Physical activity has a key part in improving health and well being.  It helps to prevent coronary heart disease, stroke and some forms of cancer - our countries leading killers.  It can also reduce the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, overweight and obesity.

In Torbay the G.P. Referral scheme has been set up to increase the number of adults participating in regular moderate intensity exercise or activity as part of a planned preventative and/or rehabilitation programme, as a prescribed treatment from their local G.P.

All of the exercise professionals who work on the Fitness in Torbay scheme have been trained to a nationally recognised standard. Their education may include degrees in Exercise and Sports Sciences, Professional qualifications in Gym and group instruction, Referred populations (ability to exercise people with various medical conditions), Cardiac Rehabilitation (ability to exercise people who have had cardiac surgery), amongst others. We are not doctors or physiotherapists but we have had some training in medical conditions and common medications. Therefore we are aware of the benefits of exercise to your health and understand how your medications may affect your ability to exercise.

Do you want to be come more active, more often and have fun, meet new people, discover your local environment, try something new or improve your health?

Physical activity has been proven to have a positive effect on health and fitness. In addition there is evidence to show that physical activity can help reverse or have a significant impact on medical conditions or ailments that you may suffer from. This can lead to reduction in medication, fewer visits to the doctor, and a huge improvement in your well being.

We have helped many people to reduce their stress levels (often something carers can find beneficial), to boost their confidence (helps to make new friends), lose weight (reducing chances of heart disease and many other medical conditions, control their blood sugar levels (improving their diabetes care), to be able to move more easily around the house and to walk further (boosting energy levels), and to manage joint pains (returning people to work).

Here is a brief explanation of some of the activities on offer through fitness in Torbay:

Fitbay is a 10-week supervised exercise programme where clients are referred by their doctor, practice nurse or other health professional. The programme is either gym based or swimming pool based and clients attend two supervised exercise sessions per week over the 10-week period.

The best way to access Fitness-in-Torbay is to get a referral from your doctor’s surgery; this can be from the doctor or practice nurse. If the doctor believes that you will benefit from increasing your physical activity and that you have no current medical conditions that would prevent you from being more active they will complete a referral form.

The doctor will give you the form along with information about which local leisure facilities are taking part in the scheme. You then decide where you would like to attend for the programme and contact the centre directly to make an appointment.

You will need to have an assessment with a qualified instructor before you start the programme and you can arrange this with your chosen leisure centre.

The assessment involves a discussion with the instructor about your medical history and activity levels. This also includes setting goals to achieve during your time on the programme. After the discussion, the instructor will take a series of physical measures including blood pressure, height and weight, and waist circumference. These will give a benchmark against which improvements can be measured at the end of the programme; you do not have to have any measurements you do not want to.

After the assessment you will be booked for 2 exercise sessions per week for the duration of the 10-week programme. The sessions are generally held in a group but you will work on your own individual exercise programme, noting what you do during the session. The exercise professionals are there at all times to help you use the equipment, monitor progress and to develop your programme. Please ask for advice if you have any concerns about your exercise programme.

To take part in Fitbay you must be over 16 years old and be registered with a GP in Torbay. Your doctor can refer you to the programme if you suffer from any medical condition that would benefit from increasing your physical activity (including being overweight or obese). You must be able to commit to a 10 week exercise programme.

At the moment you can do the Fitbay programme at 9 centres across the Bay:

For people who wish to control their weight, require support in making lifestyle behaviour changes, learn how to monitor your own activity levels, and hear about special offers or venues for activities.

Lead walks by a trained volunteer of between 1-3 miles, for those people who wish to become a little more mobile, not for ramblers or long distance hikers. Very social groups of all ages. Available all over Torbay. Cost is free.

Supervised coaching in order to help people to ride a bike or improve confidence of riding bikes. Aimed to boost confidence and skills, allowing you to leave the car at home for those shorter journeys. Available summer time only at Paignton Community & Sports College Borough Rd. Cost is free.

10 weeks of supervised water based mobility exercises, ideally suited for those with joint pains, and mobility problems. Available at English Riviera Centre. (twice a week commitment)

For more information you can call the Community Fitness Co-ordinator’s on 01803 321867

Look out next time for simple tips on how to become more active and home based exercises.