Active Living

Active Living Blaenau Gwent (Exercise Referral) Scheme

The National Exercise Referral Scheme for Blaenau Gwent was launched on the 5th November 2007. The Welsh Assembly funded scheme runs in partnership with Blaenau Gwent County Council and forms the Active Living scheme, which aims to introduce the benefits of physical activity to the people of Blaenau Gwent.

 Everyone can benefit from being more active and exercise is an important factor in overall health. The Exercise Referral scheme is aimed at clients who are currently inactive and have one other medical condition such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

The scheme is a 16-week intervention aimed at introducing the benefits of physical activity to patients referred via a health professional (e.g. GP/Practice Nurse) to an exercise professional for advice and support around exercise. The Intervention begins with a detailed one to one consultation with an exercise professional; all health data and exercise history is collected and formulated into an activity plan for the individual. The client will then receive a follow up consultation at 4 weeks, 16 weeks and then further to that at 8 months then at 1-year to gage their participation and progress.

Within the 16-week intervention the Active Living Scheme offers the client a menu of exercise options. Within the intervention a client must spend at least 4 weeks or a minimum of 6 sessions with an exercise professional before they can access other exercise opportunities.

 Within the scheme we currently offer 13 referral classes and a wide variety community classes, held both at the leisure centres and at outreach venues such as community centres and local halls. All classes are a £1 a session for referral clients, and then local authority prices apply.

Here is just a taste of some of the classes we currently provide:
Gentle Exercise – A circuit based class using a variety of equipment to assist everyday fuctional task. Very gentle.
Chair Exercises – Gentle exercise based on movement and flexibilty to build on functional capacity.
Aqua Fit - A cardio and toning class that works against the resistance of the water. Age 16+ suitable for all levels
Fit Ball - A total body toning class which focuses on your core body strength. Age 16+
Circuits - A mixture of casrdio and weight exercises. Age 16+
Cardio Kick – A circuit based class using circuit training exrcises and basic kickboxing punch and kick moves!
NRG Blast – A half hour early morning session with a mixture of cardio and toning exercises including a free swim after the class.
Legs Bums and Tums – A toning session that targets the lower body to get you tight and trim!

All above classes are catered for indivdual needs, abilties and levels. Within our timetable of classes we incorporate a link between referral classes and communtiy classes so there is a progression in opportunity, ability and fitness!

Contact details – Active Living Co-ordinator – Daniel Harries 01495 355302

For further infromation on classes held at the Sports Centres please click on the following links:

Ebbw Vale Sports Centre
Tredegar Sports Centre
Nantyglo Sports Centre
Abertillery Sports Centre