

Exercise Referral
Exercise referral is when a medical professional refers the patient to an exercise programme.
An Overview of Exercise Referral
Exercise (Health) Referral 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.
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.
Find Exercise Referral Activities Near You
Use the search below to find local activities near you.

One You
Thu, 01 Oct 2020

We Are Undefeatable
Thu, 29 Aug 2019

Couch to 5K
National Governing Bodies

NHS England
- Contact Name
- NHS England
- Contact Email
- england.contactus@nhs.net
- Contact Telephone
- 0300 311 22 33
Bournemouth YMCA
The Junction Sports & Leisure Centre is at the very heart of our local community, So whether it's using the Swimming Pool, the superbly equipped Cybex Gymnasium, the softplay Kidz Kingdom, available Function Room, Indoor Cycling facility, Tennis Courts,
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
BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE TOUCH
Play Touch as in Touch Rugby the safe version of the game only a one handed touch stops the attacking player. It's fast, skilful, and all inclusive, above all its fun. We have families playing. Members ages range from 7 yrs to old age.
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.
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.
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.
Exercise to Music for beginners to exercise and people over 65
Due to the current situation these are freely available via online streaming, but much better to join us on Zoom if you're able!
They are ideal for active ladies and gentlemen wanting to improve/maintain general health and strength.
During the first half of the session we:
> warm up
> do cardiovascular exercise to music
> cool down
During the second half we do:
> muscle strengthening exercise using: small hand weights, ankle weights and resistance bands
> abdominal exercises
> pelvic floor exercises
> balance exercises
> flexibility stretches
> learn how to get down and up from the floor safely so that we can keep playing with the grandchildren!
We also arrange social activities.
Circuit Training for Beginners to Exercise, Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehabilitation and People over the age of about 60
Due to the current situation these sessions are freely available to all via online streaming, but much better to join us on Zoom if you're able!
They are ideal for active and able ladies and gentlemen wanting to improve / maintain general health and strength.
During the session we:
> begin with a warm up
> perform the circuit by alternating cardiovascular exercise and hand weights exercises
> end with a cool down
In the cool down we include:
> balance exercises
> flexibility stretches
We also arrange social activities.
Strength and Balance, Falls Prevention, PSI for Older People
Due to the current situation these sessions are freely available to all via online streaming, but much better to join us on Zoom if you're able.
They are ideal for people with reduced balance and mobility who wish to improve health, strength and independence.
Wheelchair users and carers welcome
Sessions begin a warmup and mobility exercises. We then go on to perform exercises that will help to strengthen muscle and bone, improve flexibility, condition hearts and lungs, strengthen abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, improve balance and coordination.