Where exactly are you?
The University of St Mark & St John is located in Derriford, Plymouth (see the map above or go to the main Marjon website for more advice).
Where do I need to go on the first day?
The physical activity programmes usually take place in the sports centre. This is the first building you will see as you drive towards the University campus. If driving take a right into the Sports Centre Car Park.
Where can I park?
The sports centre has a car park right outside that has many spaces and a number of spaces for those with disability badges. On days when the group programme is taking place you can park in the car park and go into the sports centre to meet the programme leader, from whom you will be able to obtain a parking permit. You will need to display this permit in your vehicle so there will be no need to ‘pay and display’.
What do I need to wear?
The session will include some physical activity as that is what we are all about! This will be carried out in a progressive, supervised manner and according to your own needs and capabilities. For most this means that you will get a bit warm at some point. We recommend comfortable clothes and shoes with a jumper or top that you can wear or remove depending on what we are doing. There are a number of changing rooms within the sports centre and lockers and showers should you require them.
What type of activity is involved?
The activity programmes are designed to support participants in making positive changes to their current activity levels. This may mean that you are returning to a level that you have once been capable of, or that you are adopting a new more active lifestyle. While the activities are based in the sports centre, they are designed to help you make sustainable choices that can be continued once the initial programme has been completed. To this end some of the activities that are offered are as follows: walking, body weight exercise, resistance band exercise, home-based exercise, swimming, table tennis and gym based exercise. All activities take place in a friendly, supportive environment where participants are able to join in at their own pace.
Am I fit enough?
We have people of all ages and fitness levels taking part in our programme and because we have a great ratio of staff to participants we can cope with lots of different levels within a group environment. If you have any significant health issues that effect your ability to be active we will adapt the advice and in some cases may contact your GP to work with them in finding a suitable exercise prescription.
Who runs the schemes?
Each programme is led by a full-time member of the teaching team. Apart from teaching Health and Exercise related topics the team are qualified exercise professionals and sports therapists and capable of advising on physical activity to those with chronic conditions. The lead instructor is always supported by a small group of current students, who already hold fitness qualifications but are working towards a degree in Health, Exercise or Sport. To find out more about the team click here.
What happens at the end of the programme?
Throughout the programme we discuss ways in which you can be more active once you have “graduated” and we have a number of schemes that can continue to support participants in the longer term whether you continue to visit our campus or exercise somewhere closer to home. We have a list of activities that graduates of our scheme have found useful.