A cancer diagnosis will change your life and the impact of the various treatments and medications can take a significant toll on your health. If you’re living with cancer, or currently in remission, equipment Pilates can be a powerful tool to help you rebuild your strength, energy and focus, whilst you are undergoing treatment or trying to meet other goals.
At Complete Pilates, we offer specialised 1:1 rehab Pilates for those living with cancer and cancer survivors. The aim of these sessions is to improve your overall well-being and physical capability. You will build strength to help your normal daily activities feel easier, maintain flexibility which will help if you have had any surgery, and help your overall energy levels and focus. The research around the benefits of exercise and cancer rehab have been shown time and time again and we cannot stress enough how much moving will complement any ongoing medical treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or surgery.
We understand that exercise is generally the last thing on your mind if you have been diagnosed with cancer. However, our Pilates sessions are designed with you, and your treatment in mind; our aim is to allow you to reconnect with your body during a time when it may feel like an unfamiliar place, so your class will always be conducted at your own pace.
Why do Pilates during cancer recovery?
Studies have consistently shown that exercise can offer positive benefits to both those living with cancer, while also preventing recurrent cancer in survivors. One study showed that regular exercise can help to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer, while another 7-year study (across 1000 stage 3 colon cancer patients) showed that those who exercised regularly had a 31% decrease in cancer recurrence.
Other benefits include:
- Reduced pain – If you’ve spent a lot of time sedentary during your treatment, our classes can get you gently moving again and reduce any pain you may be experiencing.
- Improved mood – Pilates can be a great way to encourage mindfulness and relaxation, as well as improving overall well-being during this stressful period.
- Increased strength & flexibility – our classes help you build up your strength gradually. Most people will feel weaker after ongoing treatments. Our Pilates classes can help you gradually feel like yourself again.
- Reconnect you with your core & pelvic floor – this is often affected with treatment so can lead to other problems. Pilates is known for improving this.
- Reduced breathlessness – breathing disorders affect 10-30% of otherwise healthy people and is commonly seen after stress and trauma. One of Pilates core principles is breath. This means that part of your focus will be on this and will help you find control over your breathing again.
- Reduced fatigue – this means being tired, physically, mentally and emotionally. Regular activity has been shown to ease your symptoms of fatigue.
- Improved body confidence – because you will be able to do more, and take control over your body again, you will feel better about your body.
- Improve your resilience – recovering from cancer is more than just the medical treatment. You also want to ensure that your quality of life once your treatment has finished returns. Exercise can help you with this and will help you keep moving, and therefore loosing less strength.
How does Pilates for cancer rehab work?
This depends on what you choose to do. However, we recommend all clients complete our new client offer of 2x 55 minute sessions for a heavily discounted price.
These 1:1 sessions specifically tailored to help you improve and retain your movement as well as help you relax. No two classes are the same, just as no two cancers are the same; with over 100 different types of cancer, everyone is affected differently. As such, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your recovery.
During your class, our Pinc & Steel Clinical or Pink Ribbon Pilates instructors will assess your movement and get you going, guiding you through movements designed to help build strength in your core, improve posture and body awareness, control breathing techniques, and help your overall well-being – depending on your specific needs at that time.
From these sessions we will be able to give you clear advice about what suits you best.
We understand that cancer can be unpredictable, and recovery can take time; after each session, we’ll always discuss any progress made, as well as any new goals or objectives to work towards and how best to manage the next session.
At Complete Pilates, our aim is to make sure you’re comfortable with every class so there’s no pressure – only support.
Why should you come to a Pilates class?
If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, you may find that your energy levels, flexibility, and movement have all been negatively impacted, whether it be from chemotherapy or other cancer-fighting drugs. This is where a low-impact exercise like Pilates can come in useful – especially as exercise is shown to improve both the physical and emotional well-being of those undergoing cancer treatment.
Rather than performing complex Pilates routines at home, our rehab Pilates classes or NEXT steps classes are designed with the specific needs of you in mind. Every session is tailored to your individual needs, with exercises designed to help build strength & stability while also promoting relaxation & stress relief. We understand how important it is for you to find time for yourself during treatment, so our classes also provide a sense of routine, where you can connect with your instructor in a safe environment while rebuilding your physical strength.
Choosing the right Cancer Rehab Pilates class
As with all Pilates, cancer rehab options are no different. At Complete Pilates we offer:
- 1:1 in person Pilates classes
- Group classes which is called our NEXT steps
- On demandÂ
The important thing to remember is that the more people you are working in a class with, the less attention you will get. As a result it is important to be honest with yourself about not only what you are currently capable of, but what you would like to achieve. Investing at the start may actually help you save in the long run.
If you’re not able to come and see us at one of our London studios, we also offer online Pilates classes .
Getting started with Pilates
In order to create the most optimised experience possible, please fill in our health questionnaire so that we can tailor a programme best suited to your needs and give you appropriate recommendations. Make sure to let us know of any physical limitations and remember that giving us comprehensive information about you and the treatment you are undergoing will help us create the most optimal Pilates experience for you.
You don’t need a referral to come to a session with us, but you may wish to forward us the contact details of your doctors (or others in charge of your recovery) as well as any medical letters; this can better help us design a programme that complements your treatment.
Why do Rehab Pilates with Complete Pilates?
At Complete Pilates, our instructors who will lead your sessions are highly trained through Pinc & Steel in supporting those undergoing cancer treatment. Our team is made up of clinical Pilates instructors and chartered physiotherapists so we understand what is happening.
We also understand how important it is for you to find some time to yourself during treatment, and our classes provide an opportunity to do just that – in a safe and supportive environment where you can connect with others who are also going through similar experiences.
Meet our trained Cancer Rehab Team
These clinicians have completed specialised training in providing Pilates for those who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer or those in remission.
Frequently asked questions
Can I exercise when I have cancer?
Simply put yes. However, we do recommend passing on your oncologists or doctors details so that we can talk with them. It is also important to be honest about any current limitations, surgeries and treatment that you may still be undergoing. This is so that we can ensure to modify any exercise to fit you. Pilates, particularly equipment based Pilates, is a great low-impact exercise to choose. The springs are assistive so can help you move and will enable you to do more whilst controlling your movements. Think hydrotherapy without the heat and the pool!
Can I attend a group session or just 1-to-1 classes?
We offer a NEXT steps programme which is designed for cancer survivors of all levels. There are up to 10 people in this class and it can be done online or in person.
We also have on demand options for those undergoing treatment. However, please ensure that you contact us before you start so you get your online 1:1 first. This is included in the cost of the course.
The important thing is to be realistic with your starting point. If you are significantly struggling you may want to invest in 1:1s so that you get the most out of your sessions. Talk to us as we may also be able to offer 30 minute appointments.
Can you exercise while undergoing chemotherapy?
Yes. Exercise has been shown to help reduce symptoms such as chemo brain and choices such as equipment Pilates can be modified to suit you on any given day. That said, it’s always best to speak to us, your doctor, or someone else involved in your care before taking on any new exercise programme.