Category: Top Tips

A Runner’s Guide to Tackling the Cold Weather

Posted on by Megan Leeson

As we head deeper into winter and the temperature drops, many runners face a pivotal decision: retreat to the treadmill or embrace the brisk outdoors. In this week’s blog post, our Marketing and Communications Officer Sophie, discusses how to motivate yourself to get running outdoors and make the most of the cold weather!

The cold can seriously impact willpower when it comes to tackling that long weekend run. This weekend I was reticent to go out in the cold, but I’m glad I did. I am a bit of a fair-weather runner, myself. If it rains, it takes a lot of internal battling to get my feet out of the front door. I imagine snow would take even more of a talking up! It seems like everyone gets into a frenzy when snow descends upon England, we are not equipped to deal with it. However, I did see some dedicated runners plugging away at their miles yesterday. Good for them! (more…)

5 Ways Walking Benefits Your Mental Health

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Bristol Moves+ is an app designed to support University of Bristol students and staff who may have lower activity levels to achieve more daily movement, for the benefit of their mental and physical health.

In this article we will focus on how activity (particularly walking) benefits our mental health, as well as our physical health.

Physical activity can seem harder to achieve as the days get shorter and the dark draws in. But understanding how it can benefit you – alongside finding a way to build it into your routine – can be a really effective way of sticking to it and enhancing your mental wellbeing.

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How to Return to Sport and Competition After a Long Break

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Whether you’re new to a sport or want to get back into moving more, our Business Development Officer Vicky Dickson shares her story and top tips on how to return to sport and competition after a long break.

I am an endurance athlete, an adventurer and someone who likes to test my personal limits. I have taken on a 24-hour event, completed 75 miles (120.7km) in June, and am aiming for a 100-mile event next year. Two years ago I left the sport and activity that I had built up over the years, mentally broken. (more…)

From Exams to Somerset Swim Plans

Posted on by Megan Leeson

With Drowning Prevention Week coming up (15 – 22 June 2024), our Sport Centre Manager and former lifeguard Jacob Garrett shares his advice on how to stay safe when enjoying outdoor swimming this summer.

The skies are churning with the faint signs of a summer breeze and new adventures to be had in the beautiful county of Somerset. But it isn’t quite here yet and the exam period can feel like an eternity amongst the stress of revision, with limited time outside of exams. Don’t worry, the county has you covered! Within a one hour’s bus trip you can reach Clevedon Marine Lake, an infinity swimming lake right on the edge of the Bristol Channel.  Another option of travel for the more adventurous is a cycle trek which takes roughly one hour twenty minutes. This is a brilliant way to spend the best part of a day with friends and allows you the headspace you need without taking too much of your time to enjoy it.

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UK Coaching Week 2024 – Top Tips on Leadership and Coaching

Posted on by Megan Leeson

This week’s blog post celebrates UK Coaching Week! The theme for this year’s campaign is focusing on developing holistic coaching skills and encouraging more women into leadership positions within sport. We spoke with our Strength and Conditioning Coach Samara Nche about the lessons that she has learnt from her ten-year coaching career, as well as some tips on leadership from our Tennis Head Coach Ali Blackett.

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5 Key Principles to Time Management

Posted on by Megan Leeson

This week’s blog is from our Deputy Business Manager, Zaneta Nedza, on her 5 key principles to managing her time between work, busy life, and basketball! Zaneta will be representing Team GB at this year’s European Maxibasketball Championships. taking place in Pesaro, Italy from 21 – 30 June 2024. Support Zaneta on her journey to Pesaro by donating to her fundraising page! You can find out more about the sport on the GB Maxibasketball website.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Go Out and Walk in the Rain

Posted on by Megan Leeson

This week’s blog post is from our Development Officer, Molly Poulter Williams, as she gives 5 reasons why a rainy walk has more well-being boosting benefits than you think!

At this time of year, it’s difficult not to think that certain creatures have got it right with this hibernation malarkey. However, as tempting as it is to spend the next 6 months cocooned in your cosiest blanket, we’re here to tell you five reasons why you should grab your waterproofs and head out for a walk in the rain this season:

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10 Ways to Stay Motivated in Winter

Posted on by Megan Leeson

As winter fast approaches, James Rowntree, our Group Health and Fitness Manager, tells his 10 top tips on how to stay motivated when it’s cold and dark outside.

Why do we find it so much harder to keep our activity levels high in the winter months? There are some legitimate factors working against us:

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Staying Safe in the Water!

Posted on by Beck Throup

In the UK and Bristol, we are surrounded by water. The docks and river Avon is a huge part of the history of the city but also carries its risks. An average of 312 UK and Irish Citizens lose their life in an accidental drowning each year. With the summer around the corner, I wanted to write about the importance of having respect for the water as well as highlighting water safety and what the role of a lifeguard brings to society. 

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5 Tips For Tackling Exercise Anxiety So You Can Start To Feel The Benefits

Posted on by Beck Throup

In case you missed it, it’s Mental Health Awareness Week this week – this year the theme is: anxiety.

Anxiety is a very normal emotion and something we will all experience from time to time. There are many reasons why we may feel anxious; relationship worries, exam stress, financial hardship, social situations. However, anxiety can get out of control and lead to a more serious mental health problem, so it is important to be aware of our own anxiety triggers and learn strategies to help us cope with feelings of anxiety when they arise. (more…)