Are you looking to increase your physical activity levels but unsure where to start?
There are lots of people just like you who are now leading more active lives and feeling the benefits. This is thanks to the physical activity initiatives and classes we offer across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
With a range of classes and activities taking place in your local community, there has never been a better time to become active. Simply call 0141 232 1860 or browse this website and we’ll help you chose the best option for you. Alternatively, you can speak to your health professional to explore which option might best meet your needs.
What counts as physical activity?
Physical activity is simply any kind of activity or movement that we do in our day-to-day lives. It includes a whole range of activities from structured sport and exercise programmes, to dance, housework, gardening and things like walking around the shops. You don’t need to run a marathon or be a sports star to get the benefits of an active lifestyle; any activity which makes you breathe a bit faster, feel a bit warmer and raises your heart rate can help you to lead a healthier and happier life.
Why should I be active?
Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Even if you’ve not thought of getting active before, there are lots of reasons why you should get actve now:
- It can be fun!
- It helps you manage stress and gives you the feel good factor
- It can help you maintain your independence, keep your mind active and improve your social life
- It prevents and manages a range of medical conditions and diseases
- It can help you live a longer & healthier life
- It improves your quality of sleep
- It can help you maintain a healthy weight
- You can learn new skills
- It can give you more energy
Most people are more likely to stay active, if they choose activities they enjoy and that fits easily into their lifestyle. We have a range of options for you to choose from which can support you in becoming more active.
This popular video “23 and 1/2 hours” by Dr Mike Evans, with over 5 million views on YouTube, talks about the many benefits of being more active in an engaging and informative way:
Your aim is to:
- Build up to being active for 150 minutes spread across the week (for example 30minutes on 5 days of the week) but remember something is better than nothing. Try to be active daily, start small and build up gradually – just 10 minutes at a time provides benefits.
- Try to move more often and break up the time that you spend sitting down when you can.
- Take part in activities which make your muscles, joints and bones strong twice per week. This could be anything which uses your body weight, added weights or resistance, e.g. yoga, carrying groceries, gardening or exercising with weights
Success Stories
Some inspirational stories from people who have participated in our physical activity and weight management programmes.
Physical Activity
Weight Management
What are my options?
Live Active – if you need one-to-one support to become more active
If you’re not currently being active, unsure where to begin and would like support getting started, then Live Active is for you!
Please take a look at the following clip which shows you what Live Active is all about. You can also read testimonials from other Live Active service users.
What some of our some of our service users have said about Live Active
Janet Fitzpatrick, age 55 – Clydebank
“I started Live Active in October 2018 and my life has changed for the better. I would never have tried a gym or classes if it wasn’t for the help and support I got. It started with Diane’s supervised gym sessions and I attended her Vitality classes, now I have build my confidence to try things like hips, bums and tums and Aqua Aerobics. My main focus was to improve on my diabetes and lose weight. I have managed to control my diabetes better and dropped 2 dress sizes and feeling much healthier and mentally better too. Not to mention doing simple daily tasks like taking the stairs is much easier for me.
I would recommend Live Active for people looking for that extra support to get started.”
Hugh McMullen, age 71 – Bishopbriggs
“My Live Active Referral helped me to increase my confidence after my knee replacement. The supervised gym sessions provided great company, a friendly atmosphere, and complimented my physiotherapy exercises perfectly.”
Betty, 56 – Kelvin Hall
“I had put on 5 stone since the death of my daughter and ended up with low mood and anxiety. I felt I had to do something about it so my doctor referred me. There have been great benefits… a few examples are I am healthier and more mobile. I feel part of a group when in the classes – this has been a big benefit in my confidence growing I am not as anxious anymore. I have also lost nearly 6 stone. Fitness is now a way of life for me and I can’t imagine not doing it now. I can’t believe I came from coach potato to going to the gym 3-4 times a week – my only regret is that I didn’t start sooner!”
Vanessa Collingridge
Through the support of our highly trained and qualified Live Active Advisors, we’ll help you build the confidence you need to make positive lifestyle changes. We’ll work with you to develop a support package, provide you with one-to-one catch-ups, supported activity sessions and encourage you to set goals, which will leave you feeling great and ensure you’re getting the most out of life.
Please Note – A referral from your health professional is required for you to attend Live Active. This is necessary as it gives the Live Active Advisors all the information that they need to best support you. The referral form will be sent to a Live Active Advisor at the Leisure Centre you wish to attend. Live Active operates within the main Leisure Centres across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Live Active Support
Once your referral is made you will be assigned a dedicated Live Active Advisor who is there every step of the way to help and support you to become more active. The Live Active Advisor will receive your referral from the health professional, and they will give you a call to book in your first appointment. The first appointment will last about an hour and is a great opportunity to meet your Live Active Advisor and have a chat about what you would like to do. You will work together to agree an achievable goal and a plan to help you succeed. Your Advisor will also show you around the centre, so you know where everything is and make sure you have everything you need to get started.
Whether it’s increasing physical activity, healthy eating/weight loss or simply living a more positive lifestyle, our Live Active advisors are with you every step of the way. During the Live Active programme, you’ll be given access to various activities such as Vitality classes, supervised gym sessions, swimming, health walks and many more (fees apply for some supported activities).
The Live Active team will be in touch regularly for up to 12months (either by face-to-face catch ups or over the phone) to see how you are getting on. The advisors also provide supervised activity sessions* in the gym during the week so that you know they are there on hand if you need them with your gym programme.
If your health professional has already referred you and you haven’t heard anything within 2 weeks then please call 0141 232 1860 and select Live Active to book in for your first appointment.
Cost
The one-to-one support from the Live Active Advisor is free. You will have to pay for the additional activities you choose to take part in. Costs vary and your advisor can give you more details about these.
What’s next
If you would like to take part in Live Active, then please speak to your health professional who will complete a referral form on your behalf and make the arrangements to book you in for you free consultation.
Or if you have already been referred but still waiting to hear from the Live Active team please call 0141 232 1860 and select the Live Active option to speak to an Advisor who will be able to book you in for your first appointment.
Data collection and privacy
The data collected is done so in line with our privacy notice for patients. Please read our data protection and privacy information in full before signing a referral form. The privacy notice sets out the legal basis for processing this data, how long we will keep your data for, how we protect your personal information, and your rights in relation to the personal data that we hold on you.
For more information about Live Active within your local area please visit your Local Authority website:
East Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust
West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust
Vitality Exercise Classes – Ideal for those with medical conditions
Vitality exercise classes are specially designed for people living with a range of medical conditions, such as; Parkinson’s disease, MS, Stroke, Cardiac Conditions, Osteoporosis, Cognitive impairments and COPD. Vitality is also ideal for those of you who have a fear of falling or find your strength and balance is starting to impact on your daily lives.
Our supportive instructors will improve your confidence to join in, get active and lead a fuller, more independent life.
Please take a look at the following clip which shows you what Vitality exercise classes are all about.
We will help you choose a Vitality class that best suits your needs, making sure you are safe, comfortable and above all else having fun. Before you know it, you’ll be joining in, having a laugh and really feeling the difference.
There are over one hundred classes per week in various Leisure Centres and Community Centres throughout Greater Glasgow and Clyde and classes last for approximately 60 minutes.
Cost
Costs varies depending on Local Authority – when you call 0141 232 1860 they will be able to inform you of the exact costs.
Where and when?
If you would like to find a Vitality Class near you all you need to do is call 0141 232 1860 and select the Vitality option or click the button below to find your nearest class:
What’s next?
If you would like to come along to a Vitality Class all you need to do is call 0141 232 1860 and select the Vitality option. Here they will be able to advise you to which class is best, inform you of the days and times of when they are on and book you in (if need be) for your first session.
All we ask is that you attend your first class 10-15 minutes before it starts so you can meet the instructor and discuss your specific needs.
For more information about Vitality within your local area please visit our Local Authority website:
East Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust
West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust
Health Walks
Everyone can take part in our walks. They’re easy, you don’t need fancy equipment and they won’t cost you a penny.
Health walks are a great way of meeting people whilst getting out and taking in the sights of your local parks and gardens. They’re fun and a great first step to becoming more active. Our trained Walk leaders are on hand to make sure you go at a pace you are comfortable with.
Walks usually last up to 1 hour and with over 75 walks taking place each week there’s bound to be one to suit you.
Take the first steps to becoming more active!
Please take a look at the following clip which shows you what our health walks are all about
What’s next
There’s no need to book a place, simply call 0141 232 1860 and select the Walking option to find out more about your nearest walk.
OR
You can also visit your Local Authority or partner organisation website to find out more about health walks in your area:
Glasgow Life – Good Move Walking
East Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust
General Physical Activity Opportunities
In addition to our NHS activities mentioned above, our six Local Authority partners have a range of general physical activity opportunities available such as gym facilities, swimming and a range of exercise classes. There’s literally something for everyone.
Cost
Costs vary depending on activity and local authority area. For more information please just call 0141 232 1860 and select General Physical Activity Opportunities.
What’s next
If you would like to know what other activities are on in your local area either click on the relevant local authority area below which will take you to their website or call 0141 232 1860 and select General Physical Activity Opportunities to have a chat with someone.
You can also find out more about local physical activity opportunities by visiting your Local Authority website:
East Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust
West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust