NEW on Sporticipate and Learn To!
About
Sporticipate is a beginner-level recreational sport /activity programme for all students and staff. We offer a variety of FREE sessions ranging from Team Sports, Individual Sports, Martial arts, fitness and more! These are led by session leaders who aim to create a positive and inclusive environment.
We also offer ‘Learn To’ coached blocks with a minimal charge and regular large-scale events. Equipment is provided, and activities are facilitated by the UoM Sport Workforce.
All our activities are organised through SUMS. Tickets for each session will go live two weeks before the set date.
Please send any questions/queries regarding Sporticipate to: martin.minanvega@manchester.ac.uk.
Stay active, stay connected – it’s all just a click away!
Semester 1 Exam Recharge – Tickets live now!
Legs, Bums and Tums - Online
Keep active and well during exams with our LBT workout, great for building muscle and burning calories, and designed to help tone your legs, glutes and abs, and cardiovascular fitness.
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and times:
Pilates for Backs - Online
A 30 Minute sessions focusing on the back, buttocks, hips and chest, all associated with too much sitting on chairs. We aim to Improve strength, mobility, and flexibility. To improve back health, the Pilates way, using the fundamentals of this form, performed slowly with control.
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Mobilates - Online
A gentle, accessible seated Mobilates class that focuses on the key principles or Pilates including alignments, breathing, focus and moving with control. The class aims to help ease your aches and pains, enable you to move more freely and give you confidence to show what you CAN do and how you can exercise safely.
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Basic Boxercise - In Person
Boxercise is an exercise concept, based on the training methods used by boxers. It is a fun, challenging and safe workout which is great for stress busting, accessible to all ages and fitness levels.
- Location: G.66, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Dates and time:
Mixed Ability Pilates - Online
Develop your balance, strength and flexibility in this popular class. The course will offer levels and take you through a series of standing, lying and side lying exercises.
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Basic Mixed Yoga - In Person
An introduction to Yoga, learn the fundamentals of Yoga and correct and safe practice.
- Location: G.65, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Dates and time:
Basic Group Fitness - In Person
An introduction to group fitness, ideal for the complete beginner, each week the session will focus on various aspects of fitness classes including Aerobics, LBT, Step, Weights, kettlebells, core strength, Bosu, bands and Boxercise.
- Location: G.65, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Dates and time:
Lane Swim - In Person
Come and enjoy a free lane swim in the 25-metre main pool at the Manchester Aquatics Centre, exclusively for UoM students and staff! With four designated lanes (no. 1 – 4), it’s a perfect way to stay active. Once booked, simply head to the pool reception and say “Sporticipate lane swim please.
Please note that you must be able to swim confidently as this session takes place in deep water.
- Location: Downstairs pool, Manchester Aquatics Centre.
- Dates and Time:
Morning Yoga - Online
Working on our whole Self, with underlying acknowledgment to the Seasons, we will release tension and develop strength through movement, breathing and mindfulness practices. Prepare yourself for the day ahead with Yoga.
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Body Blast - Online
30-minute low-impact, high-intensity workout that will work you from top to bottom. We start with some cardio and then go onto a weights session followed by floor core work.
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Lane Swim - In Person
Come and enjoy a free lane swim in the 25-metre main pool at the Manchester Aquatics Centre, exclusively for UoM students and staff! With two designated 50m lanes (no. 3 & 4), it’s a perfect way to stay active. Booking is essential to prevent overcrowding, so make sure to reserve your spot! Once booked, simply head to the pool reception and say “Sporticipate lane swim please :)”.
Please note that you must be able to swim confidently as this session takes place in deep water .
- Location: Downstairs Pool, Manchester Aquatics Centre.
- Dates and times:
Zumba - Online
The global dance/fitness craze combining a mix of dances from the world’s rhythms. Zumba is an excellent, fun workout with simple choreographed routines combining the mix of dances rhythms from around the world including salsa, hip hop, reggae, samba, disco plus many more. It’s the ultimate body conditioning fat burning session
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Friday Flex - Online
A stretch class to get you away from your desk for 30 minutes and do some hip, chest, back and leg stretches.
- Location: Zoom.
- Dates and time:
Women's Yoga - In Person
A stretch class to get you away from your desk for 30 minutes and do some hip, chest, back and leg stretches.
- Location: G.66, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Dates and time:
Tai Chi Expanded - 20/01 ONLY
Tai Chi expanded session will introduce Tai chi ball, stick and Indian clubs. Moving meditation to relive stress and aims to improve posture and breathing. The class will focus on developing strength, body awareness and power without strain.
- Location: G.65, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Date and time: 20 January, 12:00 – 12:45.
- Book here!
Tai Chi for all - 20/01 ONLY
Tai Chi for all – including seated option. This session is a gentle mind body practice adapted to be safe for anyone to practice, its accessible and effective, and shown to help with many chronic health conditions. The aim is to provide an opportunity to improve physical, mental and emotional balance, and health-promoting resilience and fitness, without strain. Participants are encouraged to remain seated throughout if needed, or to sit down at any time during the class.
- Locations: Zoom and G.66, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Date and time: 20 January, 13:00 – 13:45.
- Book here!
Reflexology Tips - 22/01 ONLY
Stress Busting & Immune Boosting. Learn about the theory and practice of reflexology. Learn reflexology techniques on the hands and ears to enhance your wellbeing
- Location: G.66, Wellbeing Rooms, Ground Floor Simon Building.
- Date and time: 22 January, 13:00 – 14:00.
- Book here!
View all Sporticipate Sessions on offer!
‘Mic’d Up at Sporticipate’
Join Kate and Pulkit as they try out Sporticipate sessions, giving you a first-hand look at the welcoming, social and beginner-friendly activities!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to join a sport?
- No experience required! Sporticipate is designed for beginners and those looking to have fun while learning new sports or group exercise and learn a new skill.
What is the difference between Sporticipate and Learn To?
- Sporticipate activities are free sport sessions with no commitment to attend every week – however, advance booking is required for each session to secure your spot.
- ‘Learn To’ sessions are structured, coached programs that require a commitment to a full block of activities, ranging from 4 to 10 weeks depending on the sport, with a minimal fee.
What do I need to wear/bring to Sporticipate sessions?
- All you need is some comfortable sports clothing and appropriate trainers for the sport/activity. We provide most equipment, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Can I participate in more than one sport/activity?
- Yes! You are welcome to sign up for multiple sports and activities via SUMS.
Are there opportunities for socialising or networking through the programme?
- Yes! Recreational activities are a great way to meet new people and make friends. Most sports / activities host occasional social events to help participants connect outside of the sessions.
Are there coaches/instructors available?
- Yes, each sport/ activity is led by a session leader who will guide you and help you improve your skills in a supportive environment.
Can I become a volunteer on the programme?
- Yes! We are looking for passionate leaders to run and promote Sporticipate sessions, with funding for qualifications and training offered. Roles are open to students and staff. Undergraduates can use it towards the ‘Step Up and Lead’ section of the Stellify Award.
- Apply by sending a 500 word text to sportsvolunteer@manchester.ac.uk stating why do you want to be a Sport Leader and what do you feel you could offer.
What if I have a disability or special accommodation needs?
- If you need accommodation, please contact us (martin.minanvega@manchester.ac.uk or gail.heathcote-milner@manchester.ac.uk) in advance to discuss specific needs and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Can I provide feedback or suggestions for improving the programme?
- Yes! We value participant feedback and encourage you to provide suggestions. You can submit feedback through our online form or by contacting martin.minanvega@manchester.ac.uk or gail.heathcote-milner@manchester.ac.uk.
What can I do next?
- If you have been attending Sporticipate sessions for a while and you have found the sport you love, there are clear pathways for development! You could try more advanced or competitive activities such as joining a Sport Club or a Campus League.
- Please reach out to martin.minanvega@manchester.ac.uk or gail.heatchote-milner@manchester.ac.uk for recommendations based on your progress and interests!
Other activities
Our A to Zs
Sport A to Z
View our A to Z of all the sports that we offer at Manchester.
Activities A to Z
Take a look at all the activities we offer to get you more active at Manchester.
Contact Us
+44 (0)161 529 4444
sport@manchester.ac.uk
