Physical activity in Derbyshire

Getting active is one of the best ways that you can improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Physical activity is not just about structured exercise classes and working up a sweat in the gym though.

It's the everyday activities such as housework, walking to work, gardening and dancing to the radio in your kitchen.

Different things work for different people so it's important to find something that fits into your routine but is also realistic and manageable for you.

This might be exercise classes, going for a swim or getting on your bike. Alternatively, it might be something simple like going for a weekend walk or getting off the bus one stop earlier.

There's lot of evidence that shows the benefits of physical activity in terms of both treating and preventing diseases. Find out more about the preventative benefits of exercise.

There's lot's of ways to get active in Derbyshire and we've pulled together lots of information.

Derbyshire leisure and sports centres

There's lots of activities, classes and exercise opportunities for you at your local sports centres.

We have listed the 8 district and borough councils so that you can search for activities close to you:

• Amber Valley leisure centres
• Bolsover leisure centres
• Chesterfield leisure centres
• Derbyshire Dales leisure centres
• Erewash leisure centres
• High Peak leisure centres
• North East Derbyshire leisure centres
• South Derbyshire leisure centres

Exercise by Referral

Exercise by Referral is a comprehensive, 12-week programme of exercise supported by qualified leisure staff at local leisure centres or facilities. The service aims to increase physical activity levels for people who want to improve their health and provides a positive introduction to physical activity in a safe and structured environment.

The Exercise by Referral scheme is aimed at people who have a pre-existing health condition and who do little or no physical activity but are motivated to move more.

To take part in the scheme you must be referred by a GP or other qualified health professional.

You are eligible for the Exercise by Referral scheme if you are:

• aged 18 or over
• a Derbyshire resident or registered with a Derbyshire GP
• inactive, for example doing less than 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week
• have not been previously referred into the programme and have at least one of the following health conditions

Eligible health conditions for referral into the programme are:

• controlled diabetes type 1 and 2
• controlled hypertension systolic (less than 180 and diastolic less than 100 mmHg)
• hyperlipidaemia
• controlled respiratory disease
• musculoskeletal conditions: joint replacement, simple non-mechanical low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis
• stroke / TIA
• diagnosed and stable mental health condition
• undergone an NHS health check and identified with a CVD risk of greater than 20%
• cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure, heart surgery
• cancer: pre-, undergoing- and post-treatment and has received a cancer diagnosis within last 5 years
• post COVID syndrome - referrals only accepted from Derbyshire Post COVID assessment service
• diagnosed neurological condition such as: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's Disease

Anyone who is referred but does not meet the criteria will not be accepted onto the scheme.

However, you can access alternative support through our Live Life Better Derbyshire programme (free of charge) and leisure providers (may not be free of charge).

Walk Derbyshire

Walking is a great way to get some additional exercise into your daily routine.

Walk Derbyshire provides information and support for people across Derbyshire to get out and walk right from their doorstep - so why not find a walk close to you?

Visit Walk Derbyshire to find walks near to you.

Live Stronger For Longer

Live Stronger for Longer is an exercise programme designed to increase mobility and reduce your risk of falls.

Find out more about exercise and physical activity at Age UK.

Jog Derbyshire

Jog Derbyshire is a network of friendly, social jogging groups covering the whole of Derbyshire.

The groups cater for everyone – regardless of age or ability – so even if you're a complete beginner you are sure of a warm welcome.

Find a jog group near you at Jog Derbyshire.

Active Derbyshire

Active Derbyshire aims to get people taking part in sports and activities across Derbyshire. It offers a comprehensive database of sports clubs and groups for you to search.

Search for activities and clubs at Active Derbyshire.