Category: Top Tips

5 Benefits of Staying Active While Living Away from Home

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Moving away from home for the first time can be both exciting and daunting. In this week’s blog, our Facilities and Operations Manager, Gordon Aitken, shares how regular physical activity can support your wellbeing and help you adjust to university life!

Starting university or college is one of life’s biggest transitions. For many, it’s the first time living away from home. A time filled with excitement, independence, and new challenges. Amid managing classes, social life, and responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook personal wellbeing. Yet, one of the most effective and enjoyable ways you can stay balanced and feel your best is by making physical activity a regular part of your routine. Here are 5 benefits of staying active while living away from home:

(more…)

5 Easy Ways to Kickstart Your Active Life at the University of Bristol

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Starting university is the perfect time to try new things, make friends, and find your rhythm. At the University of Bristol, getting active isn’t just about fitness – it’s about community, wellbeing, and having fun along the way. Whether you want to get involved in competitive sport, join a free fitness session, or set yourself a running goal, there are lots of ways to get moving with us. Here’s your guide to getting active at Bristol from day one! 👇

(more…)

10 Tips for Staying Motivated When You Begin a New Exercise Journey

Posted on by Megan Leeson

Embarking on a new exercise routine can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or simply enhance your overall wellbeing, the journey begins with that crucial first step: motivation. This week’s blog post is written by our Group Health and Fitness Manager James Rowntree, on his top 10 tips for staying motivated when you begin a new exercise journey.

1. Set Clear Goals 💪
Having specific and achievable goals can provide direction and a sense of purpose. A strong goal for beginners is to maintain their new routine for the first 6 weeks. If you can get through this, there is every chance your new workout will become a permanent part of your weekly routine!

(more…)

Are You Wearing the Best Running Shoes for You?

Posted on by Megan Leeson

When choosing to buy a new running shoe, it can be difficult to know where to start. From the type of cushioning you need, to the type of insole that will suit you best, there are lots of factors to consider when choosing the shoes that are right for your feet. Wearing the right shoes is vital to allow comfortable, efficient running and more importantly, prevent injury.

So, where do we start?

(more…)

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 Can Benefit 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.

(more…)

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…)

Outdoor Swimming Season

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.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

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.

(more…)