Staff Active

Helping the Oxford Brookes community get more active, more often.

At Oxford Brookes University, we believe staying active boosts wellbeing, productivity and work-life balance. Our Staff Active programme is designed to help you make movement a regular and enjoyable part of your working life.

Our initiatives fit around your busy schedule, whether you’re relieving stress, connecting with colleagues, or improving your health.

Got any ideas, feedback, or want to collaborate on wellness initiatives? Get in touch via the Brookes Active feedback form or email brookesactive@brookes.ac.uk

Let’s create a more active and connected workplace!

Weekly Staff Active Schedule

There are lots of opportunities to get active throughout the week at our Staff Active Sessions. Check them out below!

Tuesdays

Active Tuesdays: FREE gym access, all day, every Tuesday
Staff Only, Learn to Lift Fitness Class, Free: 5pm - 5:45pm*
Staff Badminton, Sports Hall, £3 (free if you have a paid Staff Membership): 5pm - 7pm*

*Booking is required for these activities. Follow the steps below to reserve your spot:

Ensure you sign up for a Staff Registration or have an existing staff account, or a staff membership.
Once registered, book your space via the BrookesSport app (iOS or Android) or through our online booking portal - you can find the session by clicking on Brookes Active from the homepage.
If you are unable to book, it may be because you are not registered as a staff member. In that case, please contact our Membership Team at sportsmembership@brookes.ac.uk

Thursday

Staff Indoor Football, Charitable Donation, Sports Hall: 12 - 1pm
- If you're interested, please email Dominic (dmaitland@brookes.ac.uk) for more details and to get signed up for the mailing list.
Staff Yoga, Free, JHB203: 5pm - 6pm
- Please sign-up here and if you have any questions pleace contact James via, jridgley@brookes.ac.uk

Friday

Staff & Student Pickleball, Sports Hall, Free: 6pm - 7pm

Booking is required for this activity. Follow the steps below to reserve your spot:

Ensure you sign up for a Staff Registration or have an existing staff account, or a staff membership.
Once registered, book your space via the BrookesSport app (iOS or Android) or through our online booking portal - you can find the session by clicking on Brookes Active from the homepage.
If you are unable to book, it may be because you are not registered as a staff member. In that case, please contact our Membership Team at sportsmembership@brookes.ac.uk

We are currently looking to introduce a Staff Active Table Tennis Session and a Squash Box League. If interested, please complete one of the forms below.

Staff Memberships & Hoppers

We have a wide range of discounted Staff Memberships for you to explore.

We know that traditional memberships might not be the best fit for the hybrid working model, that’s why we’ve introduced a variety of Staff Hoppers (Gym, Fitness Class & Rackets).

Staff Hoppers Information

Staff Hoppers are an affordable way to get active when you're working on-campus, without the commitment of an annual or monthly membership.

Staff Hopper Options (12 Sessions Each):

Gym Hoppers: £50
Fitness Class Hoppers: £50 for 12 classes
Racket Hoppers: £48 (Valid for Badminton or Squash. Note: Badminton bookings are more frequent out of term time.)

Expiry and Purchase: Hoppers are valid for 6 months and can be purchased from either of our receptions.

Active Travel

We're passionate about encouraging the Oxford Brookes community to use Active Routes for commuting to and from our campuses. Showers and lockers are available at our Headington campus to make the journey to work more comfortable.

We are passionate about encouraging the Oxford Brookes community to use Active Routes to get to and from the Oxford Brookes campuses. We have showers and lockers at the Headington Campus to make the transition from commute to work more comfortable.

Strava groups

Join our Brookes Active running and cycling clubs on Strava - see how you measure up to your colleagues times up Headington Hill, or see who has the longest run into work!

Active while working

Sitting for long periods at work can decrease energy levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues. While focus is important, breaking up work with activity improves concentration, reduces stress and boosts productivity. Here are some tips:

Stand up every 30–90 minutes to improve circulation and metabolism.
Stand while checking emails or answering the phone.
Take a walk at lunchtime, even if just to change location.
Opt for active choices like taking the stairs, cycling to work, or getting off the bus early.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, ideally in 10-minute bouts. Moderate intensity means an increased heart rate and breathing.