Free fitness classes give positive results

FREE fitness sessions being handed out in Dumfries and Galloway are helping to improve the health and wellbeing of residents – and to potentially extend their lifespan.

It was revealed last summer that 124 people die due to a lack of exercise in this region every year.

Research by Public Health Scotland has pointed to physical inactivity directly being linked to a surprising number of deaths in the region.

The study also showed that over a third of adults (36 per cent) and half of school aged pupils do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in Dumfries and Galloway.

Councillors have since requested various leisure statistics, including the number of gym memberships being taken out, and how many adult participants are being referred to council physical activity sessions via the NHS.

A report states: “The Active Lives Pathway is the way in which adult participants are referred to council physical activity sessions through social prescribing by NHS partners.

“It is a health and social care initiative dedicated to supporting individuals in Dumfries and Galloway to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity.

“It has been developed jointly between Dumfries and Galloway Council and NHS Dumfries and Galloway and offers a unified referral pathway for inactive adults, with health professionals referring or signposting them to community programmes that are based on their motivation and confidence levels.

“The programme launched in November 2023, targets those most in need, including older adults, people with health conditions, and those from deprived communities, ensuring equitable access to physical activity programmes.”

By the end of 2025/26, it is expected that the target of 400 NHS-prescribed physical activity sessions will be completed in Dumfries and Galloway.

This includes 16-week free gym-based health behavioural change provision, and eight-week community based group fitness classes which are also free.

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