STARS (Exercise on Prescription)

What is Exercise on Prescription (EOP)?

An EOP form is a recommendation by a medical doctor for a patient to take regular activity or exercise. The activity or exercise is determined by agreement between the patient and an accredited assessor. Patients are advised to contact a Shropshire Health Authority approved centre and for a standard fee are entitled to:

• An initial health and exercise consultation from accredited personnel who are appropriately qualified and have received extra training.
• An exercise or activity plan which takes into account your personal needs.
• A follow up assessment after 8-10 weeks.

(Please note many people carry out their activity plan at home. If you choose to carry out the exercise in a sports centre you will have to pay for the sessions but will qualify for reduced rates during the initial period of the programme).

Where do I go?

The back of the EOP referral form has a list of approved leisure centres. The chances are that there is one near you. New centres are being approved all the time. Ask your doctor if the one nearest you is not listed on the form.

How does EOP help me?

The majority of people on the EOP programme report feeling better and show great improvement in physical health after two months. It is recommended and most patients do continue to exercise on a regular basis after the initial exercise on prescription period, either continuing at home or at a local sports centre.

Where can I get support?

Support and encouragement is important at the beginning and continuation of activity or exercise. Sources of support include neighbours, family, friends and health care professionals including GPs and practice nurses.

I don't like exercise and I'm not sporty!

It is important to start and continue a form of activity or exercise which you enjoy and suits your special circumstances. Examples of effective activity include walking in a park, doing more household jobs, gardening, dancing and playing with children. There are also of course the generally accepted forms of exercise like swimming, running and gym work.

I'm overweight and I look ghastly in Lycra!

Don't worry! Lots of people are like you and will never have gone near a gym in their lives. The initial consultation will be done in private and you will be shown how to use equipment. You will soon be meeting other people like you and giving each other plenty of encouragement and support.