Active Start relaunched for 22/23

An Active Start for new students at Oxford Brookes

At Brookes Sport we are passionate about active lifestyles. We also realise that starting at university doesn’t always go hand in hand with healthy living, and studies show that the biggest drop off in physical activity takes place between the ages of 18 and 23. This is where our Active Start initiative comes in…

Active Start offers all new first year undergraduate students, free gym memberships for their first semester at Oxford Brookes to help avoid that drop off that so many people experience, and start off life at university with a healthy lifestyle.

Launched in the 21/22 academic year, we saw nearly 700 new students at Brookes sign up for the Active Start initiative – many of whom hadn’t used a gym prior to arriving at University.

“As someone who never went to a gym facility before, I am lost for words on the quality and service of the gym and its staff”

"A great alternative to boost my mental health when I'm struggling with academia or personal life"

Over the last academic year, we surveyed those students who signed up to Active Start, with those student visiting the gym reporting better physical health, mental health, and sleep quality.

Students will be able to claim their membership – at the Fitness Basic level – at any point during their first semester, and will get access to our gyms at both Headington and Harcourt Hill during off-peak hours (before 2pm on weekdays, and any time at weekends).

Since launching this initiative we’ve really seen a surge in first year students using our facilities – it’s simple, there is no cost or commitment to taking part, and it helps reinforce some really healthy habits. We were obviously aware of the physical benefits of gym use, but it’s been fantastic to see that other benefits are being reported too – so clearly we are very excited about seeing another intake of students take advantage of Active Start.

Mark Mackintosh, Marketing & Engagement Manager

Of course, if you still want to use our gyms at other times of day, or access our other facilities such as our swimming pool, climbing wall or courts, we have a full range of membership options available at discounts to students.

You can sign up to Active Start as soon as you receive your Oxford Brookes student number – more information and to register.