THE George Campbell Leisure Centre is running a successful collaboration with local doctors to offer exercise programmes to help people with a range of ailments and chronic diseases. The centre operates an exercise referral scheme whereby local GPs are ab

THE George Campbell Leisure Centre is running a successful collaboration with local doctors to offer exercise programmes to help people with a range of ailments and chronic diseases.

The centre operates an exercise referral scheme whereby local GPs are able to refer patients for a tailored exercise programme at the lifestyle gym.

Doctors recognise the benefits of exercise as part of a treatment regime and skilled leisure centre staff are on hand to provide the right level and type of exercise to benefit each patient.

Susan Althoff, from March, has been using the centre since February. She was enrolled on the exercise referral scheme by her doctor to bring down her blood pressure and to help with her Parkinson's disease.

In that time, Susan has lost more than a stone in weight, her blood pressure has stabilised and her body fat has decreased. Husband Paul joined her at the gym and has lost a staggering four stones as a result.

The scheme costs £15 to register and then each gym session costs just £2.75. This subsidised rate lasts for three months. During this period swimming is free.

Susan wanted to be able to use the gym in the evenings so she took out a joint membership with husband. Both are now regular users of the gym.

Susan said: "I feel a lot better for it and when I go walking, I go faster and further than before and I'm not puffed out. I also feel healthier and have more energy.

"The gym is very friendly and everyone makes you feel welcome. It is not like I expected. You think everyone is going to look at you, but it's not like that. I was surprised by the amount of things I could do in the gym. I would say to anyone, 'give it a go'."

Those interested in the exercise referral scheme should consult their GPs, who may refer them if they think it advisable. Further information on the scheme is available from the fitness consultants at the George Campbell Leisure Centre on 01354 622399.