Changing Lifestyles Programme (Exercise Referral)

Staying motivated to exercise can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can achieve your goals AND enjoy the process by signing up to Changing Lifestyles.

Changing Lifestyles is for Cardiac, Pulmonary and Cancer Patients and those who are clinically at risk of developing these conditions. People with long term health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, stroke, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, osteoporosis, long covid can be referred*

You can self-refer by clinking on the link Changing Lifestyles' self-referral form (external website) or see your GP, Nurse or other health care professional to be referred.

*please note referrals are subject to eligibility criteria

If you would like more details, please email changinglifestyles@westlancs.gov.uk

Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a change.

Changing Lifestyles is designed to increase physical activity levels in individuals who are sedentary or inactive, particularly those with health conditions or at risk of developing them. Referrals will receive a personalised assessment and given a tailored exercise programme using the gym at Nye Bevan and the opportunity to use the swimming pool. Referrals will participate in the Changing Lifestyles programme for 12 weeks at a cost of £20.00 and will receive ongoing support and follow-up appointments to progress and adjust programmes if needed.

There are many benefits of exercise for people with long term health conditions, which includes managing and controlling existing health conditions, reducing the risk of developing new health conditions and improving overall wellbeing resulting in a positive effect on you mentally. Regular physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and obesity. Changing Lifestyles can help you manage your weight, have a positive effect on you mentally, improve your muscle and joint functions and benefit your overall heart health too.

Motivation

Goals are very personal, and we often focus on the end product for example "I want to lose weight", instead change this and start to focus on the steps to reach the end goal, for example commit to how many times you can realistically get to the gym, plan the days and times you can attend and focus on what exercises you enjoy.

If you miss a session don’t beat yourself up, just plan to get there at your next available opportunity.

If you are struggling to get motivated to exercise this can stem from many things, unrealistic goals, boredom or lack of support. Days when your motivation is low focus on the benefits of exercise. It's all about building daily habits and creating consistency over time. You will never regret exercising; you will only ever regret NOT exercising.

You should be signed up on the Boditrax machine at Nye Bevan so make use of that to help monitor your progress, don’t always focus on your weight, other changes identified on the Boditrax are just as important.

Also remember to take notice of how you feel after exercising, how you feel after not exercising, monitor if your sleep has improved or take notice if your clothes fit a little more comfortable.

There are many benefits of exercise for people with long term health conditions, which include managing existing conditions, reducing the risk of developing new ones and improving overall wellbeing. Regular physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and obesity.

Changing Lifestyles Training Tips

• Do 12/15/20 reps and aim for 4 sets of each exercise
• Do 45 seconds rest between each set
• Last 3 reps of the 12/15/20 should be strenuous
• Remember to keep hydrated, drinking plenty of water
• Aim for 7/8 hours of sleep

REMINDER:

• If you're tired Nap
• If you're sad listen to uplifting music
• If you're stressed go for a walk
• If you're angry exercise
• If you're anxious meditate/breath work
• If you're uninspired cut screen time

Remember your exercise referral team are here to help YOU achieve YOUR goals within physical activity and are able to offer advice and assistance to YOU.

Useful NHS Websites:

• Check your blood pressure reading (External Link)
• Better Health, lose weight (External Link)
• Exercise health benefits (External Link)
• Calculate your body mass index (External Link)

For more information please email changinglifestyles@westlancs.gov.uk.