The Athletic Club this week announced the launch of a new and unprecedented Clinical Exercise Programme, designed to cater to people suffering from chronic illnesses or in need of structured rehabilitation after serious injury.

Until now, Bermudians with arthritis, diabetes, cancer or heart disease have often been forced to travel overseas for medical treatment, but the Athletic Club are touting their new programme as a cheaper, effective alternative.

In cooperation with physicians, the fitness centre will design and implement exercise, lifestyle programmes and other physical activities for participants following treatment and rehabilitation for clinically documented chronic disease, musculoskeletal injury and disability.

This will reportedly include supporting and monitoring participants as they exercise, identifying and correcting factors that limit mobility and restrict the completion of daily tasks.

?The Clinical Exercise Programme will serve as a safe bridge between the hospital or rehabilitative environment and ongoing recovery at home,? a Press statement released on Thursday said.

?Importantly the programme will also act as a preventative measure for people at risk of developing chronic illness.?

And for some the programme may well be covered by insurance, with Bermuda Fire & Marine already having sponsored one person in the programme and Colonial Medical Insurance Group pledging to cover the cost on a case-by-case basis.

Individuals interested in more information about the Clinical Exercise Programme should contact the Athletic Club?s wellness planning and communications director Jacqueline Teunissen on 295-6140.