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If you need to get more active, there’s a chance your doctor could prescribe you a free gym pass.

Alberta’s Prescription To Get Active program is in full swing, with more than 50 recreation facilities partnering with 4,000 health-care providers around the province this year to get people moving.

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Launched in 2011 in Leduc as an answer to the rising epidemic of chronic disease, the program became a national not-for-profit in 2015.

The concept is simple: Get a prescription from a doctor or their team, take it to a participating facility and start moving.

Facilities taking part in the program are located across Edmonton, including city recreation centres, YMCAs and private gyms.

Reams of specialist centres for sports, yoga and fitness are also involved, as well as gyms in bedroom communities and all over Northern Alberta.

In a news release, exercise specialist Melanie Fuller said the program helps breaks down some of the barriers for folks trying to become more active.

“A prescription for physical activity is just as important to fight diseases as any other medication,” Fuller said.

“Offering free recreation access affords patients the opportunity to try types of recreation they may not have before.”