With the NHS handling the unprecedented emergency of Covid-19, we ask what can be done to combat the existing health crisis in the UK to create a healthier nation and a more manageable health service.

An active lifestyle: The best social prescription for keeping healthy


The UK is in the midst of a health crisis.

British children are amongst the least active in the world, while poor mental health is affecting the nation.

And with the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology highlighting that physical inactivity can have the same health risk as smoking, it’s clear that something needs to change.

This is where Orfi Active can help, giving those with poor health the access to fitness as a way to keep healthy.


Get active through your GP

Every month, over a million people seek advice from their local GP. 

With such a high number of people needing help, we think that more long-term prescriptions are needed.

That’s why sports and fitness sessions can be used by GPs, helping people with poor health get better.


And we aren’t alone in this.

Parkrun have introduced their weekend runs to 20% of all GP practises across the UK.

As an extremely accessible and inclusive way to get people into fitness, Parkrun has started a trend of using fitness as a prescription for ill-health and inactivity.

This is something we want to build on.


Finding the right sports activities

But the problem is that some people just don’t like to go running.

So what else can a GP prescribe to their patients who are suffering?

That's where Orfi Active comes in. 

“If exercise could be packaged in a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation.”

Our free fitness app hosts a range of activities for you to choose from, allowing you to get active in a way that feels right.

The wide range of sports and fitness sessions on the app means that there are plenty of options to choose from.

Korfball, netball and basketball are just a few beginner friendly sessions on the app actively encouraging new members to join.

Instead of just running, an individual would be able to choose from a range of fun sports activities and fitness classes suited to their tastes.



Get healthy and have fun 

As much as sport can be about competition, it’s also a fun way to get fit.

We spoke to Dan Sammons, an instructor of lightsaber fencing sessions, who had this to say about using lightsaber fencing as a way to get healthy.

“Some people come along to our lessons as a way to try and lose weight”, Dan told us.

“We have a couple of big lads that come along who are doing it to try and get healthy, to lose a bit of weight, but also it’s fun and they enjoy it.

“Because it’s fighting with lightsabers people obviously enjoy it, but it is a good workout and it’s a great way to keep fit”.

 

This is also the case for Robin Parry who, as reported by the BBC, lost three stone from playing Pokemon Go and in the process, ‘reversing her diabetes’. 

Not bad for a video game!

This clearly shows that physical activity does not need to be a chore, it can be a hobby or personal interest, as long as it gets you up and active.

There are undoubtedly a range of fun activities people can get involved in, but these activities need to be made clear and easy to join.


Achieving a healthy lifestyle 

If the UK is to become more active and healthy, sports and fitness activities need to be prescribed by GPs.

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle are undeniable and promoting this will go a long way into solving the health crisis across the country.

While offering Parkrun to combat physical activity is a great idea, we want to offer a wider choice than just a run in the park.

Offering multiple sports and fitness activities means everyone will be able to find a new way to get active.

That’s why Orfi Active is the perfect long-term prescription for ill-health and inactivity.

Posted on

August 5, 2020

by

Jack Gerrard