Social prescribing involves helping patients to improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare by connecting them to community services or support in their area. Healthcare professionals are beginning to refer their patient’s to non-clinical services to meet wellbeing needs. It could be a gardening club, a choir, park run or a local friendly exercise class. At FLexercise we welcome everyone and healthcare professionals are beginning to recommend our classes.
Isobel from High Wycombe had never taken part in group exercise, she tells us how she came about joining FLexercise.
Hi, my name is Isobel and I’m writing to tell you how I joined FLexercise. I am 70 years of age with little or no regular exercise before this.
In 2017 I had a bad fall and tore a main ligament in my right foot which took flakes of bone off with it. I had to wear a boot for six weeks and was limping badly. My GP arranged for me to have a Dexa scan of my bones where it was discovered I have osteoporosis in my hips and spine. From there I saw a specialist who suggested I took part in a regular exercise class to help my bones and the sooner I started the better!
The discipline of regular exercise
It took a while for the before the NHS physio sessions came through so deciding I couldn’t wait I had a few private appointments to get me going. I also took up exercise in the local swimming pool which helped. Physiotherapy sessions at the hospital were very therapeutic, however, it only lasted six weeks. The Physio said that my foot was better but to help myself I should keep up the exercise. Not knowing where to go I asked the Head Physio if they could recommend where I could get regular exercise as I felt the gym might be a bit too much for me. I also felt I needed the discipline of attending a class and I wanted to get my confidence back.
Exercise sets me up for the week
The physio gave the name of Alison Bailey at FLexercise. The class was fairly local, Alison seemed really friendly and recommended I went along and tried it out.
Our lessons are held on a Monday morning from 9.45 – 10.45 am and the age range is from 18 to 80. We warm up and then do exercises to music, different tempos and even do some fun dance routines. We 
mostly work on our own but we also work in partners. From the start, I have found FLexercise has really benefited me. It helps my mobility and it’s given me strength. My balance has improved and above all, it gives me a feeling of wellbeing at the end.
We do all sorts of exercises and routines with light weights, balls, and some mat work. Monday mornings are always enjoyable and it’s a great start to the week! I’ve made lots of acquaintances along the way and look forward to every class. 
At the end of class, there’s an option to have a coffee and a natter. Everyone is so friendly, you never feel on your own.
So if you’re looking for a social class with a professional teacher who has experience and an understanding of various health issues have a look around the FLexercise website and find a class near you.