Society gets students on their feet as part of UK-wide initiative
The GCU Dietetics Society are encouraging us all to take some time away from our desks as part of a national campaign.
On Your Feet Britain takes place on Thursday 27th April and encourages office workers across the UK to get active and avoid sedentary behaviour. Second year Human Nutrition and Dietetics student Kyle Kennedy is extending the invite to students through his role as GCU Dietetics Society President.
We caught up with Kyle to find out about his role with the Society and plans for the big day:
Tell us about your involvement with the Society?
“There was a society here in first year but students left and it started to fade away. I decided to pick it up this year because it is such a good educational and social opportunity for students, and it’s sad it was in danger of going away.
“I just thought that I might as well take it on. First year was impacted by Covid-19 and everything was online, so I picked it up this year so everyone could meet each other.
“It’s been good because we’ve had a couple of social events together. I only picked up the role of president in week six of this trimester but we’ve pretty much met each week since.”
How did you first hear about On Your Feet Britain?
“I first heard about it through my lecturer Emma Kinrade in one of our classes talking about human energy balance.
“I thought On Your Feet Britain sounded pretty amazing! I was shocked by how sedentary people in the UK are and that there’s an actual national project dedicated to get people moving.
“The focus is mainly on office workers but it’s also applicable to students. It’s about getting everyone active and students tend to be sitting a lot in class and at the library.”
The initiative also focuses on improving mental health, with specific focus on increased motivation and concentration…
“Yeah, and again mental health is a key component to student life, especially in these current times. Concentration for class is key and I certainly feel my head a lot clearer after a gym session. I’m a member of the ARC, so it’s ideal having a gym on campus that I can go to between classes – especially when it’s only £15 a month!”
So, tell me a bit about the Society’s plans for On Your Feet Britain?
“We spoke about doing a couple of different things. Our main action point is a 5km walk from Glasgow Transport Museum to Glasgow Green. There are some students living in Edinburgh and we’ve encouraged them to start their own walk.
“We also reached out to other Universities and other Societies at GCU to come and join us. The GCU Radiography Society are going to come along and then it will just be a case of seeing who else turns up on the day.
“We’re also going to do a video for TikTok and encouraged those coming along to bring some sports equipment, like footballs, frisbees, so that students can do some physical activity after the walk as well.”
How many people are you hoping turn up on the day?
“I would like to hope the whole Society would come, which is about 28 members. We contacted about eight other societies and two other Universities. It’s not just about getting involved in our walk, it’s also about encouraging other groups to do their own thing for the day!
“Doing a walk like this is a really good social opportunity as well. I know a few people didn’t go to the socials because it can end up being a late night, which isn’t ideal during exam time. The walk won’t take too long and it’ll be a nice chilled atmosphere for everyone. The fresh air and greenery will be a bonus for everyone!
“The physiological benefits of working out are crazy. It prevents eight different cancers and the UK Chief Medical Officer said in 2019: ‘If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.’”
So there you have it… what more reason do you need? Join the society on their big walk at 11.30 on Thursday 27 April. Drop them a message on Facebook or Instagram to let them know you’ll be there
By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter