Choir, yoga and dance fitness launched at The Edge this autumn and will continue in January following the first term’s success.
Programmed to fit in with staff schedules, the sessions fall in the morning and at lunchtimes, offering rejuvenating and re-energising experiences away from the working environment.
Freedom Flow Yoga participant:
Super relaxed. Just being in the space was a treat. So open and I felt like I was floating mid sky
Staff have enjoyed a range of classes from sessions which fuse fitness with Latin dance and Ballet, to calming yoga sessions, and the most popular – a lunchtime wellbeing choir exclusively for Staff and Postgraduates. All classes provide flexibility to book just one, a couple or all sessions.
The choir is run by Matt Finch, a musical director with over 20 years of experience, and provides a space where all levels are welcome - learning a new song each lunchtime.
Choir participant:
I felt that it was a really positive experience and a great form of stress-relief in the middle of the day. It also offered the opportunity to mix with staff from across the university in a more fun, informal setting. I left each choir practice feeling happier and more relaxed - it is definitely something that I will continue doing in the future’
The University’s Office for the Arts who run The Edge value the impact that creativity can have on wellbeing, with studies such as Art Fund’s 2019 Wellbeing Report showing 72% partake in creative activities as a way to ‘de-stress’ and 63% combat anxiety by visiting museums or galleries.
The wellbeing sessions are now open for booking for 2020, ranging from £3-£6 with bulk buy options available on movement classes. The Edge have also announced the next exhibition Mariner in the University’s gallery, providing a free space to explore and relax.