Brighton & Sussex Take Heart Group – Providing Cardiac Rehab Exercise in Sussex for 25 years!

Classes by Location

Peacehaven
Peacehaven Leisure Centre
Peacehaven Leisure Centre, Greenwich Way, Peacehaven, BN10 8BB
Parking and changing rooms
Tuesday 12 noon
Friday 12 noon
Portslade
Portslade Leisure Centre
Portslade Leisure Centre, Chalky Rd, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 2WS
Parking and changing rooms
Tuesday 10am
Thursday 11am
Preston Park
FitnessHub Plus
Old Bowls Pavilion, Preston Park (behind Tennis Courts) Brighton BN1 6HN
Free parking in Park after 4.00 pm. Limited Changing Facilities. Room to store bags
Tuesday 4pm
Wednesday 4pm
Thursday 4pm

Classes by Day

Tuesday
10am at Portslade
12 noon at Peacehaven
4pm at Preston Park
Wednesday
4pm at Preston Park
Thursday
11am at Portslade
4pm at Preston Park
Friday
12 noon at Peacehaven

Class prices

Monthly fees allow unlimited use of all our classes and venues.

  • Monthly - single: £44
  • Monthly - couples: £66
  • One-off class - single: £7
  • One-off class - couples: £10
Interested? Need more information?...
Call David on: 07834 595657
Or email members@takeheartgroup.org
take heart logo Endorsements
“I joined TakeHeart’s cardiac rehabilitation class in 2006 after an angioplasty at the age of 64. I had always been quite healthy and physically active so the sudden and unexpected need for heart surgery quite shattered my confidence. TakeHeart’s guidance through structured classes in aerobic exercise restored my exercise capacity and encouraged me to maintain my level fitness. I’ve been coming to TakeHeart’s classes three times a week ever since. TakeHeart’s professional approach and careful monitoring of each individual gives members the confidence to regain their potential. Working in a class is so much more fun than struggling solo.”
Neil Stevenson – retired GP

Cardiac Exercise Classes

BSTHG provides community-based Phase IV exercise classes for cardiac patients designed to improve and maintain their physical, psychological and social well-being. These services include group exercise classes and personal training delivered by BACPR (British Association of Cardiac Prevention & Rehabilitation) qualified instructors

Patients attending these programmes present with chronic or post-acute cardiovascular disease but are able to preserve or resume optimal functioning through practice of improved health behaviours. As a result they can slow down or reverse the progression of coronary heart disease and this may include a reduction in medication. Patients are referred on to the programme by their GP, cardiologist or local NHS Phase III team (Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital).

About our Cardiac Exercise Classes

All classes last approximately 50 mins. Please give yourself plenty of time to change clothing before the session starts to not disrupt the class.

If you experience pain at any time during exercise, STOP whatever you are doing and tell one of the members of staff immediately.

What to bring with you:

  • Your GTN tables/spray (if you are prescribed them)
  • Your blood glucose monitor (if you are diabetic)
  • Your bronchodilator (if you are asthmatic)
  • A bottle of water.
  • Note: Please let the instructor know if you have forgotten to take your medication or your medication has changed. Also, if you have been unwell (stomach aches, taking antibiotics, recent chest pains / short of breath, coughs, colds)

What to wear for the classes:

  • Soft-soled trainers or shoes, (no sandals or slip-on footwear).
  • T shirt and sweat shirt.
  • Shorts, tracksuit bottoms, jogging bottoms.
  • Sweat bands and towels(optional)

What happens in the classes:

  • Check-in.
  • Warm-up exercises with the instructor.
  • Main exercise comprising rotating with 1 minute of exercise on each piece of equipment.
  • Cooling down and stretching exercises with the instructor.

During the sessions you must remember to keep your feet moving whenever possible (no standing and chatting), please do not stand around waiting for a particular piece of equipment, keep your feet moving and look for an alternative piece of equipment.

FAQs

Can I just drop-in?

Yes, anyone can drop in for a trial class providing they have either been referred by the NHS Cardiac Rehab Team or their GP.

What are the benefits of the membership?

  • As we are affiliated to the British Heart Foundation we are also covered by their Insurance policy for accidents within classes.
  • We have a very interesting newsletter which is quarterly and contains factual information from exercise professionals, cardiologists, dietitians and pharmacists.
  • We have several organised social events throughout the year at discounted prices
  • As part of a non-profit patient led group you will benefit from the friendly close community it provides.
  • Our highly qualified and experienced Exercise Physiologist is always available for any questions or concerns you may have about ongoing exercise or something about your cardiac condition that needed to be explained in laymen terms.

Selected research papers

Exercise – The Miracle Cure (The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges)

This comprehensive publication (2015) describes the enormous benefits that physical activity and exercise have to play in health and disease prevention.Read full PDF

Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease (2018)

This comprehensive and up to date review paper published in the Journal of American Heart Association describes the physiological benefits and adaptations that occur with regular cardiac rehab exercise.Read full PDF

Benefits of Regular Exercise on Cardiovascular Health (ACSM 2017)

This brief summary lists the multiple benefits that can be attained through regular exercise training from the American College of Sports Medicine. Read full PDF
Our endorsements. Affiliated to the British Heart Foundation