GP/Exercise Referral

An exercise referral is a specific and formalised programme whereby a medical professional refers a patient to a fitness programme.  It is not the same as a 'recommendation' to exercise.  Typically these ensure a 12 week supervised programme of physical activity tailored to suit the needs of the referrer and the referred client, with a view to improving their state of health.

This specialist qualification was developed to ensure the safe and effective programming for clients with a range of medical conditions.
I accept self-referred clients as well as patient referrals directly from GPs.

My role as an exercise referral instructor includes designing, monitoring, adapting and implementing exercise programmes for individual clients with a range of medical conditions.
In particular, I perform the following to provide as enjoyable and successful a referral programme as possible:

  • Assess, monitor and manage the risks to you arising from exercise participation throughout the referral period.
  • Analyse information relating to you as an individual with regard to safe and effective programme design.
  • Identify, agree and review short, medium and long term goals with you to ensure the effectiveness of your exercise programme.
  • Promote a range of physical activity opportunities in accordance with your needs and health status.
  • Tailor progressive exercise appropriate to the medical condition using results from the physical/exercise assessments, medical information, national guidelines and your personal goals and objectives.
  • Develop and apply strategies to motivate you to adhere to an exercise programme during the referral period.
  • Keep up-to-date with health and fitness industry developments and exercise guidelines for medical conditions.
  • Make appropriate exercise-related decisions relating to you and, where required, refer you to a more appropriate professional.


Scope of expertise

As an exercise referral instructor, I am able to support clients with the following medical conditions:

Respiratory Conditions
  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Musculoskeletal Conditions
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint replacement
  • Simple mechanical back pain
  • Osteoporosis

Cardiovascular Conditions
  • Hypertension
  • Hypercholesterolaemia

Psychological/Mental Health Conditions
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Anxiety

Metabolic/Immunological Conditions
  • Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2
  • Obesity