Proactive exercise classes are for people who are having treatment for cancer, or who have finished their treatment and are now living with or beyond cancer. These classes are a new initiative introduced through an exciting partnership between Birmingham City Council and Prostate Cancer UK. Classes are open to people who have had all types of cancer, not just prostate cancer.
There’s lots of evidence to show the benefits of people of being more active during and after treatment for cancer. Many everyday activities may well be suitable for many people in this situation, but these specialist classes, led by qualified instructors to provide a safe and supportive environment are a great starting point.
Proactive classes will be led by a qualified instructor and will be a group exercise session in a ‘circuits’ style. This means that there are a wide range of exercises for different parts of the body set out in stations around the room and people complete the ones suitable for them and at the intensity level right for them. People can rest when they need and miss out exercises that aren’t suitable. At the end of each session there will be a time for a chat and some refreshments.
People will be offered 12 weekly sessions to attend. This will be over a 15 week period, to allow for time holidays etc. Sessions will be free to attend to patients as Prostate Cancer UK is funding the classes in the pilot phase; until 31 March 2015.
Venues, days and times.
Proactive exercise classes are on:
Saltley Community Leisure Centre Tuesdays 11.00am – 12.15pm (new time from 21 April 2015)
Kingstanding Leisure Centre Thursdays 10.30am – 11.45am
The exercise sessions will be led instructors who are advanced fitness instructors and also have the Level 4 cancer and exercise rehabilitation specialist exercise qualification. There are also always staff on site that are first aid qualified.
