Exercise referrals
The exercise referral scheme is a joint venture between the council and selected leisure centres in Dorset, to help people become more active to improve their health.
Who the scheme is for
The scheme is for people who could benefit from taking more exercise. Some people with health concerns are unsure of what they can do, so the scheme offers advice about how to exercise safely. You will need a GP referral to join the scheme.
Benefits of exercise
Exercise has many benefits, such as:
- it's fun and it can help to improve your health
- it can give you more energy and make you feel and look better
- it can help you manage your weight
- it helps prevent illnesses and will help manage existing conditions
- being more active is a great way to make new friends.
Advice about how to improve your health further by changing your diet or stopping smoking is available from specialist staff at your local leisure centre.
How to sign up
Speak to your GP about an exercise referral. You can then contact one of the leisure centres and arrange to meet your fitness instructor. You need to bring along your white referral form.
Leisure centres
The following leisure centres offer activities at a reduced cost to patients while they are on the scheme:
Please check with the individual leisure centres to find out what activities and support they can provide.
Fitness instructors
Each leisure centre has at least one fitness instructor with specific training in exercise referral. They will help devise a programme especially for you and give you a card so you can enjoy cut-price entry. The activities available at each centre differ slightly, so you may wish to visit more than one. If you are using the gym, you will need to be shown how to use the equipment specific to that leisure centre.
Your instructor will meet you at the start, halfway through and at the end of the 12- week programme. If at any time you have questions about the programme do not hesitate to contact them.