Ealing prescribes more exercise
The prospect of putting foot inside a gym for the first time is an intimidating one that Austin Lumley takes in his stride as one of three Exercise on Referral (EoR) trainers working in leisure centres across Ealing.
He coaxes, cajoles, and encourages people to take the first step towards a healthier life after being ‘prescribed’ exercise by their GP, physio, or social prescriber.
“It’s big deal for most people,” says Austin, ‘because they think others will judge how they look. The reality is you get all shapes and sizes, and most people are far too interested in looking at themselves anyway.”
Austin devises a 12-week programme to suit individuals making use of facilities that include a gym, swimming pool and more than sixty dance and movement sessions at the Everyone Active Centre in Action.
“The aim is for people to continue exercising after the programme ends so we try and make it as fun and social as possible. People really enjoy the group classes which are often full. The leisure centre has a real community vibe during the day and, no, you don’t have to wear Lycra.”
At present, EoR has more than five hundred people on its books who have been referred because of medical ailments that include everything from arthritis and high blood pressure to heart disease, musculo-skeletal injuries, and obesity.
Austin added: “I see people originally referred to me ten years ago who still work out. The important thing is to make a start, however modest, and build from there. We’re always happy to get people started.”
EoR has shown it has the stamina to stay the course, despite suffering a knockback during the Pandemic when leisure centres were closed.
A subsequent benefit was the decision to allow self-referrals for people who want help getting in shape. Everyone joining the scheme gets an orientation session, is shown how to use equipment and given a personalised training and exercise schedule by Austin and his colleagues.
For more details about how to join EoR, see here