Vitality Programme

What is Vitality?                             

Vitality is a programme of exercise classes that supports participants to exercise at a level suitable to their abilities. Classes are designed to help build and maintain;

• Strength

• Co-ordination

• Endurance

• Flexibility

The classes are suitable for people with different physical abilities and medical conditions including stroke, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and breathing difficulties to name but a few.

The exercises performed within Vitality classes are designed to help participants carry out daily activities more easily and hopefully make daily life more manageable. All Vitality classes are led by highly trained and experienced instructors, and are designed to be adapted to suit any participant. There are four levels of Vitality classes, so each participant can choose a class that is best for them. The Vitality classes have been designed by Culture and Sport Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff to make sure that classes are safe and effective.

Download the Vitality Lealfet (pdf doc 258kb) for full details of the scheme and details of the class content.

Class Descriptions

There are four different Vitality classes, so each participant can choose a class that is best for them.

Strength and Balance Class

This class is designed for people who can walk slowly and may have limited standing balance and requires mobility aids. It is also suitable for people with breathing difficulties.

The Strength and Balance class is based around a chair so that participants can use the chair for support when doing the exercises, alternatively some exercises can be performed seated if you prefer.

Strength and Balance Circuit

This class is appropriate for people who are mobile (with or without a mobility aid) but may have difficulty with movement and daily activities. It is also suitable for people with breathing difficulties.

Being circuit based, the main part of the class involves moving around a room and doing an exercise for a short time before moving a short distance to do another exercise. It is important that participants can move independently (with or without a mobility aid) to the next exercise station however a chair can be used for support when doing the exercises.

Step In Circuit        

This class is suitable for participants with independent mobility (with or without a mobility aid) but may have some difficulty doing daily activities.

Step Up Circuit

This class is designed for those who are mobile (without an aid) and who have minimal difficulty doing daily activities.

Step In and Step Up are circuit based classes. The main component of the class involves doing an exercise for a short time before moving around a room to do another exercise. Participants work at their own level / pace and continue to take part in different exercises at various ‘stations’ around the room for up to 30 minutes. The classes finish with a cool down period of approximately 10 minutes.

Download the Weekly Vitality Class Programme for details of times in each leisure centre

Weekly Vitality Class Programme (pdf doc 28kb)

Weekly Vitality Class Programme (word doc 146kb)

What to do for your first class

• It is essential you bring any medication you may need whilst exercising. You may not be allowed to participate in the class if you don’t have it with you.

• Bring along any information sheets that you may have completed during an appointment with your health care professional. Alternatively complete the Vitality Suitability Questionnaire avalaiable from the facility. You may not be able to participate in the class if you don’t bring it with you.

• For your first class it is important you arrive at least 15 minutes before your class starts so you can give your form to the instructor who can also explain a little more about the class and answer any questions that you may have.

• There will be somewhere to get water within the facilities but you may want to bring a small bottle with you for during the class.

Vitality Suitability Questionnaire:

The classes are suitable for people with different physical abilities and medical conditions including stroke, heart conditions, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis and breathing difficulties to name but a few.

Details of the class content can be found on the Vitality Leaflet

Before you begin your activity programme, the instructor needs to know some information about you. This information helps the instructor give you correct advice and support to ensure the activity programme is safe and effective for you. You may not be able to take part in the classes if you do not fill in vitality questionnaire. These are available at reception and must be discussed with the coach prior to the start of the class.

Please contact your local leisure centre for full details.