Let’s get physical! "Moving More" in 2019

As the calendar moves into February, it’s time to maintain New Year’s resolutions of being more active in 2019.  

In light of Move More month in February, Dalhousie is offering all regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff (those who work greater than 50% FTE on a regular basis) a six-month membership to one of the university’s three on-campus fitness facilities – Dalplex, Langille Athletic Centre (Truro) or the Sexton Gym.

To qualify for the Move More membership, faulty/staff must commit to purchase a 12-month membership at one of the fitness facilities on campus between February 4 - 28. The university will credit the first six-months (individual fee) of 12-month membership (March – August 2019). If you are already a member, you will be credited six-months (individual rate) during the same time period.

“We are excited because this is the first time that we have offered an initiative like this to our employees,” said Jasmine Walsh, assistant vice-president, Human Resources. “The intent of the six-month membership is to make physical activity more accessible to faculty and staff so that it becomes a regular part of their day for the long-term.”

Supporting employee health

Physical activity was one of the recommendations identified in the university’s Quality of Work Life (QWL) survey for faculty and staff. As a result, Dalhousie launched a Work Well Strategy with the goal to help employees improve their overall well-being, including physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and financial health, and ultimately help faculty and staff lead healthier lives.

“When we increase our physical activity, we benefit at work and in our lives, through increased productivity and creativity, reduced stress, better sleep and less illness,” says Walsh. “We encourage faculty and staff to take advantage of this offer by signing up this month.”  

On Monday, February 18, Nova Scotia Heritage Day (Maud Lewis Day), Dalplex will offer free access to faculty, staff and their family. Dal Card required to verify your identification.  

“We partnered with Human Resources to help faculty and staff get more active and this six-month membership will give them an opportunity to use on-campus fitness facilities that are right in their backyard,” says Tim Maloney, executive director, Athletics & Recreation.  

Move More Month at Dalhousie began in 2014 as a campaign by Dalplex to encourage students and members to keep their New Year’s resolutions, and has since been adopted by the university as a way to motivate employees to increase their physical activity during the cold winter months. Today, there are several Move More activities planned throughout February to get us moving. Check out Dalplex and the Employee Learning Calendar for the complete schedule of events.

The Move More membership is a one-time initiative, and faculty and staff must enroll in-person at one of the on-campus fitness facilities between February 4 – 28.  

For more information, visit Move More membership on the HR site of myDal, located under Health and Wellness or contact hr@dal.ca