07/06/2026
A word from one of our GP Directors Dr Caroline
Francey….
Physical activity: small steps that can make a big difference.
As a GP, I see every day how moving more can change people’s lives – not just their health, but their confidence, mood and independence. Many of us know we “should” be more active, but getting started can feel daunting, especially if you’ve not exercised for a while, have long‑term health problems, or are simply juggling a busy life.
That’s exactly why the Great Sutton Wellness CIC has launched our new Back2Exercise Programme, which runs on a Wednesday at 10am in the brand new Village Hall here in Great Sutton.
We are also looking forward to be able to signpost you to the brand new gym facilities at Great Sutton Medical Centre – following a guided induction, we would like to encourage to a gentle, supportive way to get going, at your own pace, with people who understand where you’re starting from.
We aim to offer different sessions for different groups and abilities, catering to various needs, and demands following consultation with our community.
Why physical activity matters
Physical activity is one of the most important ways we can improve our physical and mental health as well as our overall wellbeing.
As GPs, we like to use ‘evidence based medicine’ and so I’m pleased to report that the evidence from NHS England and the World Health Organization is very clear:
Moving more can delay the onset and progression of many long‑term conditions .
It helps people recover more quickly from illness and surgery .
It supports better mental health , reducing stress, anxiety and low mood.
It can help people stay independent for longer , reducing the risk of falls and frailty.
Physical inactivity is estimated to contribute to 1 in every 6 deaths from any cause. On the other hand, even small increases in activity – such as a 10‑minute brisk walk each day – can make a meaningful difference to your health.
You don’t need to become a marathon runner! The goal is simply to move more than you do now, in ways that feel achievable and sustainable for you.
Standing more, chair exercise, walking those shorter journeys, instead of taking the car, borrowing the neighbours dog, setting up a walking group with friends, it all helps!
For more detail, you can read NHS England’s overview on physical activity and health here:https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/public-health/harnessing-the-benefits-of-physical-activity/
“Movement is medicine” – but it doesn’t have to be scary
Of course in general practice, we see people with various health issues, and many people worry that exercise might be unsafe for them, especially if they have heart problems, joint pain, breathing difficulties or other long‑term conditions. However, the research shows that for the vast majority of people, the benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks, when it’s introduced gradually and sensibly.
We also know that:
People with long‑term conditions are twice as likely to be inactive as those without.
The biggest health benefits come from helping people who are currently inactive to do ‘some’ activity – it doesn’t have to be a lot!
Consistency is the main thing! Doing a little bit of ‘something’ on a regular basis is key to developing those good habits, and seeing the positive changes.
Our aim with the Back to Exercise Programme is for you to make that first step feel safe, comfortable, supported, and dare I say ‘fun’ rather than overwhelming.
The Back to Exercise Programme is led by Helen, and is aimed at people who:
Haven’t exercised for a while
Would benefit from improving strength and balance
Feel nervous about going straight into a standard gym or class
Would enjoy some peer support from like minded people in a similar position.
Are living with long‑term conditions and want to move more safely
Just want some guidance, structure and encouragement to get started
The tone of the programme is friendly, and patient‑centred.
We understand that everyone will be starting from a different place.
Great Sutton Wellness gym – our new community space!
Alongside the Back to Exercise Programme, we’re encouraging patients to consider the new gym located inside the medical centre at Great Sutton as a supportive place to continue their journey, and build on their progress.
We aim for it to be a local, community‑focused facility, not an intimidating “bodybuilder” gym.
Our induction team, are used to working with people who are new to exercise or living with health conditions.
You can work on a personalised plan that matches your current ability and health needs.
It offers a safe, comfortable environment to build up your activity gradually, whatever the weather!
For many people, the combination of a structured induction programme with access to a friendly local gym, is what can motivate us to turn a good idea into a long‑term habit.
From a GP perspective, I can reassure you:
It is never too late to benefit from moving more. People in their 70s, 80s and beyond can improve strength, balance and mood with regular activity.
We are not expecting perfection . Even 10–15 minutes of movement, a few times a week, is a positive start.
Activity can be broken into short chunks and built into daily life – walking to the shop, getting off the bus a stop earlier, standing up and stretching during TV adverts or whilst waiting for the kettle to boil!
How to get started -
Visit www.greatsuttonwellcic.co.uk
Contact the practice
Ask reception about the Back to Exercise Programme and how to register your interest or be referred.
Consider visiting Great Sutton Wellness
You can pop in, have a look around, and speak to staff about what support they offer for beginners or people with health conditions.
Start small at home
While you’re waiting to join a programme or gym, you might try:
A 5–10 minute walk most days
Gentle stretches while the kettle boils
Standing up and sitting down from a chair 5–10 times, once or twice a day
Remember: the aim is progress, not perfection.
A final word
As a health care team, we know that supporting patients to move more is about working together so that you can stay well for longer, and recover better when you are unwell.
If you’re unsure whether increasing your activity is appropriate for you, or you have complex health needs, please discuss this with a healthcare professional involved in your care so that any plan can be tailored safely to your situation.
NHS England » Harnessing the benefits of physical activity
