Exercise and Educate
Intended Audience
All members including people living with cancer, family members and significant caregivers.
Program Description
This upbeat multifaceted program uniquely combines exercise with education to deliver just the right blend of physical and mental stimulation. Specifically tailored for cancer survivors and significant caregivers, the program promotes self empowerment and is based on extensive evidence supporting the vital role of physical activity in the healing process.
This program was developed in collaboration with Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed and the University of Calgary Health and Wellness Lab.
“Exercise gives me more energy and flexibility.”
“The facilitator is very knowledgeable but also makes it fun to exercise. I love this class!”
“The facilitator is a great teacher/motivator. I like the fact that exercises are varied with a wide range of things to try.”
Benefits and Impact
The benefits of exercise have long been celebrated and research supporting exercise for cancer survivors is broad and comprehensive. It is well documented that physical activity can improve physical functioning, fatigue management and overall quality of life. Other benefits include reduced pain symptoms, improved body image and self esteem, and lower risk of cancer reoccurrence. In accordance with these findings, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week plus two days of strength training.
What to Expect at a Session
Classes begin with gentle effective movement along with tips on ways to exercise safely and incorporate healthy activity in everyday living. Exercises vary each class with measured attention on cardiovascular, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and relaxation. Classes are fun, uplifting and supportive with built in degrees of challenge to accommodate members at any fitness level. Participants show up with comfortable clothing and running shoes and leave with improved strength, mobility and energy. ParQ+ or PARmed-X forms required.
What the Research Says
Research shows that being more active as a cancer survivor can lead to a number of benefits. Physical activity is a safe and effective intervention throughout all stages of disease. It has been reported to improve management of cancer related stressors and side effects (Courneya et al., 2007; Jones et al., 2010; Courneya et al., 2003; Knobf et al., 2007).
Other Research:
- Courneya, K., Friedenreich, C. (2007).
Physical activity and cancer control
(Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 23, 242-252). - Fong, D.Y., et al., Physical activity for cancer
survivors: meta-analysis of randomised
controlled trials (BMJ, 2012. 344: p. e70). - Knobf, M., Musanti, R., Dorward, J. (2007).
Exercise and quality of life outcomes in
patients with cancer (Seminars in Oncology
Nursing, 23, 285-296). - Schmitz, K.H., et al., American College of
Sports Medicine roundtable on exercise
guidelines for cancer survivors (Med Sci
Sports Exerc, 2010. 42(7): p. 1409-26). - Speck, R.M., et al., An update of controlled
physical activity trials in cancer survivors:
a systematic review and meta-analysis (J
Cancer Survive, 2010).
FOR RELATED RESEARCH CLICK HERE:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18022052
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20645033
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14600549
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18022056
