Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need to exercise/increase my levels pf physical activity?
2. What type of exercise should I do?
3. How often should I exercise?
4. How do I find out more information?
5. How up to date is the web page?
6. Which centre is the best?
7. How do I get the courage/confidence to go for the first time?
8. What do I need to take with me to exercise?
9. Will/should exercising hurt i.e. "no pain no gain"?
10. How much will it cost?
1. Why do I need to exercise/increase my levels pf physical activity?
a. Being more physically active can improve your health both mentally and physically. Physical activity can;
b. Reduce risk of heart attacks
c. Reduce risk of getting bowel cancer
d. Reduce risk of hypertension - high blood pressure
e. Improve metabolism
f. Help in weight management
g. Help to reduce stress
h. Improve your sleep patterns
i. Reduce risk of diabetes type II
j. Give you more energy
k. Improve body image
l. Reduce risk of osteoporosis - brittle bone disease
m. Help maintain balance and reduce falls
n. Maintain mobility and joint function
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2. What type of exercise should I do?
There are many different types of activities/exercise depending on intensity (how hard) and the actual choice of activity e.g. team sports (hockey), gym (aerobics), individual sports (tennis, jogging).
To improve your health the best type of activity to participate in is an activity you enjoy and something of low-moderate intensity i.e. you feel slightly out of breath, a little warmer and your cheeks are rosy.
Exercise and/or physical activity should be an enjoyable experience, so choose something you really like doing to make it easy to keep exercising for life.
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3. How often should I exercise?
The recommended amount of exercise a person should do to improve their health is…
5 sessions per week
30 minutes per session
The session can be split to 3 x 10 minute blocks to make things a little easier if you are just getting started.
e.g. How to fit into one day - 10 minute walk to work
10 minute walk at lunch time
10 minute walk home from work.
Total - 30 minute walk
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4. How do I find out more information?
There are numerous links to different web sites and address's of all facilities with their telephone numbers. Please feel free to get in touch with the centres directly or ring Deb Smith at Cruddas Park Clinic 0191 219 5507/18 if you need anything else.
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5. How up to date is the web page?
The operators of the web site are constantly trying to keep the information stored on the web page as accurate as possible. However there can be time delays in getting changes to a centre's programme onto the database, which will therefore affect the consistency of the information given.
Telephoning before an activity is attended is recommended but if you do see any incorrect information please do not hesitate to give us some feedback on the web forum. This will help to keep the web page information as accurate as possible.
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6. Which centre is the best?
All of the centres featured in this database and web site provide a very high standard of services. There will be trained and insured instructors in places that have been fully risk assessed with all necessary facilities like toilets (not necessarily showers).
You will find that there will be a certain centre or facility that you feel most comfortable in and suits your own individual needs precisely. It will be different for most people.
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7. How do I get the courage/confidence to go for the first time?
If you are feeling a little apprehensive about attending a centre for the first time, especially if you are on your own, you might find it useful to ring and make an appointment before you arrive. This will introduce you to some of the staff and you could ask to speak to the instructors themselves.
Also, just remember that increasing your levels of physical activity/exercise is good for you so making that first step is very important. Anyway, when you have been once you will have "done it all before" and "got the t-shirt!"
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8. What do I need to take with me to exercise?
This all depends on what type and where you choose to exercise…
Gym or sport centre - Trainers or other soft shoes
Comfortable clothes (not jeans)
Water
Shower stuff and towel (not always necessary)
Walks - Sturdy shoes that are comfy and used to wearing
Warm clothes
Waterproof jacket
Water sports - swimming costume
Towel
shoes to get wet - only on some activities
Sauna and Steam - Swimming costume
Towel
Shower stuff
Centres who provide other more specialised activities like hockey or tennis etc will often have lots of equipment you can borrow so you don't need your own.
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9. Will/should exercising hurt i.e. "no pain no gain"?
NO. The exercise should be a little tiring (see FAQ no. 2) but not too hard. If you haven't exercised for a while you may feel tired and stiff the next day or the day after but this is perfectly normal and will wear off in time. A hot bath and some mild mobility and stretching work can help. Anti-inflammatory can also help if appropriate.
New slogan "no pain, lots of gain"
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10. How much will it cost?
Prices vary in different places but all of the centres try as much as possible to make the exercise experience both an enjoyable and cost effective venture.
The centres themselves will have price lists and can tell you over the phone. The web sites forum is a good place to share information so perhaps other people will know or you can get in touch with the centres directly via email.
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