Move more
There are many benefits to moving your body and it can be a wonderful way to increase your physical and emotional wellbeing when living with cancer.
When you see this icon across our website, it means the support offered will help you to move more.
We know that it’s not always easy to know where to start, or how to get back to exercise when cancer and cancer treatments can affect your energy, confidence and what types of movement feel feasible. At Penny Brohn UK, we have a range of services and resources that offer personalised support to help you move your body safely, enjoyably, and sustainably.
How moving your body can help when living with cancer
Movement can support your body and mind and help you to live well at every stage of living with cancer. There is a considerable amount of evidence showing how moving more can improve your health and wellbeing before, during and after treatment. The good news is that it doesn’t matter what type of movement feels best for you right now, any type of physical activity can be beneficial, no matter how gentle or upbeat.
- Moving your body can reduce the impact of cancer treatments and their side effects, including fatigue, bone density, pain, sleep issues and constipation.
- Exercise can help build back your strength, flexibility, and energy levels, following the effects of cancer, surgery or other cancer treatments.
- All types of movement can help improve your mood, stress levels and sleep, supporting your emotional health and wellbeing. Reduced stress levels can help your immune system and the rest of your body work better too.
- All body systems benefit directly from exercise too. Supporting your physical health with movement can improve your resiliency as you go through and recover from treatment, supporting better outcomes and overall health long-term.
- Finding relaxing, energising or simply fun ways to move can give your confidence and self-image a wonderful boost. It can be a great way to connect with people and with nature too.
Getting started with moving more
We understand that it may seem difficult to get going with exercise after a cancer diagnosis. Perhaps you’ve not done much physical activity before and don’t know where to begin. It may be that you’re not sure how to get back to exercising again due to changes in your body, strength, and energy, that are common when living with cancer.
Everyone has different fitness levels, abilities, and preferences. There is no one size fits all when it comes to moving more.
Our exercise practitioners all specialise in movement and cancer and can help you adapt different activities to ensure they are safe, manageable and enjoyable. Our team will guide you towards introducing new ways of moving at the right pace for you.
We provide various types of movement from Qi Qong and yoga, to strength and stamina. So, whether you want to move more to feel relaxed, uplifted or fit and strong, we have different activities to suit you. Whatever your prior experience or current situation we can help with personalised movement support that can work for your own needs and priorities.
More support to help you move more
In person: Food and move days
This is a rejuvenating wellbeing day focusing on eating and moving well, offered in person at our beautiful wellbeing centre near Bristol
In person: Retreats
Our retreat programme always includes different movement sessions to help you relax, feel energised and have some fun too!
One-to-one support
If you need additional support in getting started with moving your body or require help with safe adaptations for your specific needs, we offer a limited amount of one-to-one sessions with our exercise specialists.
If you would like to speak to one of our team to understand what support is best for you right now, our Client Support Team is here for you Mondays to Fridays 10am – 4pm with support and guidance: clientsupport@pennybrohn.org.uk, 0303 3000 118.
Resources
Penny Brohn UK resources:
Other recommended resources:
Over the next few months, we will be developing more services focused specifically on addressing the most important cancer-related concerns. If you would like to keep up to date with new support we can offer we recommend signing up for our weekly email newsletter.