The main pool at Oldham Leisure Centre will be closed for planned maintenance on Monday 18th March.

Exercise Referral Scheme

The Exercise Referral Scheme is for the people of Oldham with existing medical conditions.

They can access a wide range of physical activities at a specially reduced rate and get advice on the best type of exercise to meet their individual needs. Once you have been referred onto the scheme you will receive a consultation, health check and a personalised 12 week plan designed specifically for your needs.

 

1. Making Contact with Us

We will send you a text message once we have received your referral form inviting you to make an appointment. Please ring us on 0161 207 7000 to make an appointment.

2. Initial Consultation

Your consultation will be completed via telephone and take around 20 – 30 minutes.  You will then be invited in for a face to face appointment to have a show round of the facilities, a gym induction/programme. By attending this session you will receive an Active Card that will provide you with discounts on a wide range of OCL products.

At the induction we will provide:

  • A tour of the building
    • Discuss the type of activities available
    •  Talk about how to set your own personal goals
    •  Talk about payment options.  You can pay as you go or join on a special
        offer membership (1 month minimum term).
    •  Complete all relevant paperwork.
    •  At the end of the induction we will make a 1 to 1 appointment for your
        personal programme.

All the Exercise Referral Team are advanced instructors and highly experienced. They will explain and guide you into becoming more active and answer any questions or concerns you have about the programme.

For your initial induction please bring with you a copy of your prescription or a list of any medication you may be on.

3. Goal Setting and Starting Your Activities

After you’ve completed your one to one appointment you are
now ready to start your exercise.

An instructor will discuss your goals. We will also provide you
with an individual programme.

If at any time you need any support you can contact us to
discuss your progress.

4. Maintenance

At week 10 we will contact you again to make your next appointment
for your final week 12 assessment.

At this appointment you will have opportunity for us to update your
programme and discuss your progression.

For more information, Download the Exercise
Referral Booklet here.

What does the Scheme consist of?

There are a wide range of activities both gym based and class based to choose from for patients that have been through rehabilitation programmes.

Gym Sessions – Learn how to use the gym equipment at your own pace with a large variety to choose from. One of our instructors will support and guide you with an individual programme to suit your needs.

Swimming – Choose from a variety of options from casual swimming, aqua for health to learning how to swim.  Swimming is a great way to improve fitness and make new friends. Swimming is a low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits.

Yoga – This class is ideal for all fitness levels and helps to improve posture and flexibility, strengthen the whole body and keep your mind in tune with your body.

Walking – A daily walk can help you become healthy, maintain weight, prevent various health conditions, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your mood and improve your balance and coordination.

COPD –  Specialist classes for people going through the Pulmonary Rehabilitation scheme.  The programme supports and helps clients to learn to exercise safely and effectively in a controlled environment.  Classes are fun and highly social.

Gentle Exercise Classes – ideal for those who are new to exercise and want a gentle introduction to a studio based class. This class will get you fit and tone key muscles.

Walking Football – Is an excellent way of keeping fit, the game is played at a slower pace, it helps players improve strength, improve muscle and increase core stability.  The sessions are fun, competitive and very social.

Sit and Get Fit Classes – Gentle chair based exercise improve balance, co-ordination, strength mobility and improves muscles, balance and flexibility.

Zumba – Join the Zumba party for fitness and fun.  A fusion of Latin and international music what will target every major muscle in the body.

Aerobics – This fun exercise class uses moves to music, perfect for your heart rate and burning fat. Ideal for those who wish to improve fitness levels and lose weight.

Pilates – This class uses controlled movements, helping to lengthen and tone muscles to build core strength and flexibility.

Tai Chi – This very popular class uses slow-motion, meditative moves which challenges postural muscles, balance and flexibility.

Cardiac Classes – Are specialist classes for people going through Cardiac Rehabilitation and follow guidelines from the British Association of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation.  The programme supports and helps clients to learn to exercise safely and effectively in a controlled environment.  Classes are fun and highly social.

Aqua Fit – Takes place in the shallow end of the swimming pool.  This fun and gentle class is ideal for beginners with the aim to tone the whole body without any added pressure on the joints. 

Line Dancing – Not only helps to maintain physical health but mental health also at the same time.  It decreases the risk of diseases like dementia, it boosts energy levels, helps to manage weight, reduces the risk of heart disease, increases stamina and most importantly it is fun to do.

How do I access the Scheme?

If you feel that you would benefit from the scheme, are 16 and over and are suitable to join then you need to speak to your GP/Practice Nurse/Health professional about being referred. Your GP or practice nurse will complete a referral form and give you our contact details.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of being more active are:

  • Weight management  
  • Reduce Blood Pressure
  • Reduce the risk of Heart Disease and Strokes
  • Reduce the risk of some Cancers
  • Reduce Stress and Anxiety
  • Improve Mental and Social Wellbeing
  • Increase energy
  • Improve strength, mobility, coordination  and balance
  • Improved health and wellbeing

Who is it for?

Exercise Referral is suitable for anyone who is currently inactive and has any of the following health conditions:

  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • High Cholesterol
  • Asthma
  • Heart Condition/Angina
  • Mild Depression/Anxiety Attacks
  • Mental Health
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes (Types 1 and 2)
  • Cancer
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Referral from Cardiac Rehab
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Obesity (BMI >35)
  • COPD
  • Controlled Epilepsy
  • Social Prescribing

How much is it?

You can Pay as you go for 12 weeks, or we have a fantastic exclusive offer to join as a member on our Classic or Ultimate Membership. The Ultimate Membership gives you unlimited use of the Gym, Classes, Pool and Sauna and Steam Room facilities on a 12 month basis with 50% off your first 3 months. All activities such as exercise classes, swimming and gym sessions are heavily discounted and are not free.

Your responsibility on the scheme

  • Contact us to book in for your first visit
  • Update your Exercise Professional of your changes in your health status or medications.
  • Adhere to the activity programme advised by your Exercise Professional.
  • Attend a minimum of two activity sessions per week and complete the 12 week programme.

Where do the activities take place?

  • Oldham Leisure Centre
  • Chadderton Wellbeing Centre
  • Failsworth Sports Centre
  • Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre
  • Royton Leisure Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Exercise Referral Scheme?

The exercise referral scheme is aimed at people over 16 years of age, who are not used to being regularly physically active and have a medical condition. The scheme is designed to provide opportunities to exercise that are fun, rewarding and that can be incorporated into everyday life.

The scheme targets clients who are diagnosed with chronic disease providing an opportunity for referrals to access a high quality supervised exercise programme to improve health and wellbeing.

What does the scheme consist of?

There are a wide range of activities both gym based and class based to choose from for patients that have been through rehabilitation programmes. You will be able to access a wide range of activities.

Activities include:

  • Gym Sessions                  
  • Swimming
  • Yoga
  • Walking
  • COPD Classes
  • Gentle Exercise Classes
  • Walking Football
  • Cancer Related Classes
  • Zumba
  • Aerobics
  • Pilates
  • Tai Chi
  • Cardiac Classes
  • AquaFit
  • Line Dancing
  • Learn to Swim classes

What are the benefits?

The benefits of being more active are:

  • Weight management
  • Reduce Blood Pressure
  • Reduce the risk of Heart Disease and Strokes
  • Reduce the risk of some Cancers
  • Reduce Stress and Anxiety
  • Improve Mental and Social Wellbeing
  • Increase energy
  • Improve strength, mobility, coordination and balance; and
  • Improved health and wellbeing.

How do I access the scheme?

If you feel that you benefit from the scheme, are 16 and over and are suitable to join then you need to speak to your GP/Practice Nurse/Health professional about being referred. You GP or practice nurse will complete a referral form and provide you with a copy.

Who is it for?

The Exercise Referral Scheme is suitable for anyone who is currently inactive and has any of the following health conditions:

  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • High Cholesterol
  • Asthma
  • Heart Condition/Angina
  • Mild Depression/Anxiety Attacks
  • Mental Health
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes (Types 1 and 2)
  • Cancer
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Referral from Cardiac Rehab
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Obesity (BMI >35)
  • COPD
  • Controlled Epilepsy
  • Social Prescribing

How much does the scheme cost?

The initial consultation is free and then you can either pay as you go for 12 weeks, or we have a fantastic exclusive offer to join as a member on a Classic or Ultimate Membership. The Ultimate gives you unlimited use of the Gym, Classes, Pool and Sauna and Steam Room facilities on a 12 month basis with 50% off your first 3 months. All activities such as exercise classes, swimming and gym sessions are heavily discounted and are not free.

Where do the activities take place?

Your responsibility on the scheme

  • Update your Exercise Professional of your changes in your health status or medications
  • Adhere to the activity programme advised by your Exercise Professional.
  • Attend a minimum of two activity sessions per week and complete the 12 week programme.
  • Individuals are unable to be re-referred to the Exercise Referral Scheme for 2 years to allow others the opportunity to participate.

The Exercise Referral Team is here to help you achieve your goals within physical activity and are able to offer advice and assistance.

For further information please call 0161 207 7000 or email referral@ocll.co.uk

For specialist classes including COPD/CHD referrals call 0161 207 7000 or email reach@ocll.co.uk

 

Info for Health Professionals

About Oldham’s Exercise Referral Scheme

 Oldham’s Exercise Referral Scheme Leaflet

 

Documents and Referral Forms

To request further information and documents about the Oldham Active Exercise Referral Scheme, please fill out the form below and one of our team will be in touch.







    Please fill in the details below:

    Get in Touch

    Please contact us using the form below and send us a message.
    Alternatively you can telephone our Contact Team on 0161 207 7000. We look forward to hearing from you.

    **Please note this form is for general enquiries only and should not be used for membership cancellations or freezes, please email info@ocll.co.uk**

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