At Exeter, there are plenty of ways to keep moving whilst having fun, exploring the city, and meeting new people along the way. Whether you prefer pushing yourself to your limits or enjoying a relaxing stroll, it is important that you keep your body moving in some form to improve your physical and mental health.
People often believe that staying active has to be expensive, and whilst it can be if you’re buying memberships to gyms and societies, sometimes a simple run is all you need. Exeter’s Quay hosts a free Parkrun every Saturday morning. This 5-kilometer run is open to everyone, from beginners to seasoned runners, and the supportive community atmosphere makes it both fun and motivating. Parkrun is timed, but it’s not about competition—many students find it rewarding just to challenge themselves and stick to a weekly routine. Afterwards, you could even reward yourself with a coffee at one of the nearby cafés overlooking the water!
If you’re looking for a way to combine social life with exercise, joining a sports society is a fantastic option. Exeter offers a huge range of societies, from rugby and netball to rowing and martial arts, catering to all levels of experience. Even if you’re new to a sport, many societies run free taster sessions at the start of term, so you can try before committing. Beyond keeping fit, sports societies are a brilliant way to meet people, build friendships, and get involved in competitions and social events throughout the year.
For those who prefer indoor activities, Exeter’s gyms provide plenty of opportunities to stay active. Whether it’s lifting weights, attending spin classes, practicing yoga, or following a workout plan, a gym membership allows you to tailor your routine to your goals. Bringing a friend or setting a mini-goal each week can make gym sessions more enjoyable and help you stay consistent.
It’s important to remember that fitness doesn’t always have to be formal or intimidating—sometimes a low intensity activity can be the most effective when done consistently. For example, aiming to hit 10k steps a day is a great goal to have, and surprisingly easy to achieve when you’re walking around campus all day. Or, if you have a day off, you could consider going further afield to Dartmoor, Exmouth or Topsham for a day out- the steps will quickly rack up!
Ultimately, the best way to keep active at Exeter is to combine movement with fun, and remember that small, consistent efforts are far more effective than high intensity, yet unsustainable practices. Explore Dartmoor, join a Parkrun, get involved in a sports society, or try a new class at the gym. By making fitness social, adventurous, and varied, you’ll not only stay healthy but also discover new ways to enjoy student life.