National Exercise Referral SchemeThe National Exercise Referral Scheme is for people with low to moderate medical conditions, and/or people that are not moderately physically active more than three times per week, or are de-conditioned through age, inactivity or injury.
The scheme aims to offer people the opportunity to build more physical activity into their lives via taking part in activities such as gentle exercise classes, walking groups, swimming sessions, aqua aerobics and gym taster sessions.
Clients will be provided with the opportunity to participate in a number of exercise sessions at your local leisure centre, community centres and outreach venues across Merthyr Tydfil.
Physical activity has been shown to improve people’s health and wellbeing in a number of ways. The many benefits of engaging in physical activity can include:
• Reduction in blood pressure
• Weight loss (reduction in body fat)
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Improvements in stress, anxiety and depression
Anyone wishing to access the scheme will need to be referred by a fully qualified health professional. This can be your local doctor, practice nurse, physiotherapist etc…
Once you are referred to the Pathways to Health Exercise Referral Scheme you will have a series of in depth consultations and activity sessions with a fully qualified exercise professional. The consultations will involve goal setting, lifestyle questionnaires, and physiological tests to motivate and guide you through the scheme. The exercise professionals will then provide you with a variety of physical activity opportunities and advice to ensure that you get the most out of the scheme.
You will benefit from:
Consultations and check ups with a fully qualified, specially trained exercise professional over a year period!
A variety of activity sessions priced at £1 per session for sixteen weeks and the option of half price membership for a further year!
Activity sessions include:
Walking Groups,
Aqua Gym
Gentle Exercise Classes
Leisure Mornings
Aqua Aerobics
Dance Groups
& Gym/Fitness Suite
Venues for the activity sessions include:
• Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre
• Gurnos Community Centre Centre
• Dowlais Community Centre
• Aberfan & Merthyr Vale Community Centre
• Treharris Community Centre
• Trelewis Community Centre
• Taff trail
The will also be additional exercise opportunities and events available across the borough.
Please see our FAQ’s section for more information: FAQ’s
What if I still have some questions?
For further information on how you can get involved in the scheme you can download the leaflet National Exercise Referral Scheme.pdf or contact Lee Meredith, lee.meredith@merthyr.gov.uk or contact your local leisure centre.
You may contact the Exercise Referral Coordinator on (01685) 727442 email lee.meredith@merthyr.gov.uk . You can also email your queries to lifestyles@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Links:
Merthyr Exercise Referral Scheme Timetable of activities
|