Gym referral scheme

woodbon
woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
edited 5. May 2009, 17:34 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi
I've just had a phone call from the trainer who who works with the GP referred, unfit, wrecks (patients) :!: :roll: and I have an appointment to decide on a suitable exercise programme at the gym. The appointments on Wenesday and I'll be glad to go and start a LITTLE GENTLE exercise :oops: :oops: . So I'm about to find out just how unfit I've become! :( Still, I feel I'm doing something about it now, even if its just talking about getting fitter! :D Love Sue

Comments

  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    best of luck!

    I found it helpful in the end, although it took a lot of effort to get into things when I did it in my local area.

    I would suggest that you be very honest about what you can and can't do, as that way you will get a programme that works for you. And if they say to do smething that you find too hard at first, do say, rather than struggle on, as that only serves to demoralise. There is always something different that will do the same job.

    hope you gain as much as I did from going.
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,399
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Just joining a gym must make you feel fitter :shock:

    You may not be as unfit as you think Sue - hope you enjoy.

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • bailey27
    bailey27 Member Posts: 689
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thats great news
    Make sure you check the trainers qualifications first!!!
    Some may work at the gym but do not have the relevant knowledge.
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Sue

    Like Bailey says check the trainer out, I went on the Beep scheme and she didn't have a clue. Just as I was finishing she went on a 1 day course to help disabled get fit, still came bace useless :roll:

    Love
    Vonski x
  • petmad
    petmad Member Posts: 252
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Good new Sue, hope it works out. When I finish physio I am going to ask my GP to refer me to the scheme. Linda.
  • ninakang
    ninakang Member Posts: 1,367
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Great news - I bet you're not as unfit as you think :-) We got a Wii Fit on Friday afternoon and I'm pleased to see my fitness levels aren't too bad, just need to keep at it. Did some this morning while the kids were still in bed... Probably won't last more than a week, but while it lasts, I'll keep on at it :-)
  • mistywillow
    mistywillow Member Posts: 711
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    ninakang wrote:
    Great news - I bet you're not as unfit as you think :-) We got a Wii Fit on Friday afternoon and I'm pleased to see my fitness levels aren't too bad, just need to keep at it. Did some this morning while the kids were still in bed... Probably won't last more than a week, but while it lasts, I'll keep on at it :-)

    Hi Sue
    Sounds really good, have n't heard about those schemes. Do they take place at your local gym or at the GP?
    Take it easy with the press ups though. No showing off :lol::lol:
    love Gillx
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thanks everyone, I'm looking forward to it. I was referred to these guys by my GP, they have a contract with local surgeries and are specially trained. You only get on the scheme if your doctor writes to them. Love Sue
  • jennywren
    jennywren Bots Posts: 79
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I wish I could go to the gym but I cannot lift a button let alone get any exercise
  • tjenny54321
    tjenny54321 Member Posts: 64
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    To everyone exercising with physical disabilities. I bought wii fit and I go with a group from my drop-in centre and I enjoy going but I did however pull a muscle one week and not sure which caused it. Also pulled a muscle 2 weeks ago using a machine not suitable. I was
    surprised as it was one machine I thought I'd be ok with. Anyway I was also going occasionally to my local gym. One thing I will say is
    that council gyms are not always cheapest but if you get a referal then it most likely will be useful. I also found that one local private
    was more accessible than council for the actual pool. Not everyone
    likes the idea of the hoist. I enjoy my group as we have a laugh and go for cuppa afterwards. For those of you who find these places intimidating you could try setting up a group in your own area.
  • greyheron
    greyheron Member Posts: 167
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Any news Sue on how you got on?

    I'm thinking of talking to my GP about a referral to my local Council-run fitness centre.

    I emailed them last week about it but haven't had a reply which is not a good sign - why do places give an email address if they're not going to reply within a reasonable time?

    Am also looking at private gyms but cost is an issue ... I used to go to a good Boots one but they closed it down as it 'didn't fit with their corporate strategy' !!!

    Good luck to everyone trying to get / keep fit.

    Wendy
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi, well I've been a few times and I'm doing quite well. I've explained my difficulties and we've worked around them, so that I am able to get the expercise I need without hurting anything. I have got told off for trying to do a bit more than they wanted me too. I didn't know they were watching so I speeded up, but a loud voice shouted out 'Sue, too fast, Stop IT' so I did. Last week I felt quite achy before we started, so I told the trainer and he said, to stop as soon as I felt anything and to stick to the gentler things. I felt better when I finished than when I started, as if things had gone into place somehow! :shock: :) .

    It is improving my level of fitness and when I come home I feel more energetic and alive somehow, as if I've achieved something. One thing I've noticed is that I don't feel any more stiff than usual the next day. Some of the people the trainers work with have do some of the exercises sitting and with the trainer helping. They are always happy to do this.

    My only complaint is that they only come twice a week, and I would lke to do every other day! When they give me permission I will be able to go on my own, but i have to do the course and get there approvel! :)

    A larger space would be nice, but you can't have everything. I'm also not sure that I am walking any better but I am only just started and my muscles need building up!

    Thanks for asking. Love Sue P.S I seem to have gone on a bit! :D
  • joanlawson
    joanlawson Member Posts: 8,681
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi

    I was referred to a similar scheme and have been going for a few weeks now. I was very stiff at first, and rather apprehensive about putting too much strain on my knees. But now I am feeling the benefit of the exercise, and the trainer is very good. I went today, and don't feel stiff at all, so I would recommend it. It costs me £2 per week, so is good value.

    Joan
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  • caravancollie
    caravancollie Member Posts: 66
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Sue,

    Well done, seems like you might get to enjoy it.
    We have similar scheme. I asked the GP to refer me pre op THR for muscle strengthening, general fitness etc and also O/H recovering from cardiac problems. The trainer has been brilliant, very knowlegeable about general wonkiness and after initial interview went off to have discussion with a friendly physio re what was needed. I did 10 sessions pre op and my place is reserved for a further 12 when consultant gives OK at 3 months. I believe it's important to check out qualifications and knowledge though.
    Love Elaine
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I do enjoy it, and I had been worried at my lack of fitness as heart disease is very much in the family, I want to do all I can to keep fit. Also, people who have been on the scheme, but finished their course are welcome and the trainers will give advice if they need it. Their are also 1 or 2 brave souls who train with us and so you don't feel 'disabled'. Love Sue