SEMLI at our service

Christiaan Steenekamp

The Sport, Exercise, Medicine, and Lifestyle Institute – or SEMLI – is your typical hidden gem that most students walk past without even knowing it. Nestled away in the large High Performance Centre (HPC) building, which greets you at Hillcrest Campus’ entrance on Burnett Street, SEMLI offers a multifaceted institution offering a plethora of services, ranging from nutrition to radiology. The Institute’s focus is on research, education, and training – all of which they hope to gain international-recognition for, and more often than not, you may pass a local football hero, or a swimming legend, when you are nearby.

This is relevant to a ‘typical’ UP student because SEMLI does not just offer their services to the budding or professional sports person – but rather all students can enjoy their expertise. For example, fourth-year physiotherapy students offer free consultations at Rembrandt Hall (from 7:00-14:00, Monday to Friday). All you need to do is make a booking (by contacting 012 484 1711) and, voila, you will be sorted in no time. They also have an on-site gym, so no-matter what your needs, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.

It is no secret that in order to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, we need to take care of our physical health as much as our mental health. UP has consistently emphasised this point, stating that with regular exercise, our mental well-being is benefited, especially during challenging times, such as exam-season. We should all aim to be informed and fit, and SEMLI can and does play a crucial role in this quest