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YMCA centres across NSW and ACT are offering free access to students currently completing their Year 12 exams.

‘Take the Pressure Off’ is a YMCA NSW initiative designed to give students the opportunity to stay active and keep their wellbeing in mind during stressful exam periods.

Alice Parker, a 2017 HSC student, said the free gym access enabled her to add more structure to her study routine when she participated last year, commenting “I found the free fitness scheme for HSC students really helped me to balance my studies.

“The regular exercise also assisted me to relieve stress and clear my head, allowing me to study more effectively.

“It was a great way to stay fit and positive during such a stressful time.”

Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and also improve cognitive function, focus, attention and social health (Biddle and Asare, 2011; Liu, Wu and Ming, 2015; Camero et al., 2012).

YMCA NSW Fitness Program Specialist Alisa Wells said the benefits of exercise could be wide reaching for students during this challenging time.

Wells advised “opening up the use of our facilities to enable students to take the pressure off with some healthy study break options is just a small way we can support our local communities.

“At YMCA NSW, we believe in the power of inspired young people. We’re encouraging young people during their exams by providing a supportive social environment to de-stress and re-energise.”

Year 12 students can claim a free membership to access participating YMCA NSW aquatic and recreation centres from the start of October until Friday 9th November 2018.

For more information go to ymcansw.org.au/take-the-pressure-off

Image: YMCA NSW's exercise physiologist program.

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