Can GP's do cheap Council Gym Membership?

flis21

Hi,

Someone told me that their doctor is able to give them a docket which they can take to their local council run gym, like a referral and they get cheaper gym sessions as they are overweight.

Does anyone know if GP's in all areas do this or if it is just her local area? (She does not live near me, but I would be interested in doing this if it is available).

arnie&caseysma!

i know that in my area the GPs can rescribe sessions at the gym which is in a local authority leisure centre. I think that these are for certain conditions and after injury etc where parts of the body need to be strengthened and not just because the person is overweight.....best exercise for that would be to get out and walk as it can easily be overdone and result in injury if an overweight person goes into a gym and throws themselves into the exercise if perhaps they are not used to it. Ease in gently and get out walking - help lose a bit of weight and build up some stamina prior to heading for a gym....

Ted_Hutchinson

Most Primary Care Trusts do offer Exercise on Prescription but the only way you will find out is by asking your doctor if you qualify and what's on offer.

Treatments that work
Diet, exercise and behaviour therapy: If you follow a diet, get more exercise and take advice from a health professional, you'll lose weight
An exercise plan: Being active uses up the calories you get from food. The more exercise you do, the more calories you use. If you're obese, you'll probably need to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. The goal is to use at least 1,000 to 2,000 calories a week.

If you look at the suggested effective activities you will see that Gym membership is not a necessity so please, if you can't get a subsidised gym subscription, DON'T give up on the idea of regular exercise.
Nutrition, physical activity, and cardiovascular disease confirms that diet and exercise combined are best. Evidence supports plenty of Fruit and veg, wholegrain foods and omega 3.
Omega 3 will improve the rate you burn off fat.