(Exercise referral)
Exercise referral personal training in Milton Keynes
Been told by your GP, nurse or physio to be more active? I hold a Level 3 Exercise Referral qualification for people with existing health conditions, and I coach 1-to-1 in a private gym where you can start at your own pace.
(What it means)
What exercise referral is
Exercise referral is when a GP, nurse or other health professional suggests a structured exercise programme to help with a health condition. NICE describes it in four steps: an assessment by the health professional, a referral to a physical activity specialist, that specialist's own assessment, then a programme to follow.
A Level 3 Exercise Referral qualification trains a coach to work with people referred for conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, back pain, arthritis and osteoporosis, and to adapt every session so it stays safe.
(In Milton Keynes)
AMKERS or Prime PT
Milton Keynes City Council runs a GP referral scheme called AMKERS, the Active Milton Keynes Exercise Referral Scheme. Prime PT is separate from it: a private option for people who want 1-to-1 coaching in a quiet gym, or who want to keep going once their 12 weeks are up.
| Question | AMKERS | Prime PT |
|---|---|---|
| How you join | A referral from your GP or another health professional | Book a free consultation. No referral needed |
| Where | Bletchley Leisure Centre, Middleton Pool and Fitness Centre, or Wolverton Pool and Fitness Centre | A private gym in Loughton, Milton Keynes |
| How long | A 12 week course | As long as you like, on monthly, 3 month or 6 month plans |
| Sessions | Up to two one-hour sessions a week, 1-to-1 or small group, in the gym, the pool or gentle classes | One to three 1-to-1 sessions a week with the same coach |
| Cost | A discounted rate | From £140 a month, nutrition coaching included |
AMKERS details are from the Milton Keynes City Council website. Check with the council or your GP for the latest.
(How I work)
Working alongside your health team
At your free consultation we go through your condition, your medication and anything your GP or physio has told you. If something needs checking first, I'll say so before we start.
Then we begin below what you can do and build up slowly. If you have a referral letter or exercise advice from a physio, bring it with you and I'll work to it.
"You'll be supported, encouraged and guided every step of the way."
(Questions people ask)
Common questions
Starting something new always comes with questions. If yours isn't here, call or WhatsApp Glenn on 07770 613423.
Can my GP refer me to Prime PT?
Not through the council's AMKERS scheme, which uses its own leisure centres. You don't need a referral to train with me, though. If your GP has advised more activity, bring that advice to your free consultation.
What conditions can you work with?
Stable conditions that exercise is known to help, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, excess weight, back pain, arthritis and osteoporosis. If your condition isn't stable, or you need specialist rehabilitation such as cardiac rehab, your health team is the right place to start.
I've finished my 12 weeks on AMKERS. What next?
That's a good time to keep going. Bring what you did on the scheme and we'll build on it, so you don't lose the progress you've made.
Is this the same as physiotherapy?
No. A physio diagnoses and treats injuries. I coach exercise. If you're seeing a physio, I'll work around their advice.
How much does it cost?
The same as my other 1-to-1 plans, which are all on the prices page. There's no extra charge for planning around a health condition. New clients can currently start on an introductory offer: your first 3 months for £100 a month in person or £75 online. See the current offer.
(No pressure, no sales pitch)
Book your free consultation
A relaxed 20 minute chat about where you are now, what you want to change and whether we're a good fit. If we're not, I'll tell you.
