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Community full menu:
Active for Life
Become a member of PALS (Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme)
Helen Heaton - January 2004
helen.heaton@kirklees.gov.uk
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| PALS class |
PALS is the Kirklees exercise referral scheme.
You can join PALS if your GP, Practice Nurse or any other health professional feel that your health could benefit from
becoming more active.
Once you have joined the scheme you can choose which activities you would like to take part in or you can do a
home-based programme if you prefer.
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| PALS walkers |
PALS service and activities
The PALS service includes:-
- Up to four Active Lifestyle Evaluations
- Introduction to a local exercise facility
- Introduction to basic activity concepts
- Personalised activity plan
- Option of a home-based workout programme
- Availability of weekly drop in support sessions
PALS can take part in a wide range of over 66 activities each week such as:-
- swimming and swimming lessons
- water-based workouts
- exercise classes including a variety of circuits, flex and stretch and activity mix
- access to a range of multi-sports activities such as badminton, bowling, table tennis
- walking
- cycling
- access to dance classes
- t'ai chi
By taking part in a number of sessions each week PALS offers the opportunity for people to try out activities and build
up to the levels of activity which are recommended in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As well as the benefits to
their health, the way they feel and look, many PALS have also enjoyed the social side of meeting others, taking part in
activity and supporting each other in different classes as well as having a chat over a welcome drink at the end of the
session.
The recommendation for physical activity for adults is:-
At least half an hour of moderate physical activity (activity that leaves you slightly out of breath and increases your
heart rate) at least five times a week to gain a healthy lifestyle.
The PALS programme aims to equip all those who take part in the scheme with the knowledge, skills, confidence and
improved level of fitness to continue to be active for life.
Each member of PALS is offered the opportunity to be part of the scheme for 45 weeks. At the end of this time PALS can
join a group moving on session, or access an individual one-to-one session, for information on options for remaining
active for life either within a sports centre or community setting.
Specialised activity sessions and projects
The PALS scheme also offers specialised activity sessions aimed at specific health conditions. Classes include:-
- cardiac rehabilitation exercise circuits
- pulmonary rehabilitation exercise circuits
- chair-based activity sessions
There are a number of projects linked to PALS which have been developed by Kirklees Leisure and Recreation Services in conjunction with other partners. These include
- PAMs - the Physical Activity Motivator project
- Kirklees Walking Leaders Network
- Sitara - community based activities for women run by women.
Comments from PALS
- "I have found PALS to be enjoyable and fun."
- "PALS has helped me to meet more people and make some new friends."
- "PALS has improved my fitness, especially my mobility and strength and has kept me independent."
- "PALS has given me a new lease of life - I have less pain in my joints, I'm more flexible and don't get out of breath as quickly."
- "PALS has helped me to lose some weight and gain confidence - I feel like a new person."
Further details from:-
The PALS Office
Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services
The Stadium Business and Leisure Complex,
Stadium Way
Huddersfield
HD1 6PG
Tel: 01484 234095
Email: physicalactivity.development@kirklees.gov.uk
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Active for Life - Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme Service Request Form
If you would like more information on 'Active for Life - Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme' or would like to request a service please complete this form.
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