Exercise and Physical Activity Development 

Go For Fit Exercise Referral Scheme 

What is Go For Fit?

“Go For Fit” is a referral scheme, which simply aims to improve the health of referred patients by increasing their activity levels. 

Why exercise? 

Most people would agree that physical activity is good for you; however, the majority of us don’t do enough to improve our health and some of us don’t do anything at all. 

What do you need to do know? 

The “Go For Fit” scheme has been set up to help people who need to take more physical activity for health reasons.  You may have been recommended a programme of exercise by a health professional because they feel that you may benefit.  Alternatively, if you would like to take part in this scheme, you need to discuss this at your surgery first.  You will be referred to a “Go For Fit” guide at your local Leisure Centre who will discuss activities available and devise a programme for you. 

The following surgeries are currently participating in the “Go For Fit” Scheme: 

The Surgery, Sturton Road, North Leverton, Retford Tel: 01427 880223

Tall Trees Surgery, Rectory Road, Retford Tel: 01777 701637

Crown House Surgery, Chapelgate, Retford Tel: 01777 703672

Riverside Health Centre, Riverside Walk, Retford Tel: 01777 706661

Bridgegate Surgery, 43 Bridgegate, Retford Tel: 01777 702381

The Surgery, Marsh Lane, Misterton, Doncaster Tel: 01427 890206  

Larwood Surgery, 56 Larwood, Worksop Tel: 01909 500233

Village Surgery, Long Lane, Carlton-in-Lindrick Tel: 01909 732933

Lakeside Surgery, Church Street, Langold Tel: 01909 540060

What type of exercise?  

You will be given the chance to try something that you enjoy.  The Leisure Centre has a varied programme, which includes activities such as swimming, aqua aerobics, walking, yoga, pilates and supervised gym.   

What will it cost? 

You will be given a “Go For Fit” card for the first 10 weeks, which will entitle you to sessions at a discounted rate, (approximately ½ price).  Normal rates will apply after this.  However, discounts are available with a Leisure Pass. 

What happens after your programme? 

On completing the exercise programme you will be given the opportunity to develop your own programme of activities or continue with current exercise programmes. 

Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Scheme 

What is Cardiac Rehabilitation? 

The Cardiac Rehabilitation scheme is for people who have had a heart attack or coronary incident and would like to continue exercising after they have completed their hospital rehabilitation. 

What do you need to know?  

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist at Bassetlaw Hospital will refer you to a exercise guide at either Worksop or Retford Leisure Centre.  The guide will give you a tour of the facility and discuss activity sessions with you. 

What will it cost? 

You will be given a “Go For Fit” card for the first 10 weeks, which will entitle you to sessions at a discounted rate, (approximately ½ price).  Normal rates will apply after this.  However, discounts are available with a Leisure Pass. 

What happens after your programme? 

On completing the exercise programme you will be given the opportunity to develop your own programme of activities or continue with current exercise programmes. 

Walking the Way to Health 

“Walking the Way to health” is an initiative of the British Heart Foundation and the Countryside Agency.  It benefits from extra funding from the New Opportunities Fund and sponsorship from KIA Cars as part of their “Think Before You Drive” campaign.  The initiative aims to improve the health and fitness of more than a million people, especially those who do little exercise or who live in areas of poor health.

Step 2 It Bassetlaw - Health Walks

Step 2 It Bassetlaw currently has 2 health walks in the District: 

Tuesday 10.00am starting at Retford Leisure Centre  

Wednesday 10.00am starting at Bircotes Leisure Centre

Thursday 10.00am starting at Kilton Forest Golf Course 

Walks take place every week of the year 

Dates for 2008:

What is a Health Walk? 

Health walks will: 

• Be short (between 2 and 5 miles)
• Be at a moderate intensity (i.e. make you breath a little faster and feel warmer)
• Take between 1 and 2 hours in duration
• Have at least 3 trained walk leaders (one at the front, one at the back and one in the middle)

The walk leader at the back of the group will go at the pace of the slowest walker, those at the front of the walk as quickly as they like.  No specialist equipment is needed, so just come along in your trainers or shoes. 

What will it cost? 

All walks are completely FREE. 

GENERAL ADVICE ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

 How much? 

“The Health Education Authority recommend that for improved health and to help with weight management, adults should try to build up gradually to accumulate half an hour of moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days of the week” 

Activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing and gardening are good options 

What is moderate intensity Physical Activity? 

A moderate activity is one that should make you breathe harder than normal and become slightly warmer. 

Time 

Activity can be done in bouts of 10-15 minutes and therefore does not all have to be done at once e.g. 2 x 15 minutes or 3 x 10 minutes.    

Types of Activity 

Try to make activity a part of everyday life, break up long periods of sitting and most importantly find something that you enjoy.   

BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 

There is substantial evidence identifying the benefits of physical activity: 

§         Prevention and management of obesity

§         Prevention and management of diabetes

§        Reduced risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), stroke and hypertension (high blood pressure)

§         Improved blood lipid profile

§         Reduced risk of osteoporosis

§         Reduced risk of certain cancers

§         Prevention and management of stress, anxiety and depression

§         Improved psychological well-being (e.g. self-esteem)

§         Prolonged independence among older adults

§         Reduced risk of developing lower back pain

§         Improves sleeping habits

§         Maintains independence

§         Feel more energetic

§         Feel good about yourself 

It is estimated that 3% of all CHD, 25% of strokes and Type 2 diabetes could be avoided with regular physical activity (HEA,1995) 

For further details please contact
Richard Keeton Exercise & Physical Activity Development Officer
Bassetlaw District Council
Sports Development
17b, The Square
Retford
Nottinghamshire
DN22 6DB

Tel: 01909 533480
Fax: 01909 534529

Email: Richard.Keeton@bassetlaw.gov.uk