Sport and Wellbeing Academy

22/04/2026

Ellie studied with us, and has had a great start to her career at ABL Health... hear how the Sport and Wellbeing Academy helped her with her journey...

15/04/2026

Social Prescribing is Changing Lives at NTU

Great to see Nottingham Trent University featured for its impactful work in social prescribing. Under the leadership of Professor Angus Hunter, the Sport & Wellbeing Academy is helping people build confidence, improve fitness, and take control of their health through supportive, community‑focused programmes.

With high completion rates and meaningful improvements in wellbeing, this is a brilliant example of how universities and the NHS can work together to make a real difference.

👉 Read the full story:
https://www.physoc.org/physiological_news/social-prescribing-empowering-individuals-to-take-control-of-their-health/

14/04/2026

✨ MEET THE TEAM ✨

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of the Sport and Wellbeing Academy team — Lauren Sampson, our Senior Exercise and Health Practitioner! 💪

Lauren joined us on 23rd March and brings a real passion for helping people improve both their physical and mental wellbeing through exercise, specialising in falls prevention, cancer prehab, pre and post-natal.

We’re delighted to have Lauren on board and can’t wait for you to meet her as part of the programme. Join us in giving Lauren a warm welcome!

13/04/2026

We’re Hiring at NTU Sport & Wellbeing Academy!

Are you passionate about making a real difference through exercise, health, and wellbeing?

We’re looking for a Senior Exercise and Health Practitioner to join our team and help deliver impactful programmes that support both our students and the wider community.

In this role, you’ll:
✔️ Lead and deliver specialist exercise and health programmes
✔️ Support clinical exercise interventions and community wellbeing initiatives
✔️ Mentor and inspire the next generation of practitioners through real-world experience
✔️ Work with diverse populations to promote healthier lifestyles

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking academy that blends education with real impact. Whether you’re experienced in clinical exercise, community health, or mentoring students — we’d love to hear from you!

Based at Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus
Don’t miss out – apply now... https://vacancies.ntu.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=2243

We are seeking an experienced and ambitious Senior/Advanced Exercise and Health Practitioner with strong expertise in teaching, mentoring and applied professional practice to join our Sport and Wellbeing Academy (SAWA) at NTU. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and deliver specialist exer...

17/03/2026

How to Do a Weighted Russian Twist
Sit on the floor with knees bent and lean back slightly, then twist your torso side to side while holding a weight in front of your chest.

To increase weight:
Start with a water bottle - Level up to a backpack full of books

Recommended reps:
Aim for 2–3 sets of 12–20 twists (count each side as one).
If using a heavier item, try 2 sets of 10–12 with slow, controlled movement.

10/03/2026

Our Sport and Wellbeing Academy Exercise Referral Programme can support people with health conditions to become more active in a safe, welcoming environment?
Tailored sessions, expert guidance, and ongoing support – all designed to help you move more, feel better, and build confidence.
See how to get started at ntu/ac.uk/exercise-referral

25/02/2026

Sport and Wellbeing Academy – Exercise Referral Programme Update

While our FREE 12-week Exercise Referral Programme is currently full, we are still here to support our community in becoming more active, confident, and healthier.

Our programme offers:
• A fully tailored 12-week exercise plan
• One-to-one support from our Personal Training students
• Supervision from experienced practitioners
• A welcoming, supportive environment focused on long-term wellbeing

If you’re interested in joining a future cohort, we encourage you to speak with your GP or social prescriber so you’re ready when spaces become available.

You can also find out more about how the programme works here: ntu.ac.uk/exercise-referral

We’re proud to see so many people taking positive steps towards their health — and we look forward to welcoming more participants soon.

19/02/2026

The goblet squat is a fundamental lower-body movement that builds strength, stability, and mobility in one exercise.

How to perform a Goblet Squat:

1️⃣ Hold a dumbbell or kettlebell vertically at chest height, close to your body.
2️⃣ Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
3️⃣ Brace your core and keep your chest tall.
4️⃣ Sit back and down, lowering until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor.
5️⃣ Drive through your heels to return to standing.

Top tips:
✔️ Keep your knees tracking in line with your toes
✔️ Maintain a neutral spine throughout
✔️ Control the movement — no rushing

A great option for improving squat technique, building leg strength, and supporting everyday functional movement

16/02/2026

Feel stronger. Move better. Live healthier.

At the Sport and Wellbeing Academy, our Exercise Referral Programme is designed to help you build confidence, improve functional fitness, and take positive steps toward long-term health and wellbeing.

Our programme supports people who may benefit from guided exercise through a structured, supportive approach:

✔️ Initial health and wellbeing assessment
✔️ Personalised exercise planning based on your needs
✔️ Weekly tailored training sessions
✔️ Functional fitness to support everyday movement
✔️ Educational handouts to help you build healthy habits
✔️ 1-2-1 support in a welcoming environment

Whether your goal is to feel stronger, move more comfortably, improve energy levels, or take control of your health, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Small steps lead to lasting change.
If you’re ready to invest in your health and be part of a supportive community, we’d love to hear from you.

Sign up or find out more today: ntu.ac.uk/exercise-referral

03/02/2026

Testimonial Tuesday Feature: Nicholas, Exercise Referral Programme Student Practitioner

During his work experience, Nick supported a client through a full 12‑week Exercise Referral Programme — and the results were life‑changing.

“Seeing my client lose weight, build muscle, and improve their mobility was incredibly rewarding. What meant the most was watching their everyday life get easier. Knowing I played a part in that was huge for me.”

Through the placement, Nick gained hands‑on coaching experience, learned how to tailor programmes to individual needs, and discovered the importance of patience, communication, and adapting sessions week‑to‑week.

“The Academy gave me confidence and confirmed that I want to pursue a career helping people improve their health. It’s a supportive, professional environment where you truly see the impact of your work.”

For anyone considering joining the programme — Nick’s experience highlights what’s possible with the right support.

29/01/2026

Functional fitness is all about building strength for everyday life — lifting, bending, reaching, and moving with more confidence, ease, and energy. It’s safe, adaptable for all abilities, and a brilliant way to boost mobility, balance, and overall wellbeing.

If you’re looking for guided, supportive exercise to help manage a health condition or rebuild confidence, our Free Exercise Referral Programme is here for you. 🌟

We’ll work with you 1-2-1 to increase your strength, fitness, and quality of life in a welcoming environment.

Find out more and join us: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/exercise-referral

Let’s build a stronger, healthier you — together!

28/01/2026

It's Health Assessment week at NTU for our students so we thought it makes sense to let you know we offer you a FREE Health Assessment at the start and end of your FREE 12 week Exercise Referral Programme. Workouts will be tailor-made to your needs and goals, and our medical grade body composition scanner, gives a complete breakdown of your results!
Sign Up: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/exercise-referral