NEWS In the autumn, the University’s big wellness day, Health on Campus, offered a day filled with free lectures and activities aimed at inspiring students and staff to a healthier everyday life.
Health on Campus 18 September welcomed students and staff to inspiration, movement and socialisation. The Health on Campus concept aims to broaden the horizons of how we take care of ourselves and our health while at the same time creating a forum for exploring Umeå and the campus through movement.
Exercise is the world’s best study break
Many took the chance and tried yoga in the middle of an art exhibition at the Bildmuseet.
Students and employees took the chance to try Green woodcraft during Health on campus on September 18.
The participants learned basic carving techniques by making an outdoor eating utensil (spoon, butter knife or similar).
Spring speed with athletics coach Anneli Johansson during Health on campus September 18, 2024.
The disc golf session began with basic technique training in small groups before playing on the course.
A large group hiked together with IKSU Frilufts in Tavelsjö.
Running training with Lars Bergström, Personal trainer at IKSU.
University golf championship at Norrmjöle GK.
Training workshop with physiotherapist Jacob Gudiol.
IKSU Längdskidor held a dryland ski pass to prepare for the ski season.
Lifting and running with IKSU offered a high-intensity session where intervals on the treadmill were alternated with strength exercises on the floor.
Several tried dancing West Coast Swing, a flexible and creative dance that suits both beginners and experienced dancers.
The next Health on Campus will be held on February 19, 2025.
Many took the chance and tried yoga in the middle of an art exhibition at the Bildmuseet.
Students and employees took the chance to try Green woodcraft during Health on campus on September 18.
The participants learned basic carving techniques by making an outdoor eating utensil (spoon, butter knife or similar).
Spring speed with athletics coach Anneli Johansson during Health on campus September 18, 2024.
The disc golf session began with basic technique training in small groups before playing on the course.
A large group hiked together with IKSU Frilufts in Tavelsjö.
Running training with Lars Bergström, Personal trainer at IKSU.
University golf championship at Norrmjöle GK.
Training workshop with physiotherapist Jacob Gudiol.
IKSU Längdskidor held a dryland ski pass to prepare for the ski season.
Lifting and running with IKSU offered a high-intensity session where intervals on the treadmill were alternated with strength exercises on the floor.
Several tried dancing West Coast Swing, a flexible and creative dance that suits both beginners and experienced dancers.
The next Health on Campus will be held on February 19, 2025.
In Aula Nordica, students and staff gathered to be inspired by physiotherapist Jacob Gudiol, who talked about, among other things, what is most important for health, and the former alpine skier Anja Pärson, who explained the cornerstones of her recipe for success: motivation, inspiration and courage.
Digitally, there was an opportunity to listen to Professor Anders Rosengren from the University of Gothenburg, who talked about how the Lifestyle tool can help us achieve better health. Per Höglund, from the Department of Psychology, shared tools for managing stress, improving sleep quality and promoting sustainable recovery in our everyday lives, and EwaCarin Sehlstedt, from the Department of Food and Nutrition, talked about food for health and exercise while sharing tips and tricks to make everyday life easier.
“Health on Campus 18 September was a fantastic day and attracted many people to physical activity and inspiration. In addition to lectures on the subject of health, the day offered a wide range of activities. The programme included a repeat of activity favourites as well as some new ones,” says Pernilla Eriksson, Project Manager of Health on Campus.
Tove Mårs, Project Coordinator, continues.
“Students and staff were able to try everything from various forms of running training, woodwork in nature, vegetarian cooking, choir singing, dancing, golf, climbing, hiking, racket sports and mountain biking to meditation. Health on Campus really has something for everyone, activities that benefit both physical and mental health.
“Exercise is the world’s best study break,” agrees Leonard Sundelin, Chairman of Umeå Medical Sciences Student Union.
Anja Pärson spoke about the cornerstones of what has become her recipe for success; Motivation, inspiration, courage!
Physiotherapist Jacob Gudiol, who talked about, among other things, what is most important for health.
Close to 700 listeners came to Aula Nordica to be inspired by Jacob Gudiol and Anja Pärson.
Anja Pärson spoke about the cornerstones of what has become her recipe for success; Motivation, inspiration, courage!
Physiotherapist Jacob Gudiol, who talked about, among other things, what is most important for health.
Close to 700 listeners came to Aula Nordica to be inspired by Jacob Gudiol and Anja Pärson.
“Health on Campus is a collaborative project run by Umeå School of Sport Sciences, but without all the important players, Health on Campus would not be as successful as it actually is,” says Pernilla Eriksson.
Pernilla explains that there is a reference group with representatives from the Student Health Service, the Human Resources Office, the Communications Office, the Property Management Office, Umeå University’s three student unions, the Church on Campus, the University’s three largest sports departments: Education, Psychology, and Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Buddy programme (which brings together the University’s international students) and IKSU.
“As well as this group, there are many other actors who get in touch with us ahead of each activity day and want to get involved by offering different activities, which is great. Thanks to the close and good collaboration that exists for Health on Campus, we can continue to develop the concept and offer attractive wellness days to the University’s students and staff,” continues Pernilla.
Health on Campus also attracts great interest nationally. Mid Sweden University and the Swedish University Sports Federation attended Health on Campus 18 September for inspiration, and several other universities and university colleges have also shown interest in the concept.
Activities that are completely free – perfect for student finances
Health on campus is organised twice a year: Wednesday week 38 and week 8. Tove Mårs says that the planning of the next Health on Campus, which will be held on 19 February, is already underway.
“We have received many requests for what people would like to see in the upcoming programme. It’s great that there is such huge and wonderful commitment. We are happy to receive even more ideas and requests,” says Tove Mårs.
Representatives from Umeå Student Union say that Health on Campus is good for both physical and mental health and that the concept combines work with pleasure. They continue:
“Health on Campus offers activities completely free of charge, which is perfect for student finances.
Health on Campus 18 September attracted almost 2,500 participants and offered 46 different activities in addition to the day’s lectures.
“Thank you to all the actors and everyone who participated during the day. Together, we are making Health on Campus a successful concept that will hopefully attract more and more people every time we hold the day. It is also great to see that more higher education institutions are seeing the benefits of our wellness days. See you again on 19 February,” concludes Pernilla Eriksson.