How I use NTU Moves to stay active by second year NBS student James

Published: 07/02/2022

Hi, I am James, a Second Year Business Management with Accounting and Finance student, and I have been using the NTU Moves app since I joined the University back in September 2020.

As someone who walked for miles daily before the pandemic, NTU moves encouraged me to return to walking, with points being awarded for my steps, which I can turn into rewards such as free coffees and NTU hoodies.

The app features a number of group challenges which are fun and enjoyable. For example, I have recently completed the Business School RAD challenge, which involved walking 33,800 steps over a 6-day period, with some suggested places to visit.

You can simply join and create groups in the app and take part in challenges from these. I have joined the Nottingham Business School group, and also set up a group with my flatmates.

Not only has getting back out walking helped improve my physical health, but it is good for my wellbeing. Getting away from my screens and my desk and going for a walk through the arboretum, or up to the forest recreation ground, takes my mind away from the stresses of university work, and I find I can come back with a fresh perspective.

You also don’t need any fancy kit to make this work. All you need is your smart phone and an exercise tracking app which you can link to Moves, and it will just work away in the background (though Apple users be aware that you do need to manually sync the app every few days). It also works well with the most popular smart watches!

I believe everyone should give it a go! You don’t have to be sporty, or really into your fitness. It’s surprising how much you actually move doing your day-to-day tasks!