A UNIVERSITY with a campus in Ayr is rolling out free gym memberships to staff.

The University of the West of Scotland says it wants to "further support staff wellbeing by removing barriers to participation, while encouraging colleagues to be active".

Free gym membership is already available to all UWS students.

Studies show that taking part in exercise can positively impact mental health and wellbeing, boost productivity, reduce illness, and increase engagement.

Professor James Miller, principal and vice-chancellor of UWS, said: “I’m delighted to announce that, as well as our students, colleagues will now gain free access to UWS’s fitness facilities.

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“I’m pleased this development will offer colleagues the opportunity to use physical exercise as a proactive means to enhance wellbeing and focus on a healthy work-life balance.”

Ciaran O’Brien, head of sport at UWS, said: “Student and staff wellbeing is a core value for the University and exercising is directly linked to this, due to the associated physical and mental health benefits it brings.

“At UWS, we promote a vision for sport and physical activity which everyone can be a part of, and which contributes to our organisational identity and culture to positively impact our student and staff experience.

"Offering staff a free UWS gym membership highlights an important investment in our colleagues, helping them be the very best version of themselves.”