YMCA Positive Health Programme

If you’re living with HIV in London and don’t know about Positive Health then it’s time to get with the programme, which is ‘positive’ in both senses of the word. Run by central London’s biggest gym, the YMCA Club close to Tottenham Court Road station, it’s a dedicated exercise referral scheme for individuals living with HIV that is designed, says Positive Health programme co-ordinator Victoria Brown, to improve “fitness, self-esteem and quality of life.” 

 


Catering for all levels of ability, the initial 12-week programme includes an assessment, a gym induction, a personalised fitness programme that’s based on your goals and aspirations, sessions with a personal trainer and access to a weekly series of dedicated Positive Health classes that include Qi Gong, badminton, yoga, aerobics, core strength classes, meditation and swimming lessons. These are not only a great way to kick-start your fitness regime but also a fun means of building an extended family of new HIV positive friends.

“The programme gives people the confidence and knowledge to exercise safely,” says Brown, “and it also helps to combat health conditions associated with HIV such as neuropathy and lypodystrophy and those associated with ageing,” she says, “such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems.”

The initial 12-week section of the programme finishes with a second fitness assessment where participants can chart physical changes as well any improvements in health and wellbeing. A subsidised gym membership is then up for grabs, which comes with continuous support so that exercise becomes part of your new healthier, and hopefully happier, lifestyle. As part of this, Positive Health members can also book a range of complimentary therapies at token prices such as hypnotherapy, life coaching, reiki, massage, acupuncture and reflexology.

“We also run workshops in creative writing, nutrition, badminton and a regular arts class,” adds Brown. “There’s a monthly social known as our ‘Tea and Chat’ to give members a chance to come and meet others, and social events that have included Christmas parties, theatre trips, picnics in Regents Park and even a weekend in Sussex.”

For instance, some members have signed up for the Thrive organisation’s free wellbeing workshop on 2 July or snapped up £10 tickets to see West End hit The Bodyguard: The Musical starring the fantastic Beverley Knight on 27 July. Positive Health members are kept in the loop via a fortnightly email newsletter that carries details of upcoming class and events.

To register for the Positive Health scheme you need to obtain a Patient Referral Form from your HIV consultant. The initial 12-week Positive Health course costs £2.10 per visit at weekends and during weekday off-peak hours (6.30am to 3.45pm Mon-Fri) or £5.20 during peak hours. On completion of the 12-week course, there’s one-off £20 joining fee for the YMCA Club and monthly membership costs £24 off-peak and £47 peak for Positive Health scheme members. It’s pay-as-you-go so there’s no rolling contracts to worry about. Concessionary and older adult’s memberships are also available, costing £30 a year and then £2.10 per visit.

For further details, call Victoria Brown or Becky O’Gorman on 020 7343 1720/1721 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

 

• YMCA Positive Health is based at the YMCA Club, (112 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NQ), www.ymcaclub.co.uk

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