In case
you haven't taken part yet, Row Britannia is a challenge asking students and
staff to row a combined 2,020 miles between the start of January and 13 March
for Sports Relief.
You can take part by using one of the rowing machines on campus, in our campus gyms, at home or your local gym, then submit your distance rowed to add to the grand total. At the same time, you can raise sponsorship or donations for Sports Relief.
Jagdeep has rowed 494 miles, so far...
While rowing even one mile for the challenge is fantastic, one man has managed far more than anyone could have expected. Lecturer Jagdeep Singh Matharoo, an expert in clinical exercise and physiology, has clocked up a very impressive 800km (494 miles) so far.
Jagdeep explains the importance of physical activity for good mental health:
"I saw a poster at Avery Hill advertising Row Britannia and that it was supporting University Mental Health awareness as well as Sports Relief and immediately wanted to take part. Physical and mental health go hand-in-hand; exercise is great for your mind. For a start, when you're concentrating on moving your body correctly, it doesn't leave room for you to dwell on other things. Also, when you exercise, even if it's just walking for a little while, chemicals are released in your brain that actually make you feel better and can help combat the symptoms of conditions such as depression.
"I work across three of the university's campuses, so I've been rowing at whichever one I'm teaching at. I start my day by rowing about 11km (6.8 miles) in the university gyms. I row at a steady pace, not particularly fast, and it takes me about an hour. Rowing – any exercise really – is great in the morning. It really wakes me up. It boosts you; similar to a stimulant like caffeine. I've noticed a marked difference in myself and when this challenge is over I will continue to start every day either rowing or running."
And will Jagdeep be extending his commitment to Row Britannia by taking part in the 24-hour rowathon starting on Thursday 5 March, University Mental Health Day?
"Absolutely! I will be doing an hour in the morning and the afternoon."
In a society where it can still be difficult to be honest about mental health, I really hope that this will raise awareness and allow people to start to talk openly.
