to all campuses’ sports facilities and an online sport portal. There are no joining fees and eligible students can receive a $50 membership rebate via SSAF (conditions apply). Sign up for a free one-week trial either online or ask a Monash Sport staff member. Another option is multi-session passes which are available for those wanting to regularly use either the Doug Ellis pool (Clayton campus) or squash, tennis or badminton courts.
Events
Keep an eye out for events in the second half of the year, including the Winter Carnival on Friday 17 August, and the MS Mega Swim running from 10 am Saturday 6 October – 10 am Saturday 7 October. Make sure you like Monash Sport on Facebook to keep updated too!
No excuses guys. With so many options, Monash Sport definitely has something to help everyone get fit, get involved and most importantly have fun! Lace up those runners, have a brilliant reason to spend the whole day in gym gear, and I’ll catch you on the track!
