Fresh Start

The Active Lifestyles Fresh Start scheme is for people who have a medical condition, and have been advised by their Doctor to become more physically active.

The programme consists of 30 structured exercise sessions with our specially trained Exercise Advisers and, is aimed at people who are inactive and have medical conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Asthma/Respiratory problems
• Back pain 
• Depression/Anxiety and Stress 
• Diabetes 
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
• Multiple Sclerosis 
• Obesity or Overweight 
• Osteoporosis 
• Peripheral Vascular Disease 
• Raised Cholesterol

There is a choice of open or closed sessions. In open sessions the facilities are also available to the general public, whilst in closed sessions only referral patients are present.

Click here to download a Fresh Start leaflet

For details of where and when sessions take place, click here for the FreshStart programme. 
 

Where do I start?

To access the scheme you will need to request a referral to Fresh Start the next time you visit your Doctor.

After your Doctor has referred you to the Fresh Start scheme you need to telephone Active Lifestyles on the following number: 020 8290 4000 (an answering service operates when the telephones are not manned).

Please have your referral form with you when you phone.

An appointment at one of the centres will be arranged for you.You will then meet a fully trained Exercise Adviser who will give you advice about appropriate exercise and more information about Fresh Start sessions, their content and what clothing to wear.
 

Why me?

Your Doctor recommends that increasing your level of activity will help improve your health, well being and ability to do day-to-day activities.

The Exercise Advisers on the Fresh Start scheme will advise you of the most appropriate exercise to do based on your medical condition.

How much will it cost?

Your initial visit is free and after that you are entitled to a reduced rate on certain activities for 30 sessions. These sessions must be taken within a nine month period.

Isn’t exercise just for fit people?

Fresh Start aims to encourage people of all abilities who are 16 and over to become involved in exercise.

Fresh Start sessions are specially designed for people who have been referred by their Doctor so you can be sure of exercising predominantly with people in a similar situation to yourself.

The Exercise Adviser will design an activity programme specifically for you.

Participant feedback:

‘I had my first session in the gym with the Exercise Adviser. I was made to feel comfortable about using the equipment as I had never been into a gym before. The Exercise Advisor gave me confidence and surprising to me, I now look forward to my sessions.'

'From the initial contact the Active Lifestyle staff were very helpful and patient in answering all my queries. The induction was informative and I felt reassured that the instructor knew exactly what I needed and what would be within my capabilities. I am confident I will at last get fit and flexible.'

‘I have been telling myself to exercise for years and done nothing about it. This scheme has given me the impetus required and I hope to continue when finished.’

‘This gives me an un-pressurised environment and the incentive to keep fit – it’s doing its job – I’ve halved my medication and feel much fitter.’