RSU #BeActive Day celebrated through sport and movement
Photo: Courtesy of RSU
On 23 September, as part of #BeActive Day, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) invited everyone to get active at the new RSU Sports Centre (3 Cigoriņu iela) and at Uzvara Park, while RSU sports science researchers in the city centre took part in the mass campaign Kas pievelkas, tas pavelkas (What pulls you in, gets you moving). Anyone interested could try out various workouts, learn running and Nordic walking techniques, explore the outdoor exercise equipment and find out how to make physical activity a natural part of everyday life.
#BeActive Day activities at RSU began as early as at 7:00. At the new RSU sports centre, participants could try strength and interval training, deep core and functional trainings, as well as body and mind practices. The sessions varied in both intensity and content, ranging from dynamic strength and endurance exercises to more relaxing practices.
The sessions were led by RSU Sports Club trainers, giving participants a chance not only to get active but also to explore the wide range of facilities at the new sports centre.
Together with sports science
In the evening, the #BeActive Day activities moved to Uzvaras Park. There, lecturers from the RSU Academy of Sport invited participants to try out running, Nordic walking and exercising at the outdoor fitness area.
At the specially designed Running Lab, participants learned more about warm-ups, mobility, running shoes and the latest trends in running. The Nordic walking session covered the basics of the technique, while at the outdoor fitness area, participants received practical advice on how to use the equipment effectively and safely, adapting exercises to their individual abilities.
Getting active in the city centre
On 23 September, the #BeActive Day message of movement also reached Esplanāde, at the corner of Elizabetes and Brīvības Streets. Throughout the day, the campaign Kas pievelkas, tas pavelkas (What pulls you in, gets you moving) symbolically encouraged people to get moving. RSU sports science researchers offered participants interactive activities, providing a practical insight how modern technology is used in sport and in the study of movement.
Movement for body and mind
This year, #BeActive Day highlighted the importance of movement for physical health and mental wellbeing. As the #BeActive Day partner in Latvia, RSU reinforced this message through a science-based approach to promoting physical activity, while the diverse programme of activities demonstrated that movement takes many forms – from high intensity workouts to gentle movement practices that help care for both body and mind.
#BeActive Day is a Europe-wide initiative that brings together sports clubs, educational institutions, businesses and other organisations every year to inspire people to get more movement through a variety of activities. As every year, on 23 September, various free sports and physical activity events will take place across Latvia, with the aim to raise public awareness of the positive impact of movement on physical and mental health.
