In a sector-leading development, the University of The West of Scotland (UWS) is rolling out free gym memberships for all students to use UWS-operated fitness facilities.
The bold move from Scotland’s largest modern university removes barriers to entry ensuring all students can get active and pursue a healthy lifestyle.
Student wellbeing is a core value for the university and being active is intrinsically linked due to the associated physical and mental health benefits as well as bolstering students’ social lives.
Research published in 2018* found that active students perform better in their studies, are more confident of their employability, have improved mental health and physical wellbeing and display better attainment levels compared to inactive students.
Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, UWS said: “At UWS we promote a vision for sport and physical activity which everyone can be a part of, and which contributes to our organisational identity and culture to positively impact our students’ experience.
“Offering students a free UWS gym membership highlights that we are investing in our student body, helping them to excel and be the best versions of themselves. Physical activity instils invaluable skills such as resilience, confidence and collaboration and these skills are transferable beyond university and into the world of work.
“We are so pleased that we are able to roll out this sector-leading initiative to provide our students with free access to our gyms. The widely-reported benefits of physical activity including increased confidence, social skills, employability and attainment will ensure students at UWS make the most of their time at university and flourish as individuals.”
Emma Shotter, President of Students’ Association of UWS (SAUWS) said: “Being able to access campus gyms for free is an absolutely fantastic initiative for students and we are delighted that this is being rolled out. The Students’ Association has worked for many years in promoting the benefits an active lifestyle can have towards health and wellbeing and we are sure free access to the UWS gym facilities will have some truly positive results.”
The university boasts excellent gym facilities, in particular the brand new UWS Lanarkshire campus, which hosts a cutting-edge gym and opens its doors for the very first time this month.
