Wolverhampton City Council and its health partners have launched the 12 week programme aimed at people with a high Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more, diabetes or any other long-term medical conditions, or who are unemployed.
The initiative, which costs just £5, provides vouchers for fitness sessions using EasyLine hydraulic gym equipment at a number of community centres around the city. The state-of-the-art equipment has been specially designed to improve people's health and aid their rehabilitation by enabling them to enjoy gentle exercise.
Alternatively, people can use the swimming pools during public sessions at either Central Baths, the Bert Williams Leisure Centre or Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre, while pregnant women with a high BMI can also take part in aqua natal sessions at Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre as part of the scheme.
Councillor Sandra Samuels, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Well-being, said: "The Fit for a Fiver programme is already proving popular, with scores of people already taking part and many more joining on a weekly basis.
"Taking regular exercise is particularly important for people with long-term medical conditions and enjoying a gentle workout by using EasyLine equipment or taking a swim is enabling people to make a big difference to their health and well-being.
"People who complete the course and make good progress can also be rewarded with a further 12 week programme, providing 6 months of exercise at minimal cost."
The £47,420 programme was commissioned by Public Health in order to help residents - particularly those who have diabetes, are obese or have a disability - become more active.
Councillor Samuels added: "We're determined to give as many people as possible the ability to improve their lives by taking part in regular exercise, and I'd encourage anyone who is suffering from poor health to find out more."
To find out more about the Fit for a Fiver programme, please contact the NHS Health Trainers on 0800 073 4242.
- released: Wednesday 29 May, 2013