University of Westminster Sports and Exercise Nutrition MSc students hosted a free seminar for members of the University community on how to fuel the body for optimal performance in sports and exercise.
On 1 May, colleagues and students from across the University of Westminster gathered at the Cavendish Campus and online to listen to Gareth Bowen and Liam Carroll share their expertise on how to optimise physical performance through nutrition. During the lunchtime seminar, attendees learned how to make nutrition choices to optimise physical activity, recovery, and athletic performance.
Gareth kicked off the conversation by exploring the importance of different food groups when exercising, including the best foods to consume depending on the type of exercise undertaken. Liam followed by discussing the importance of hydration as well as providing an example of match-day nutrition for footballers.
After the presentations, Paul Hough, Lecturer at Westminster’s School of Life Sciences, hosted a Q&A session where attendees had the opportunity to ask the students any questions they had about exercise and nutrition. This included queries about intermittent fasting, the use of artificial sweeteners and the placebo effect of supplements.
This seminar formed part of the Sports and Exercise Nutrition MSc work experience programme, which is overseen by Hough and supported by the Quintin Hogg Trust’s Small Projects fund. The work experience programme provides students with opportunities to build their confidence and gain practical experience in providing nutrition advice to Westminster students, colleagues and athletes. Past opportunities have included supporting the Essex County Girls U18 squad for the English Rugby County Championship and working with students on the University’s Elite Athlete Programme.
Gareth Bowen
About the seminar Gareth said: "It has been such a great opportunity being involved in creating and delivering these nutrition presentations to university students and colleagues. I've never been confident at public speaking, but these seminars have provided a challenging but safe environment to develop this skill. They have also really tested us on how best to translate the science into practical and meaningful advice.
He added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the work experience opportunities we've had this year. Being able to put into practice the theory from the course will be invaluable for a future career in the field. There is so much you learn from the things that don't go to plan as well as those that do."
About the Sports and Exercise Nutrition MSc course Liam commented: “The optional work experience has been an excellent opportunity to gain practical, applied experience alongside our academic studies, something that will be highly beneficial as we move forward in our careers.”
He continued: “As someone who has lacked confidence in public speaking, I set a personal goal to step outside of my comfort zone. The work experience seminars provided the ideal scenario to do this, allowing Gareth and I to present on a topic we are passionate about. Developing these communication skills will be especially valuable when delivering seminars or workshops to athletes, students or other professional audiences. I’m genuinely grateful for this opportunity. It has offered a meaningful, hands-on experience at a pivotal point in our development as professionals.”
This seminar directly contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Nutrition and Public Health courses at the University of Westminster.
