Health and Fitness / Wellbeing
Cheap ways to get healthy in Bristol
For anyone wanting to eat healthier or get moving in the New Year, Bristol24/7 rounds up some of the best ways to promote a healthy lifestyle that don’t cost the world:
Veg boxes
Mary Page of Purple Patch sells veg boxes throughout the year
A great way to encourage seasonal eating, there are a huge range of local veg box providers in Bristol. From Purple Patch in St Werburgh’s where boxes can be collected every Wednesday afternoon, to The Community Farm, which delivers to homes across Bristol once a week and has the option to include dairy produce and other groceries as well.
is needed now More than ever
A comprehensive list of local box suppliers can be found at www.bristolfoodnetwork.org/veg-box-schemes
Couch to 5k
The nationwide Couch to 5K scheme is run by the NHS. It’s free and accessible through an app or podcast. The nine-week programme involves three runs a week, and each run is coached, either by a professional or a celebrity – so you can have a giggle with Sarah Millican while you jog.
Leigh woods
Leigh Woods in free to access
For lovely free days out and a chance to get close to nature, head to Leigh Woods, located just above Avon Gorge. There are beautiful woodlands with a family trail, cycle tracks, a play area, nature reserve and ancient hill fort, and it’s all free to access.
parkrun
parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. In Bristol, join in a run either in Eastville Park or Ashton Court on a Saturday at 9am. More details can be found on their website at www.parkrun.org.uk
The local greengrocers
Sweet Mart is just one of a myriad of delights along St Mark’s Road
From the Easton stalwart of Sweet Mart to The Banana Boat in Totterdown, the city has plenty of cheap greengrocers to help you get your five-a-day. There are so many great stores, but be sure to visit Reg The Veg in Clifton, Source Food Hall at St Nick’s Market and East Sreet Fruit Market. For anyone near Gloucester Road, there’s a myriad to choose from: visit Full Basket, Gardners Patch, Pawson’s and Gloucester Road Fruits.
Tennis
Grab a racquet and join Tennis For Free, a community sports charity providing free, coach-led tennis sessions and free access to tennis courts. A nationwide charity, Tennis For Free currently run in two of the city’s green spaces on Saturday afternoons – Canford Park and St George’s Park. To find out more go to www.tennisforfree.com and click on TFF Sites
Bristol & Path Railway Path
The Bristol & Bath Railway Path celebrated 40 years in 2019
The 13-mile cycle path is a traffic-free, mostly flat route between Bristol and it’s closest neighbour. Starting in Old Market and transforming into a wildlife corridor, see artworks and enjoy the landscape on this free cycle route.
Wriggle
The Bristol-based app not only serves great deals for places to eat and drink, but also lists some of the healthiest eats in the city. Wriggle offer deals and offers at some of Bristol’s best bites, including Beets N’ Roots, Eat Your Greens and Suncraft. Download the app to find out more and access the offers.
Read more: Community Fridge tackles food waste and promotes healthy eating
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