Pioneering GP practice launches its own fitness club

A medical practice is opening its very own fitness club, as part of plans to improve the health and wellbeing of its patients and staff.

The Clarendon Lodge Medical Practice, north of Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, will launch a fitness club offering a range of activities – from yoga, taekwondo and salsa taster sessions to HIIT session led by Wasps rugby players.

There will also be workshops on how to get involved in running, cycling and swimming, organised by partners such as ParkRun and the Leamington Ramblers Association.

The launch of the Clarendon Lodge Medical Practice Fitness Club will coincide with National Fitness Day on Wednesday 25 September.

"We feel strongly that we have a central part to play in helping people live more active lives," said Dr Ollie Lawton, a partner at Clarendon Lodge.

"It’s one thing to give lifestyle advice in a consultation, but getting involved in Clarendon Lodge Medical Practice Fitness Club shows our patients and our staff the practice’s commitment to improving physical and mental health through exercise.

David Spraggett, chair of NHS South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group, added: "I'm delighted to see one of our GP practice’s taking such a proactive and forward-thinking approach to helping patients improve their health and wellbeing.

"We have a responsibility to think about measures to future proof the health of our patients and this initiative by Clarendon Lodge is an excellent example of how we can do this."