Staying Active in Bristol: Personalised Fitness Habits

By a GP with an interest in lifestyle medicine, Bristol

By Dr Jim Robinson MBBS, MRCGP, LMCA BSLM (Lifestyle Medicine)

Being physically active is one of the best things we can do for our health. It reduces stress, improves our sleep, reduces our cholesterol, increases our longevity, reduces our cancer risk, and releases feel good hormones such as dopamine. Yet many of us find it hard to maintain physical activity goals in Bristol.

The challenge of starting and sticking with exercise

When patients come to me at our Bristol clinic they often say they know how to get going, but their plan is not personalised. Getting fitter and losing weight are two of the main goals I hear about. Going to the gym might help build a habit, but unless you enjoy the activities you choose your motivation will dip and eventually you stop going.

Exploring your motivation and past experiences

In my consultations at Mayfield Clinic Bristol we explore your motivation for change, what has worked for you in the past and what has not, and what you can achieve now and in the future. Understanding your drivers and barriers helps us to create a plan tailored to your lifestyle.

Creating a personalised, enjoyable plan

Whether your aim is to sleep better, reduce stress, improve your diet, lose weight, or get fitter, we use the discussion to identify activities you enjoy. Enjoyable exercise becomes a habit more easily and you are far more likely to keep it up long term.

Practical takeaways for lasting change

Start small, choose activities that excite you and build consistency. Revisit your plan regularly to adjust as your fitness improves or your schedule changes. With a personalised approach based on your motivations and history, maintaining physical activity in Bristol becomes not only achievable but enjoyable.

Book an appointment at our Bristol clinic to discuss your personalised plan.