Living an active life can give you

• more energy
• more stamina
• a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke
• reduced risk of cancer of the bowel
• greater self confidence
• relief from stress and depression
• a better shape and appearance
• stronger muscles
• a lower risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
• lower blood pressure
• a higher level of the "good cholesterol" (HDL cholesterol)

In fact regular moderate exercise such as a brisk walk for 30 minutes on five days a week can halve your chance of developing coronary heart disease.

Moderate aerobic exercise such as 

• a brisk walk
• cycling
• swimming
• dancing
• low-impact aerobics
• digging the garden

If you haven't been active for a long time it is best to build up gradually, see below. A sudden increase in exercise, especially if it is vigorous, can be risky in middle age, with a danger of provoking a heart attack.

If you have had a heart attack the coronary rehabilitation nurse will advise you on safe levels of activity.

If you have angina it is important to keep active but stop if the pain starts or if you get breathless.

If you have the following problems check with us first

• heart trouble
• high blood pressure
• unexplained pains in the chest
• dizziness or fainting
• a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by exercise

These conditions won't necessarily stop you from getting more active, in fact sensible levels of activity can help a lot of medical problems.

• Build up gradually
• Stop exercising if you get any pain, dizziness, or feel sick or unwell or very tired. If the symptoms come back later or if they don't go away, contact us.
• Each time you exercise, begin slowly for the first few minutes and build up gradually. When you have finished, slow down gradually for a few minutes.
• Avoid exercising for a couple of hours after a big meal.
• In cold weather dress warmly.

Try and build your exercise into your daily routine. For example get off the bus a stop or two earlier or walk to the shops instead of using the car. Maybe you can go for a swim or a walk at lunchtime. 

Don't be put off by feeling tired when you get home from work. You will probably find that once you start you will feel  a lot better and your energy level will return. In fact some kind of exercise after work will help you to relax.

The Live Life programme is an exercise referral scheme based at Riverside Ice and Leisure in Chelmsford in partnership with the NHS.

If we feel that you would benefit medically from exercise (and nearly everybody would) we can refer you to this programme for an assessment. 

You can then attend Riverside at a reduced cost for the first 10 weeks.

Sessions can be varied according to your wishes and are not always gym based, for example you can go swimming, walking or join beginners aerobics.

Please ask one of us for more information. 

We have an information folder at the surgery and you can visit our page on Exercise and Sports on this site

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