Healthy Lifestyles programme
The Healthy Lifestyles programme provides a range of services that encourage people of all ages to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The programme includes a core exercise referral programme which offers similar physical activities as any other type of referral programme. Your doctor, physiotherapist or nurse can give you the opportunity to attend the programme if they believe it would benefit your health.
The Healthy Lifestyle team then manages individuals safely through a range of tailored physical activity sessions.
Who is the Healthy Lifestyles programme for?
The referral scheme is aimed at people who have medical conditions that physical activity is known to be beneficial for. Examples of these conditions include:
- Heart attacks
- Bypass surgery
- Angioplasty
- Valve replacements
- Stable angina
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- CVA/TIA
- Depression
- High cholesterol
- Osteoporosis.
What should you expect?
Once your health professional has sent your referral to our Healthy Lifestyle Co-ordinator, you will be contacted by telephone and/or letter and booked in to see a Healthy Lifestyle Instructor at the most convenient venue for you.
Your referral consists of a structured physical activity programme, which will be tailored to suit your ability.
Your appointment will take approximately 30 minutes, so we can find out what you would like to achieve. The physical activity programme will be given to you at your first appointment with the Healthy Lifestyles advisor. You will be asked to attend a minimum of two sessions for the duration of your eight-week programme.
What happens on the programme?
All activities should be carried out at a level that suits you. Going at your own pace will ensure that your health and activity levels improve steadily.
You will be encouraged to access part or all of these activities while on the referral programme – ask your Healthy Lifestyle Instructor to explain how each session could help you achieve your goals.
Once you complete your exercise programme, the Healthy Lifestyles team will be able to identify other physical activity opportunities you can move onto, to continue exercising.
How do I prepare?
- If you choose to attend a gym session as part of your programme, you will be asked to have an induction first so that you can become familiar with the gym equipment.
- You will need to wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes.
- You should avoid eating for at least one hour before you exercise. Also avoid smoking, as this may make you feel uncomfortable.
- If you are diabetic please bring your medication with you. If you are asthmatic please ensure that you bring your inhaler.
What type of activities can I take part in?
Our exercise programmes are broken into four main activities. These are:
- Gym sessions
- Circuit classes
- Aqua aerobics
- Active walks.
How will physical activity help me?
Exercise can:
- Give you more energy to help you deal with your day to day life.
- Help maintain or lose weight.
- Help you relax and sleep better.
- Help strengthen your joints and bones.
- Introduce you to new people and create new relationships.
- Reduce your blood pressure.
Where and when?
Exercise sessions and assessments are run at a range of leisure centres and community venues in Lambeth and Southwark.
The Healthy Lifestyles team can provide you with timetables of sessions at the venues closest to you, so that you can create the best programme for you.
How much will it cost?
Continuing long-term
The physical activity sessions and specialist advice will help you gain confidence and give you the knowledge to be able to exercise on your own. There are various options available to you upon completion of the programme - you can discuss these with your instructor.
Where are the sessions held?
Sessions are currently being held at the following centres:
Who to contact
For more information email healthylifestyles@lambeth.gov.uk or phone 020 7926 0761.