Teignbridge Leisure - Exercise Referral

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Exercise Referral and Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase IV

Welcome to Teignbridge Leisure Referral Scheme, which is designed to help people become more active, more often. You can experience the possible health benefits that can be gained from becoming more active safely and effectively. You can take part in activity sessions at any Teignbridge Leisure Centre in Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish, and also our Walk This Way walking for health scheme.

We appreciate that taking part in the scheme may seem daunting, even though your GP or other healthcare professional has referred you to us. You are welcome to bring along a friend or family member to your first appointment if you are concerned about taking on a new challenge in a new environment. Our staff will welcome you and do their utmost to support you in achieving your goals.

Your first consultation will be a discussion about your health and medical background, and how we can use our exercise and physical activity options to meet your individual needs. We will measure your blood pressure, waist circumference, height, body composition, and respiratory peak flow. These measures are taken again at the end of the scheme and will be used to assess your progress.

You attend twelve exercise sessions over six to twelve weeks in the gym or exercise studio. We can discuss more options for during and after your course. Some of these may be in your local community. Once you have graduated there will be an opportunity for regular reviews to continue to support you.

The programmes are chargeable but include two consultations and twelve exercise sessions.

Your GP will refer you for these sessions, once we have received your referral form, we will contact you.

What are the benefits?

Physical activity has many potential beneficial factors, including:

Lower blood pressure.
Improve joint mobility problems.
Relieve back pain.
Alleviate symptoms of depression and stress.
Reduce obesity.
Help prevent coronary heart disease and strokes.

Whilst there are always staff available to help and advise you, your goal is to become independent and make physical activity a lifestyle choice.

How long is the programme?

The programme runs for 12 weeks.

What activities can I do?

Once on the scheme, you can enjoy a variety of gym, pool and exercise class based fitness activities at our Leisure Centres.

At your initial assessment. The fitness instructor will discuss your referral reasons and what you would like to achieve. We aim to provide an exercise programme tailored to your individual needs.

The initial consultation will consist of an informal chat and an initial health assessment.

These will vary between centres. You will be able to discuss which activities are available to you and decide on the most appropriate.

This will help keep you motivated and help you find activities that you enjoy.

How to prepare for your first appointment

Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before.
Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Avoid eating a heavy meal less than 3 hours before your appointment.
Avoid drinking caffeine less than 2 hours before (i.e. tea, coffee, cola).
Wear loose and comfortable clothing.

If you feel unwell on the day of your appointment, please contact the centre where your appointment is booked and rearrange for a different date and time.

Graduation options

Our walks are short and over easy terrain and are open to everyone but are especially aimed at those who are least active. Every week we reach 20,200 walkers, supporting them to experience the benefits of getting and staying active.

Exercise class graduations

Pilates
Yoga
Aqua Fit
Prime Life
Social Sports
Walking Football
Basketball
Short Tennis

How do I book my first appointment?

Either your GP will email your referral form, or you can take it to the nearest Teignbridge Leisure Centre. The exercise specialist will call you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment.