A new exercise scheme is being piloted in Pembrokeshire.
Patients advised to exercise to help restore their health will be able to have a specific fitness programme prescribed for them in the county's leisure centres.
Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, the Exercise Referral Scheme is being trialled in several local authorities across Wales. The initiative will be launched in Pembrokeshire at the end of next month.
Under the scheme, which is being run in partnership with local health boards, health professionals - including GPs, dieticians and physiotherapists - can recommend patients take up exercise to help them heal.
New Exercise Referral instructors at each of Pembrokeshire's six leisure centres will implement the scheme and design individualised exercise programmes for patients. Clr. Rob Lewis, cabinet member for leisure services, said the health benefits of exercise were widely recognised.
"Physical activity results in a number of health benefits - particularly reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and depression," he said.
"The advantage of the scheme is that however fit or unfit a patient is at the start, they will have an exercise programme specially tailored for their needs."
The pilot scheme is due to last three years and its effectiveness will be monitored.