Has anyone experience of a inclusive exercise group using the NHS lung and heart rehab programmes as their base, which are open to anyone?

[Oxygeniser]

I did NHS cardiac rehab in 2017 and am about to complete a NHS lung boot camp. There is as good as no difference between them. I know others who would benefit, so have decided to create a open exercise group easily accessible by public transport and which would be self-running, with periodic mentoring by a professional physio who has run NHS rehab classes. Are there any similar type groups elsewhere in England? Look forward to learning about such groups if they exist.

[knitter]

Hi, I used to go to a cardiac rehab class, even though I had a lung condition not a heart one......there was no lung rehab at the time.

It was not NHS, but run by a local committee and employed a trained advisor and tutor. We paid for the training and hire of the room and equipment through subscription and fund raising. But I don't know if it still exists.

There was later a similar class with members drawn from the Breathe Easy group , but not affiliated to the BLF. That closed down.

Have you contacted your health professionals for advice on insurance etc.

Or the BLF helpline on 03000 030 555

Best of luck, the classes I used to go, before family issues got in the way, were beneficial socially as well as physically. We had refreshments and a chat after the class, meals out etc.

[Oxygeniser in reply to knitter]

Thanks Knitter. Based on my boot camp I have already bought a pair of 1kg hand weights and a plastic football for all of £6 from my local Tesco’s and have only a little portable peddling machine to buy. Like you I have found having a group to attend helpful.

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to knitter]

Hi knitter, I know you come from the same area as myself, I used to go to a group at the library leisure center and really enjoyed it, I don't think it's running now. Have a wonderful day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx

[knitter in reply to Damon1864]

My cardiac exercise group was at the Arena and Breathe Easy at the Aurora , old library. I stopped both when my late parents needed care.

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to knitter]

I don't think any of them are still going which is such a shame. Have a good day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx

[powderpuff]

Hi 👋

The BLF website lists a limited number of exercise groups across the UK. Luckily one is 2 miles from my home & runs for 1.5 hours once a week.

These groups seem to run as maintenance classes following on from PR although there’s a few non BLF members & some who haven’t done PR but are still accepted according to ability.

Exercises consist of aerobic, resistance & endurance & are bespoke with warm ups & cool downs - equipment is extensive & supplied by the instructor who charges £5 per week.

I will say it’s not easy! 1 hour of continuous exercise (according to ability) can be knackering - you’re meant to be breathless & sweaty but you soon learn to breathe differently, more efficiently.

[Oxygeniser in reply to powderpuff]

Thanks for this.

[wheezyof]

I go to a British Lung Foundation Support Group, Breathe Easy.

We have a fitness trainer who comes to every alternate meeting. She has provided us all with resistance bands. She does a 15 minute session with us. A loosening warm up, a few simple exercises and a wind down/stretch.

She also runs a twice weekly hour long class for those who want it. Of course the attendees don't manage the whole hour without several breathers. The exercises are all gentle to moderate, many done sitting down. We each do what we can and no-one judges anyone who does less than others.

It's all friendly and good fun.

I suggest contacting BLF for a Breathe Easy group near you as they may have their own class too.

[Oxygeniser in reply to wheezyof]

Thanks for this.

[Oxygeniser]

This is Oxygeniser. Thanks for the feedback everyone. I have contacted BLF direct. Glad to hear of Wheezyof’s and Powderpuff’s experiences. Sounds like what I have in mind.

[ssafa]

I did a rehab course at our local hospital when I finished I found that out local sports centre did a similar course 2times a week. The local authority also signed up to funding 12 week courses with the aim of getting people moving which encourages people to exercise and feel better. This has been extended to a few local community centres with some success as people can access local support . there is also a link to healthy hearts and some people do both. There is also a growing group who help to support others and friendships are made. Best thing since sliced bread.

[soulboy118]

Try your local council , they usually have excercise classes

[Oxygeniser]

From Oxygeniser.

Thank you ssafa and soulboy118. There are 3 exercise groups within 15 minutes of where I live on the edge of Nottingham but accessibility by public transport is the problem with them all - you need a car or a bike to get to them. Ideally, I want to share the exercise programme from the NHS lung boot camp I have just finished with others who feel in need of a exercise programme they can easily (and cheaply) do at home. My aim is early-2020 and I have a venue with tram and bus stops outside in my town centre which has now offered to help. Thanks for your comments. They are really appreciated.

[mogs302]

Where are you located?

[mogs302]

Sorry. Realized I shouldn't have asked where you were.