Get moving with MOVE UBC in the new year!

By UBC Recreation on January 31, 2025

 

The beginning of a new year is a popular time for people to make New Year’s resolutions. Some common ones include improving fitness, eating healthier, saving money or learning a new skill. However, many well-intentioned resolutions are abandoned within just the first two weeks of the year. Below, we’ll be discussing some reasons why fulfilling our New Year’s resolutions might be difficult and some general goal-setting strategies to help with achieving them.

One main factor that makes it difficult for people to fulfill their goals is setting overly idealistic targets. It is crucial that we set targets that are achievable and realistic for our individual circumstances. Setting targets that allow you to progress in small steps can be more motivating and can prevent burning out. For example, instead of aiming to run a full marathon right off the bat, you might begin with a target of 3km then slowly increase your target distance as you improve.

Another factor is inadequate planning. For instance, the goal might be to “exercise more”, but that doesn’t address the specific actions needed to achieve that goal. A popular framework to help establish an effective action plan is SMART goals. A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Try having a go at setting a SMART goal yourself! Check out this example of a SMART goal statement below:

This semester, my goal is to exercise more frequently. I will accomplish this goal by exercising for 1 hour periods three times a week. I will go for walks on Monday afternoons, practice yoga on Wednesday afternoons, and swim laps on Friday afternoons. This is meaningful to me because exercising more will improve my fitness, mood, and concentration.

If your New Year’s resolution is to be more physically active, getting involved with Move UBC is a great opportunity to incorporate movement into your day. Move UBC is an annual university-wide initiative held in February that aims to increase physical activity among students, faculty, staff, and the wider UBC community. Movement can make a big difference towards our health – staying active and taking movement breaks during long periods of stationary behaviour can improve physical and mental health, and can even help with academic and professional success!

This year, Move UBC month is centred around the theme of “Social Connection”, which has been shown to improve longevity, reduce risk of chronic and serious illnesses, boost your mood, and contribute to overall wellbeing. Get moving and connect with the UBC community this February by registering for upcoming Move UBC events!

Here is a breakdown of the events hosted by The Move U Crew:

Feb 3rd | Move UBC Recess

To kick off Move UBC Month, join us for Recess with the Move U Crew at MacInnes Field on Monday, February 3rd from 12:00-2:00pm! You’ll be transported back to childhood with classic recess activities, arts and crafts, games, and our lovely partners!

Advanced registration is not required but encouraged, and can be done online here:

Register Here

Feb 5th | Lunch + Lift: Anti-Oppressive Approaches

Lunch & Lift is a series of free 2-in-1 interactive wellbeing workshops consisting of a 30-minute movement class, followed by a 30-minute interactive wellbeing session facilitated by a UBC wellbeing professional. This month’s session will begin with a mindful meditation followed by a workshop on Anti-Oppressive Approaches. Join us on Zoom on Wednesday, February 5th at 12:00-1:00pm.

Find more details on the session and register online here:

Register Here
Photo Credit: Paul H. Joseph / UBC Brand & Marketing

Feb 11th | Research Roundtable

Did you know moving with others promotes connection, confidence and motivation to be physically active? Join us at the CIRS Hydrotheatre (or Zoom) on Tuesday, February 11th from 10am-12:00pm in learning the latest emerging research in relation to physical activity and social connection. 

The second portion of the event will be a facilitated discussion on how the research can be translated to our campus settings with the aim to improve wellbeing through physical activity at UBC. Light refreshments will be provided.

This is a free in-person event. Register online here:

Register Here
Photo Credit: Jamil Rhajiak / UBC Brand & Marketing

Feb 12th & 26th | Wellbeing Walks

Twice a month, the Move U Crew hosts lunch-time walks around campus from 12:00-1:00pm. First up is the Valentine Walk on Wednesday, February 12th where we’ll have some fun icebreaker activities and flowers. Maybe you’ll meet a new friend (or your new boo?) at our walk! Our second walk of the month is the UBC Farm Tour on Wednesday, February 26th, where we’ll be getting an in-depth guided tour of the UBC Farm and discussing sustainable food systems!

Find more information and register online here:

Register Here
Photo Credit: Hover Collective / UBC Brand & Marketing

Feb 25th | Light Up Lee Square x Just Dance

Join us at Lee Square for Just Dance on Tuesday, February 25th from 5pm-7pm! We’ll have a huge outdoor screen for Just Dance, a giant Light Brite and colourful light projections. It’s the perfect opportunity to bust out your best moves!

No registration required!

Feb 28th | Cha Cha Slide

Slide to the left. Slide to the right. Criss Cross! We are bringing back a Move UBC beloved tradition; the Cha Cha Slide! Swing by Martha Piper Plaza on Friday, February 28th. We will offer two time slots, from 11:45 – 12:00 PM and 12:45pm – 1:00pm, and the UBC Move U Crew will guide you through the Cha Cha Slide!

No registration required, drop by on the day of at 11:45 AM or 12:45pm!

 

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