What is Exercise Referral?
As some of you may be aware, I have recently completed my latest qualification and become a certified Exercise Referral Instructor - but what exactly does that mean?
Technically speaking, Exercise Referral is the use of a specific and formalised programme, using physical activity to help individuals in managing or even resolving a range of health conditions. In practice, this qualification gives me an increased knowledge of common conditions, meaning that I am able to safely prescribe an exercise programme that will help you feel better day to day.
So who exactly can benefit from this?
Of course, exercise is fantastic for all of us and everyone should be getting active as much as possible, but there are a range of conditions that can make things more complicated, which is where some extra know-how comes in handy!
The conditions we typically look at are:
- Asthma
- Arthiritis (RA and OA)
- Anxiety and stress
- Atherosclerosis (Narrowing of the Arteries)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Depression
- Diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2)
- Hypercholesterolemia (High Cholesterol)
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Joint Replacement Surgery
- Mechanical Back Pain
- Obesity
If you suffer from any of the above conditions, a personalised exercise programme is something that can be of a great benefit to you, even though sometimes it may seem counter-intuitive. If you do want to start getting more active or if you are unsure whether now is the right time for you medically, drop me an email or speak to your GP. If you do have a chronic health condition, I would always reccomend getting in touch with your doctor before starting a new exercise programme just to be sure!
Over the next few weeks I will be using this space to delve into some of the most common conditions listed above, and how you can use exercise to your advantage as well as what to avoid. In the coming months I will also be continuing to expand my arsenal and hope to become a Level 4 Lower Back Pain Specialist, so watch this space for further updates...
If you do want any more information or advice on what exercise can do for you then please do get in touch or pop in and see us, consultations are free, no obligation and we'll even chuck in a cup of tea!