GP Exercise Referral Programme

This 14 week programme is delivered in partnership with the NHS and offers people with certain health conditions the opportunity to exercise in a safe and effective way with specially qualified fitness instructors.

Who is it for?

If you, a friend or family member suffer from certain conditions which could increase the risk of developing a long term health condition such as coronary heart disease, then you may be eligible for the programme.

For example if you / they:

• Suffer from high or low blood pressure
• Are deemed to be overweight
• Are a smoker

How can people join?

Your GP or Health Professional can refer you onto the GP Exercise Referral Programme. Once on the programme you will receive one to one consultations with our trained referral officers, a record of your progress and a safe physical activity programme tailored to your health needs. You can then access our Y:Active Fitness Studios, Adult Fitness Classes and Swimming Pools for the entire 14 weeks at favourably reduced rates. See Y:Active Programmes Prices. You may also wish to participate in FREE activities such as Wyre Borough Council’s – Walkin Wyre Healthy Walks Programme.

Contact Y:Active Programmes Office and the team will assist you.

Where is this Programme available?

The GP Exercise Referral Programme is now available in our Centres and at community venues across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. Contact your GP Surgery, Health Professional or Contact Y:Active Programmes Office and the team will assist you.

And we have other Programme Participants to help you…

Ken Vickers is not only one of our members, he is also our GP Exercise Referral Ambassador at Poulton YMCA Swimming and Fitness Centre.

Ken originally joined us through the GP Exercise Referral Programme. Having enjoyed the 14 week programme he was keen to pass on his experience and help others reap the benefits of the programme.

Ken told us: “The referral programme really kick started me back into exercise. At first I was a little unsure as to whether it would do me any good but I have to say that I really enjoyed it and it has done wonders for me and my health.

“I would encourage anyone to give it a try and I will be working with the Y:Active Programmes team to make everyone feel welcome when they visit the centre.”

Ken’s remit as Ambassador for the programme is to use his experience of the 14 week programme to help new referral patients feel welcome when they use the centre.

Meet other GP Exercise Referral Participants.

Did You Know?

GP Referral Programme participants can now take advantage of our cutting edge USB and Virtual Training technology.

The USB bands make it easier to log your workouts, monitor how many calories you have burned, miles you have cycled and also make it easier for you and your Referral Officer to keep in touch.

At any point during the 14 weeks the USB system means that your Referral Officer can amend or re-write your Activity Guidance to keep pace with your improving health and fitness.

The system is easy to use but if you are a bit of a technophobe, don’t worry! Your Referral Officer can guide you through the initial steps and show you how to make best use of the system.

This fantastic system is on offer at St Annes YMCA, Lytham YMCA and Thornton YMCA.

If you would like to take advantage of this new technology simply Contact Y:Active Programmes Office.