Active Dorset - Exercise Referral

Exercise Referral

Exercise referral is when a medical professional refers the patient to an exercise programme.

An Overview of Exercise Referral

The Exercise (Health) Referral scheme is designed to aid individuals (adults aged 16 or over) who have been identified by their GP or other health professional to take up the benefits of participation in enjoyable exercise.

There are two schemes, one covering Leicestershire and Rutland and one covering Leicester City.

If you suffer from any of the following conditions you could be eligible for the Exercise Referral Scheme:

arthritis
asthma
back pain
diabetes
depression
high blood pressure
heart condition
high cholesterol
osteoporosis
obesity

Benefits

Physical Activity can play an important role in preventing and managing health conditions such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, mental health problems, musculoskeletal conditions and some cancers.

Exercise can have a positive effect on well-being and mood, providing a sense of achievement or relaxation and release from daily stress.

Greater social cohesion by helping people to socialise, providing a means of getting involved with the community
Increasing how much physical activity someone does can significantly improve both their physical and mental well-being and reduce illnesses and disease throughout life
It can also improve life expectancy
Being active improves sleep, enhances quality of life and well-being
Reduces stress
Increases concentration levels
Improves balance, co-ordination and cardiovascular fitness
Increases self-confidence

Involvement

For more information and local contacts/welcome packs, visit www.lrsport.org/exercisereferral

Facts

UK physical activity guidelines recommend that over a week, adults should be active for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity. The 150 minutes doesn't have to be completed in one go. It can be broken down into smaller bouts of activity; in bouts of 10 minutes or more.

Public Health England recommends out of these 150 minutes, muscle strengthening activities should be carried out two days of the week.

National Programmes

One You

Modern life makes it hard to be healthy. The good news is we can fight back. One You is here to help you get back to a healthier you.

Local Venues

Wessex Accessible Cycling Club

Wessex Accessible Cycling Club is based at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest and is committed to making cycling and the park accessible to everyone.

Pelhams

Serving the North Bournemouth area with two pools, a sanarium, large gym, aerobic studios, spin studio, Feelgood Factory and Terrace café. A great choice of classes and activities.

Parley Petanque Club

Parley Pétanque Club exists to promote the sport sometimes called French Boule.) We are ambitious as well as being friendly and competitive. Visitors and new players are welcome whether absolute beginner or more experienced players. Whatever your age or

Littledown

Set in 47 acres of parkland, with its own high ropes adventure complex, Littledown provides everything to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active. It’s got some of the best gym, swimming and football facilities in the country.

Activate Coast and Countryside Christchurch and East Dorset Councils

The Activate Coast and Countryside programme aims to encourage people to get more active through a wide range of coast and countryside based activities.