Forking out hundreds of pounds on gym membership isn't always an option. But for York residents with a medical condition help is at hand, as Nicola Fifield finds out.

SIX years ago, he was struggling to put one foot in front of the other.

But today, Peter Ireland, of Bishopthorpe, York, can be found pumping weights and doing step aerobics at his local gym.

After suffering a stroke in 2000, Mr Ireland lost mobility in the left side of his body, making life difficult for the then 55-year-old.

But after making the most of a special scheme run by North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT), Mr Ireland says he has been given his life back.

The scheme enables patients to benefit from structured, regular exercise at a discounted price under the supervision of qualified fitness experts at either Oaklands Sports Centre, in Acomb, Emperors Gym, in Skeldergate, or the Royal York Hotel, in Station Parade.

Mr Ireland said: "The stroke affected the left side of me and my doctor suggested I went down to the gym to get some strength back into my leg.

"Even walking was very hard for me and my doctor thought it would help to get me mobile again.

"I went along to Emperors Gym and the staff there gave me a training programme to follow.

"When I first started going the treadmill used to spit me off the back, but now I can walk for 10 minutes on it.

"I also do squats with the Swiss ball, shoulder shrugs, press-ups, exercises with weights and step aerobics. It's definitely done me a lot of good and I feel like it's given me my life back.

"I think the scheme is very good. It's subsidised by the PCT so it only costs me £60 for 24 sessions and I go along twice a week. It has really helped me."

But the scheme is not just for stroke victims and is used by GPs for a whole range of medical reasons.

Dr David Geddes, medical director of the PCT and York GP, said it could be used to help patients suffering from depression, who are at risk of developing illnesses such as diabetes, who need help in managing conditions such as lung disease, or who simply want to change their lifestyle for the better.

He said: "The benefit of exercise on referral is that it gives people a structured and supportive programme that isn't too intimidating - they won't be surrounded by lycra-clad fit people, for example.

"The sessions are led by trained exercise professionals and the activities are organised to suit the individual needs of each patient."

But regardless of whether they have been referred by their GP, Dr Geddes wants to encourage everybody in York to start exercising.

He said: "It's important for everyone to take regular exercise, as it can have a very positive effect on your overall health.

"The general recommendation is to take some form of exercise, even if it's just walking the dog, for half an hour, five times a week."

Medical research shows that physically active people have a 20-30 per cent reduced risk of premature death and up to a 50 per cent reduced risk of major chronic disease such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.