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Physical Activity

photo of three female students running in a race

At any age, participation in regular physical activity acts as a protective factor for your overall health. During University life, it brings benefits such as improved brain health, disease prevention, enhanced immunity, weight management, and increased muscle strength. Aside from the physical side, our mental health improves when we are active; positive self-esteem, reduced anxiety and improved self-confidence are all outcomes of regular physical activity. It can help with sleep, manage stress, boost your mood, improve memory, and aid concentration.

How active are you? Take a look at the below to check out the current recommended guidelines for activity levels.

How can I achieve this level of physical activity on campus?

We are unique in University of Galway in that we are situated on a riverside campus with plenty of options to connect to nature while being physically active.

Take a daily stroll

Stroll from the Kingfisher building on campus along the canal until you reach Dominick Street (3km, 40 mins on avg. for a return journey). Try this four times per week. Or you can check out our university and biodiversity trails

Jog three times per week

Jog along the trail from the Alice Perry Engineering building towards Dangan. When you reach the ‘park and ride’ car park (2km, 25 mins on avg. for a return journey). Try this three times per week.

Activities for those with disabilities

For adults with disabilities, be as active as your ability allows. Choose activities that suit your ability and aim to achieve the guidelines of 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity, 5 days a week.

Join a Sports Club

There are plenty of opportunities to be physically active by joining one of the 45 clubs or try a society such dansoc, cheerleading or yoga

Social sports for all include pickle ball – every Monday 5pm to 7pm & wheelchair basketball – every Thursday 7pm to 9pm

Smart Travel

Plan smarter travel & transport, more info here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/sustainability/learn-live-lead-model/live/transport/

Use the outdoor gym

Two outdoor gym areas are available - one opposite the Quadrangle; and a second in front of the Arts Millennium Building. These all-weather gyms include exercise bikes, leg press, chest press and shoulder press, pull down rowing machine, cross trainers, walkers, stepper, hand bikes and shoulder wheel station, along with seating areas and water fountains. A quarter of the fitness equipment has been specially designed to accommodate the needs and requirements of people with a physical disability.

Showers are available at various locations around the campus, check the map here

Join the gym

The University of Galway’s Kingfisher fitness centre has a state-of-the-art gym with a pool and a wide variety of classes to suit everyone. Discounted rates available for students.

Take part in Park Run

The University of Galway Park Run is a free fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

How sedentary am I?

Sedentary behaviour is any time spent sitting or lying down and using very little energy, while awake. This includes time spent sitting at a computer, watching television and or driving, etc. It has been shown to increase your risk of developing heart disease or stroke. Even if you get the recommended amount of physical activity but spend a lot of time sitting down, you could still be putting your health at risk.

If you find you need to reduce your sitting time, then why not take on our Escape your Chair challenge or get active at your desk with the Irish Heart Foundation deskercise routine.