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.
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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.
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.
Your free consultation will initially be part of a small group induction which will take about 45 minutes. By attending
this session you will receive a Free Active Card that will
provide you with discounts on a wide range of OCL products.
At the induction we will provide:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The benefits of being more active are:
Exercise Referral is suitable for anyone who is currently inactive and has any of the following health conditions:
You can Pay as you go for 12 weeks, or we have a fantastic exclusive offer to join as a member which gives you unlimited use of the Gym, Classes, Pool and Sauna and Steam Room facilities, (with 1 month minimum term). All activities such as exercise classes, swimming and gym sessions are heavily discounted and are not free.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 at risk of developing chronic disease providing an opportunity for referrals to access a high quality supervised exercise programme to improve health and wellbeing.
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:
The benefits of being more active are:
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.
The Exercise Referral Scheme is suitable for anyone who is currently inactive and has any of the following health conditions:
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 which gives you unlimited use of the Gym, Classes, Pool and Sauna and Steam Room facilities, (with 1 month minimum term). All activities such as exercise classes, swimming and gym sessions are heavily discounted and are not free.
“I was diagnosed last year with pulmonary fibrosis and subsequently attended the pulmonary rehabilitation six week course. From there I moved over to the Reach scheme for people with respiratory problems. The course lasts for sixteen weeks and involves exercise sessions two mornings per week. I feel that I have benefited from this as it has motivated me to join the gym with the intention of attending different exercise classes once my sixteen weeks comes to an end. I feel I have now got more stamina and can walk further without getting out of breath as much as I used to do as a result of these sessions. Jason who oversees the sessions is likeable and makes it more fun. I hope these sessions continue to enable other people to benefit in the same way and I am glad I had the opportunity to attend.”
“To whom it may concern, I’m near 73 years old and have been diagnosed with Chronic Non-reversible Asthma, Chronic back pain and lower leg Oedema, in each of the cases movement is painful and a compromise .. At a consultation at the chest clinic I was advised a course of Pulmonary Rehab. would be beneficial. I attended the course and found it to be useful. During the weeks of the course a visit was made by Jason Bailey from Oldham Community Leisure about the availability of joining a 16 week exercise course to assist with the further treatment of pulmonary diseases, the offer was taken up.
When you have the problems I have you really don’t want to do anything that affects your breathing and tend to go into a bit of a shell. The joining of the group has made me get out and about meeting and talking to people. The class is easy going run by Jason Bailey who puts plenty of effort into keeping the class funny and interesting.
Whilst on the first course a visit to the Dr’s for blood tests showed a high blood sugar count into Diabetic level, after 2 months or so a second test has shown a blood level drop into a pre diabetic level, no treatment needed, during this time I have made no other changes to my life style, I can only assume the blood count changes are due to the exercise program. When the program finishes I will very probably carry on at the gym and get back into swimming ”
“I’m a 72 year old female pensioner, and up to ten years ago I did aerobics regularly.
I retired at 63 and decided to save some money and start walking as opposed to paying for exercise. The problem with that is walking alone with no encouragement from other people, plus if the weather was bad you put it off. It just wasn’t working for me.
After a number of years I decided to go to the doctor after feeling very unfit. He referred me to the wellbeing centre. I’d never fancied the gym although my son had been going for years. I went for an induction and my life took a turn for the better.
I was advised to do the classes in the conditioning suite. It’s an easy circuit class.
I went, quite nervous on my first class, and I was hooked. The class is controlled by a trainer. The people are all my in my age group which is 70-80 and the banter is great. You can do as much or as little as you are able, but are encouraged by enthusiastic trainers.
Under their supervision they make sure you’re ok and take drinks regularly, and only do what you are capable of.
I’ve just done my first year and have renewed my membership for my second year.
I’m feeling much fitter for my efforts.
My membership is great value and I go three times a week to the classes. Plus you can join numerous other classes, plus swimming pool and sauna. All these as many times a week as you want, all included in your membership fee. All of which you can book on line.
The place is very organised and the staff are all very friendly and helpful.
There are approximately 18 in the class with most of the same cardio machine in the larger gym.
I’ve made some great friends, we go to the cafe for a coffee after our class and we go out for meals at least once a month.
I am also an avid reader and always bought my own books. Since going to the gym I’ve now joined the library, which I can order the books I want on line and get a text when they come in, and collect them when i go to the gym.
Joining the wellbeing centre is the best thing I’ve done in a long time.”
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
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 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.
Oldham Community Leisure is a proud
member organisation of GM Active
