I am one of the only personal trainers in the UK who has developed a comprehensive rehabilitation programme specifically for cancer sufferers. Until very recently, cancer patients were advised by doctors to rest, especially during treatment. There has more recently been a complete U-turn, with cancer patients now being advised to remain as active as possible - just to lower the intensity, and do less when undergoing treatment.

Substantial evidence has been released to promote the positive effects of exercise and physical activity in people with cancer, and many benefits have been outlined for those who undertake structured programmes of exercise:

- Reduced levels of fatigue and tiredness

- Coping better with medication/treatment side-effects

- Coping better with cancer symptoms

- Reduced risk of secondary cancer developing

- Reduced risk of cancer returning - especially in breast, bowl and womb cancers

- Improved prognosis for the future

- Healthy heart and lungs

- Improved muscle tone and strength

- Improved flexibility

- Improved self-esteem and sense of well-being

- Lowered levels of pain

- Reduced risk of heart disease, lung disease, and strokes

- Reduced risk of diabetes

- Reduced risk of osteoporosis/brittle bone disease (common in many cancers)

- Lowered feelings of anxiety, stress and depression

- Improved networking from group exercise opportunities

I am working in conjunction with local cancer charity FORCE. In June 2011 we are launching two pilot groups of eight participants - one group who are receiving treatment still and one for whom treatment has finished - to exercise with me for an hour a week, for eight weeks. Following these pilots, plans will be laid down to provide more eight-week blocks throughout the year. Once participants have completed their eight sessions, they will be given the option of attending a continuation exercise class with me once or twice a week for as long as they want.

The exercise classes provided at FORCE will not cost participants a penny - as funding has been agreed for it, and the continuation classes will be available later in the summer months at Fitness First Exeter, at the knock-down price of just £3.50 per person, per class. This falls in line with my reduced rehabilitation class rate, many sufferers of a medical condition will not be able to earn as much money and may be on benefits, as such I have priced these opportunities in such a way as to be affordable to all.

The continuation classes can accommodate up to fifteen participants due to there being more space available, and also with the participants having had eight weeks experience of rehab activity already under their sleeve.

If you are interested in attending the FORCE classes, then please contact the centre itself on 01392 406151.

I am also available for 1:1 individual personal training for anyone who does not wish to exercise as part of a group, or for anyone who wishes to have their programme of exercise designed more specifically for them. These are available at the usual rate (see fees page on this website for details), as are partnership PT sessions and small group PT sessions (again see fees page for further information).