Exercise programme relaunched in Fenland with backing of GPs

Those who could benefit include people with a history of coronary heart disease or who have high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma.

Other medical conditions that could qualify people for referral include obesity, stress or depression, osteoporosis, angina and muscle and joint injuries.

To qualify for the revised programme, formerly known as GP Referral, you must be referred by a health professional such as a doctor, nurse or physiotherapist.

Participants have to pay a £16 joining fee and sign up at one of FDC’s leisure centres for a three-month, reduced rate membership of £24.50 per month, payable by direct debit.

In return, they will get unlimited use of the centre’s facilities in off-peak hours and will get to take part in various fitness classes and special weekly group gym sessions.

The programme is being run in conjunction with personal health trainers from Mytime Health and has the backing of local GPs.

Councillor Pop Jolley, FDC’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “We’ve looked carefully at how similar schemes operate elsewhere. Their experience shows that you get much better results if people make a financial commitment to the scheme in advance.

“It encourages them to see the programme through to the end and makes it more likely that they’ll continue to exercise in the future.

“This is a great example of the sort of joined-up thinking that could bring real health benefits. Our leisure centres have fantastic facilities and expert staff.

“They can help people see that it’s not just about getting fit, important though that is; it is also about making exercise fun and gives people a chance to meet new people in a similar position to themselves.”

To see if you are eligible to join the scheme, speak to your local health professional, pick up an information leaflet at your local leisure centre or surgery or call Fiona Poignand at Mytime Health on 07775 532285 (email:Fiona.poignand@mytimehealth.co.uk).