Move More Month Challenge
April was Move More Month, and we challenged our Student Content Shapers to build one extra form of movement into their routine. No pressure, no intense workouts — just small, meaningful habits that fit around university life.
Here's how they got on!
Ivy: Daily study break walk
“Before coming to university, going on walks was something I frequented. It was a part of my daily routine – a way to clear my head and take a break from everything. However, once I started university that habit slowly disappeared. Once transferring to university, where free time is far more abundant, I felt distant from the structured and active life that I once had.
When I chose the daily 10‑minute study break walk challenge, I didn’t expect it to feel like such a return to something I’d lost. At first, it felt slightly inconvenient to step away from my work, especially when I’m in study‑mode. But even after the first walk, I realised how much I'd missed it.
Taking those 10 minutes to walk, whether around campus or just outside, helped me reset mentally. When academic pressures, or just general life stress started to build, it offered a space to think more clearly and allowed me to return to my work calmer and more focused.
Overall, it made me question why I’d ever stopped in the first place. It’s such a simple habit yet has such a big impact — and it’s something I will continue doing!”
Pros
Cons
Maisie: Badminton
“For Move More Month, I chose badminton as my challenge. I’m a final‑year Business Management with Marketing student, and university life is very busy at the moment, especially with my dissertation due soon. I’d say I’m fairly active day‑to‑day with walking around campus and going to the gym occasionally, but I do find it hard to balance proper exercise when studying takes over.
Before starting, I’d always been intrigued by badminton as I enjoy trying new sports, but I hadn’t properly played before. Me and my friends booked a court at Sport & Fitness, which was quick, easy, and affordable. It’s great how many different sports and activities are available as it makes trying something new feel accessible.
When we got there, we jumped straight into playing, and I found it fun and exciting. It didn’t feel like exercise, but we were constantly moving and laughing the whole time. I’m quite a competitive person, so it was a great way to channel that energy. There were definitely moments where I missed the shuttlecock (as seen in the video!), but that honestly just made it more entertaining, especially for my friends.
Overall, it was a really positive experience. It helped me switch off from work and feel more energised afterwards. I’ll definitely be making this part of my weekly routine and encouraging my friends to do the same.”
Pros
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Fun and exciting — lots of laughter
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Minimal equipment needed (and can be borrowed)
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Easy and affordable to book on campus
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A great break from studying
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Beginner‑friendly
Cons
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Requires at least one other person
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Can be frustrating when you miss shots
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Courts can get busy, so booking ahead is needed
May: Yoga
“While I generally try to incorporate movement into my life, that usually involves running to the supermarket minutes before it closes. I’ve heard fitness instructors say that the body is like a machine; it must be challenged. To that end, I bought a gym membership at the start of the year, and quickly found myself too overwhelmed to go! Loud clanging machines. Blasting music. Sweat marks on equipment. It was all too much for me. Still, I knew that I needed a release. I needed something that would help release all my assessment anxiety. This April, I decided to integrate yoga into my daily life!
I was not completely new to yoga. Like many UoB students, I attended the free yoga classes held at Chamberlain Tower in my first year. They were very helpful and taught me some useful stretching techniques. With those techniques in mind, I dedicated five minutes every day to yoga. I started my mornings with a downward‑facing dog, moving into a cobra pose, focusing on my breath with each movement. I recognised how grounding it felt, especially in the throes of assessment season.
Thus, I extended my yoga practice to the beautiful Green Heart campus. My body craved movement after long hours spent sitting in the library, and the fresh air was always a welcome change. I would stand on one leg in a tree pose. Sit with my legs crossed on the grass in a seated meditation pose… and breathe.
Yoga definitely gave me the release I so desperately needed. I look forward to continuing with it.”
Pros
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Calming and grounding during stressful periods
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Can be done anywhere — indoors or outdoors
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No equipment needed
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Easy to adapt to your own pace
Cons
Anvi: Planking
“I’m Anvi, a penultimate‑year UoB student, who has only started taking fitness very recently as I was in the middle of training for a marathon (well, that was before my injury). Since then, I’ve struggled finding motivation for movement or something challenging that really pushes me.
I thought why not try doing a plank every day, even if it’s just for a minute. I usually don’t like doing core work so this would be outside of my comfort zone. On day 1 and 2, it didn’t actually feel that bad. One minute went by really quickly but I realised my form was a bit off. I tried my best to improve it for the rest of the week and that’s when I realised that it was more of a mental challenge against time alongside being a physical challenge.
Doing this challenge reminded me that when you sign up for something new, it’s never going to feel easy. That’s where practice comes in — over time you improve and you set yourself harder challenges. I might not look forward to doing a plank every day, but I know once I’ve done it, I feel better. So perhaps, I’ll try for a couple more weeks to see how far I can take this!”
Pros
Cons
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Can feel uncomfortable, especially at first
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Hard to stay motivated daily
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Requires proper form to avoid strain
What Move More Month showed us
Movement doesn’t have to be intense or time‑consuming For these students, the changes they made were simple but offered a break from studying, a boost in mood, and a reminder that looking after your body supports your mind too.
If you didn’t take part in Move More Month, it’s never too late to start your own mini‑challenge. What small movement could you add to your day today?
For more ideas, check out: