Active Break

© KErn/Max Dörres

An Active Break is a short movement and relaxation program that is integrated into classes and led by trained coaches.

• Break up long periods of sitting
• Relieve strain on areas of the body that are under stress
• Help prevent health problems
• Add variety to everyday university life

Various studies have long shown that long periods of sitting and low levels of physical activity can contribute to a range of chronic diseases. Taking movement breaks can help reduce this risk. Feedback from participants shows that students and lecturers feel much more awake and attentive after the movement exercises.

Interested?

• Would you like to have an Active Break during your class? Talk to your professor or lecturer.
• You can also bring an Active Break directly into your home office. The UGM@Home e-learning course contains numerous videos, PDFs, and links to Active Breaks as well as other movement and relaxation sessions. Click here to access the e-learning course.
• Do you teach at the University and would like to integrate Active Break videos into your class? At the beginning of each semester, you can register for an Active Break for your class. Information about registration will be sent by email. Alternatively, visit the UGM@Home e-learning course or access the videos directly via Panopto. In Panopto, you can find the Active Break videos by entering “UGM@Home” in the search field.
  

The Active Break for students was proposed by students as part of the “Smart Moving” research project. It is coordinated by University Health Management and led by trained coaches. All exercises are easy for students and lecturers to do and can be easily integrated into everyday university life. Participation in the Active Break is voluntary.