AN Exercise Referral Scheme has been made available to Ceredigion residents.

The Wales National Exercise Referral Scheme is designed to aid individuals to take up the benefits of participating in high-quality supervised enjoyable exercise programme to improve health and well-being, having been identified by their Medical Practitioner.

Aimed at those over 16 years of age, who are not used to being regularly physically active and have a medical condition, the scheme offers a wide-range of exercises and well-being sessions to choose from, including supervised gym training, circuits, falls prevention, cardiac rehabilitation and prevention, aerobics, tai chi – meditation style mindfulness, gentle pilates for back care, spin bikes, aqua aerobics and balance and stability sessions.

Cllr Catrin Miles, Cabinet member with responsibility for leisure, highlighted the benefits of the scheme, said: “There are many physical, psychological and social benefits to being part of the scheme, including confidence-building, better self-esteem, meeting new people and being generally fitter and healthier.

“Ceredigion Actif’s highly-qualified Health Intervention Team will provide opportunities to exercise that are fun, rewarding and that can be incorporated into everyday life.”

At the moment, the scheme is delivered at Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberaeron Leisure Centre, Lampeter Leisure Centre, Tregaron Leisure Centre, Llandysul Leisure Centre, Teifi Leisure Centre and also many community halls around the county.

To access the scheme, residents need to visit their local doctor’s surgery to check their eligibility first. Once eligibility has been confirmed, a member of the Ceredigion County Council Health Intervention Team will provide an initial consultation and a programme will then be devised to suit the personal needs of the participant.

The scheme costs £2 per session.

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