St Albans Sports Development Team have received funding, from Hertfordshire NHS and the Big Lottery Fund, to offer all qualifying residents of St Albans City and District a FREE 12 week lifestyle and weight management course.
The course will be made up of 6 bi-weekly sessions, which aim to give continued guidance on diet and physical activity. The sessions are delivered on a one-to-one basis, not in a group environment, with all information regarding progress and results remaining confidential.
The first session will take approximately 40 minutes, with each additional sessions lasting no longer than 20 minutes. The Sports Development Team will support you in producing a list of achievable activities that participants agree are manageable on a regular basis. The sessions themselves will not include any physical activity, as they are designed to support and offer guidance.
The criteria to qualify as defined by Hertfordshire NHS is as follows:
The participant is a St Albans resident, i.e. has an AL post code
The participant has a starting BMI of 30 or above (calculate your BMI at the NHS website)
The participant has no history of eating disorders
The participant has no history of alcohol or drug abuse
The sessions aim to result in a gradual and sustainable weight loss over the 12 weeks. A target weight loss of 5% of your starting weight is a realistic and wholly achievable goal. Weight will be monitored and recorded during each session. You will be given useful resources to support you throughout the course and beyond, such as menu plans, etc. to give you a good start in leading a healthier lifestyle that is sustainable in the long term.
Physical activity guidance and advice will compliment the diet part of the course. You do not have to agree to attend a gym or fitness centre. If you prefer activities such as walking, gardening and even house work, these all count towards your goal and cost nothing to do.
All sessions will take place at the London Colney Recreation Centre on a Tuesday between 8am and 6pm. If you would like to find out more information or to book onto this course please contact Steve Howard, Health Development Officer, on 01727 827667 or email.
The Sports Development Team also runs the districts Exercise Referral Scheme. This is for individuals within the district who are referred by their GP or by St Albans City Hospital. This scheme is aimed at getting people more active and constitutes monitored sessions of physical activity.
Date of last review: 07 January 2011