Exercise can help with health conditions, and improve mental health and wellbeing. So we’ve created a space where you can find the right exercises and balance, and start to create a healthier, happier you.

Fitness environments don’t have to be all about pressure. Exercise should always be enjoyable, and suited to you and your abilities. The Live Well Centre’s specialist physical activity team supports people to exercise at their own pace.

About the specialist physical activity team

The specialist physical activity team (SPA team) offers a free 12-week physical activity programme. It’s designed to prevent ill-health and support long-term condition management through physical activity.

The programme is only for people with a health condition which could benefit from increased physical activity. You need a referral from your GP or another medical professional.

You’ll get tailored one-to-one support, and access to a range of different exercise sessions.

After 12 weeks, you can maintain your progress with a reduced gym cost of £2 per session, helping to support long-term lifestyle changes.

What the specialist physical activity team does

The SPA team is made up of 10 dedicated staff members. They’ll be on hand to support you with planning your journey, and identifying barriers and ways to overcome them. They’ll provide you with the tools you need to make long-term behavioural changes, which will improve your physical and mental wellbeing.

After we receive your referral, we’ll contact you to start your journey. We’ll be on hand to support you throughout your 12-week placement. You’ll have a named practitioner who will be there from day 1, and you’ll also get access to a range of activities from our extensive programme.

Our programme of activities

Aquarobics is a fun, low impact, water-based exercise session. The water supports you, which reduces the amount of pressure on your joints.

Aquarobics is done standing up in the water, so it’s also suitable for people who cannot swim. A hoist is available if you need help getting into the pool.

Benefits:

Aquarobics relieves the pressure on your joints from both arthritis and normal wear and tear. It can lead to reduced joint swelling, decreased pain and discomfort, and an increased range of movement around your joints.

Location:

Neptune Leisure Centre

This is a general gym-based session aimed at helping people to manage their health conditions. We’ll give participants a personalised gym programme.

Benefits:

We offer personalised support and advice. The exercises can be tailored to your needs, providing a targeted approach for conditions including long COVID, respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, and cardiac conditions.

Venue:

The Live Well Centre and Neptune Leisure Centre

Functional fitness involves chair-based exercises which are low-impact and gentle on your joints. It’s aimed at people who may struggle with weight-bearing activities.

Benefits:

Chair-based exercise has many of the same benefits as other types of physical activity, like cardiovascular routines and muscle strengthening activities.

Venue:

St. Barnabas Church Hall, Linthorpe

Neuro bootcamp is a gentle circuit session for people with Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. We can adapt the exercises to suit your needs.

You’re welcome to bring along a family member or friend to support you.

Benefits:

Neuro bootcamp is designed to slow down the progression of your condition, improve your quality of life and your ability to perform everyday activities, and improve independence. The exercises can help to improve your mobility, balance, posture, gait, and stiffness, and help prevent falls.

Venue:

Neptune Leisure Centre and Middlesbrough Sports Village

Pilates is a mat-based class which focuses on the core muscles of the back and abdominal area. It’s a combination of slow controlled movements, including stretching, toning, and strengthening the core muscles and pelvic floor.

Benefits:

Pilates can lead to improved core strength, balance, muscle tone, flexibility, and posture. It can also promote more body awareness, improve your mental health, and encourage relaxation.

Venue:

The Live Well Centre

Stroke improvement is a functional exercise session to help improve the debilitating effects of a stroke.

Benefits:

The exercises aim to improve your:

  • mobility
  • strength
  • balance
  • function
  • self-confidence

It also improves independence and reduces social isolation.

Venue:

The Live Well Centre

Tai chi for rehabilitation involves gentle physical exercise, slow repetitive movements, and stretching. It’s suitable for people of all abilities, and is non-competitive and self-paced.

Benefits:

Tai chi can help improve:

  • strength
  • flexibility
  • mental health
  • physical wellbeing
  • balance
  • coordination

It can also reduce the risk of falls.

Venue:

Easterside Hub

This session gives people suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions to the chance to access the gym. It can help you build your self-esteem and confidence, and is a good way to meet people in a fun and safe environment.

Benefits:

We’ll give you personalised support and advice and tailored exercise programmes. You’ll also get to meet new people and improve your confidence.

Venue:

The Live Well Centre

Contact

To find out more about the specialist physical activity team, email specialistphysicalactivity@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call 01642 727590.