Introduction

This chapter provides the rationale of physical activity for public health guidance. It introduces the concept of exercise referral schemes and the role of the exercise referral practitioner and its international counterparts. The chapter provides guidance on the layout of the chapters and how to use them and an online resources section for further training. Physical activity is essential for the promotion of good health, including improving both physical and mental health; physical activity has also been shown to improve social health, or the way we stay connected with others. The professional must be trained to develop and manage an exercise referral schemes, perform consultations, apply and interpret initial and follow-up assessments, prescribe personalised exercise, apply personalised behaviour change techniques and goal setting and deliver exercise training activities for the particular population they are working with.