WOMEN who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their lives are being invited to register now for the free after breast cancer exercise program.
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The program, Encore, will run in Nowra and Mittagong and starts on January 30 and February 11 respectively.
The Breast Cancer Network of Australia recommends regular exercise to help improve physical and emotional wellbeing, including mood, sleep, and bone mineral density, and to help manage some of the physical side effects of breast cancer treatment, such as fatigue and pain.
The YWCA NSW Encore program's exercise component is based on the latest scientific research revealing the benefits of exercise for women being treated for breast cancer, which shows that aerobic and resistance exercise is of particular benefit.
A recent study that compared two groups of breast cancer survivors (active vs non active) just been completed in the US.
It found that exercise led to improvement in AI-induced arthralgia (pain in a joint) in previously inactive breast cancer survivors.
YWCA NSW Encore Manager Kate Guthrey said Encore supported the well-being of women after the trauma of breast cancer surgery and/or treatment in a nurturing and supportive environment.
"While we have a strong focus on exercise our sessions also include information sharing through guest speakers and links into local community services and resources," Ms Guthrey said.
The Encore program helps women stay well after a very difficult time in their lives - not only through the proven physical benefits of the program, but also through meeting others who have had similar experiences. A recent participant from the Mittagong program agreed.
"I have received a new confidence to move forward as a breast cancer survivor. I have made connections with new friends," the participant said.
"It enabled me to see that the things I was experiencing were quite normal and others had been through the same things. But most importantly I now understand the benefits of exercise post breast cancer.
"What a difference that makes to every area of your life and how good it feels to take time for yourself - it's a great program."
These program run for eight weeks, and can be tailored to all fitness levels (from the fit to those with inhibited movement), abilities and incorporates land and hydrotherapy exercises.
These YWCA NSW Encore Programs will run weekly between 10am and 3pm. Each session runs for about two hours.
Places are still available and participation is free - just enrol.
Register by calling 02 9285 6264 or 1800 305 150 or email encore@ywcansw.com.au
As medical clearance is required, it's important to register as soon as possible in order to secure a place. Classes are small and intimate, so places fill up quickly.