ny fitness professional worth their salt knows that the use of exercise in both the prevention and treatment of disease is essential yet

exercise is not currently a routine part of healthcare. To try and change this, the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) is working to bring the medical profession and the fitness sector together. Earlier this year, the FIA held a consultation which drew together medical colleges and organisations including the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Physicians, and the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine.

While the results are currently under review, Fitpro talked to Bev Whitney, fitness manager of Freedom Leisure Hailsham where the GP referral scheme is celebrating its 20th anniversary, to hear about the benefits it can bring to both instructors and their clients.

The Hailsham modelHailsham currently takes GP referrals for patients with conditions which include hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis, as well as those who need weight management. The club also takes

referrals from local physiotherapists and midwives for patients suffering from postnatal depression.

Once a programme of exercise has been prescribed and PAR-Qs completed, fitness professionals within the centre enrol the patients on their course, which

usually runs twice a week for 12 weeks. The majority of referral courses are group X sessions unless the patient is suffering from a high-risk condition, in which case they receive one to one treatment.

All group X instructors are routinely trained by Hailsham to REPs Level 3,

“I have been working with the Active Living referral scheme for about seven years and now I’m self-employed so my clients are often referred directly from their GP. I run classes for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities as well as low-impact circuits and aerobics classes. I got interested in referrals through some voluntary work I was doing with a cardiac unit. I already had my Level 3 qualification and Active Living gave me some additional training.

However, I’ve definitely found that it’s the experience not the training that has helped me develop as an instructor. I’ve learned how to adapt different experiences for particular clients. For example, there is someone in my low-impact circuits class who is a double amputee who does step-ups with the help of supports.

I try to keep the prices low because a lot of my clients are retired or don’t work.

Even so, it’s financially rewarding because they are a dedicated group and it’s a part of their weekly routine so they love coming. I love doing what I do too. It’s not about pushing people: just helping them maintain their fitness levels. It’s definitely worth it for the enthusiasm that my classes show and the benefits that it gives them.”

Fitness | Industry update

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GP referral schemes

AAmie Johnson is a freelance GP referral instructor who also teaches BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, aerobics and Zumba® in Wigan.

The Fitness Industry Association has been working with key royal colleges to produce referral guidelines for countrywide application. Fitpro examines one long-term referral scheme.

Fit for life:

75% of all patients continue with regular exercise once the referral period has ended

however, most are Level 4 specialists. As well as taking classes for the above conditions, instructors run classes in the post-operative rehab clinic and also work with the cardio programme.

Successful exitPatients are monitored throughout the programme, with an exit strategy to encourage ongoing exercise part of the care given. With 75% of patients continuing with regular exercise once the referral period has ended, Bev feels that Hailsham’s success is typical of the positive influence medical referral can have on patients’ health and fitness.

“We think what the FIA is doing to introduce new operational standards is really important. The more referral schemes that can be set up around the country, the more it will benefit the nation’s health and further people’s understanding of how exercise can help maintain health.” fp

For more information on the consultation process visit www.fia.org.uk

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Photographs by Sport England