Supporting YOU to improve YOUR health and independence

What is exercise referral programme?

Our exercise referral programme is a Gym-based programme, which runs over a period of 10 weeks. During this time, we aim to put together a graduated exercise programme based around your assessment and individually tailored to your needs.  This will progressively address the main reasons for which you have been referred to us taking into account any injuries, medical conditions or medication.

If there is anything that we are unsure about, we will contact your medical professional (usually your GP) to discuss your referral.

Who is the programme for?

You will find this programme beneficial if you have:

• Anxiety, Depression, Stress
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Atherosclerosis
• Balance difficulties
• Bone and joint problems
• COPD
• Diabetes (1 and 2)
• Heart condition
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Hypertension
• Lower back pain
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Parkinson’s disease

What is involved?

You will initially be required to complete a questionnaire, after which time we will book you in for a one-to-one session with a Westbank referral exercise specialist who will review your answers and run through a short in-person assessment with you. This allows us to create an exercise programme tailored to you and your needs.

You will then be given a start date for your exercise class which will run twice a week for 10 weeks.

We will need to take some very basic measurements and ask you to complete a few simple exercises at your assessment. We advise that you wear suitable clothing and shoes.

Your Progress

At the 5-week stage we will take the opportunity to see how you are progressing. Together we can assess if there needs to be any amendments to your programme and also how you feel you are doing.

At the end of the programme we will invite you to take part in a final one to one assessment. We will repeat some of the tests from the initial assessment so that you can look at your progress and give the TEAM valuable feedback on how you have benefited from the sessions. It might be that at that stage you feel that you would like to continue with another block of sessions to maintain and improve your health outcomes or join our gym.

Benefits of exercise

The exercise referral programme has proven to be an effective intervention for reducing the risk and management of chronic conditions. There are many other benefits of exercising:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
• Lower risk of Type 2 diabetes
• Improves sleep
• Strengthens bones and muscles
• Helps to control weight
• Helps manage aches and pains
• Improves energy levels
• Improve mental health

After the programme

After completion of the 10-week class it is important that you stay active and continue exercising.

At Westbank we offer follow-on classes and gym memberships with our instructors on hand to support you throughout your journey.

How do I refer to the programme?

For more information speak to your GP, Health practitioner, or contact the Westbank Fitness Team on 01392 824 752.