A gym-based fitness course specifically designed for breast cancer survivors begins in Wanaka next week.

Six local women will attend the first course to be held in Wanaka at the Proactive Gym. The 12-week block course is designed to address the most common weaknesses in people who have beaten breast cancer and help them get back into action.

It’s the initiative of Queenstown-based fitness instructors Maria Bradley and Jan Roughan but stems from Otago University’s health and science faculty associate professor Lynnette Jones’ programme EXPinkT, designed to rehabilitate women after breast cancer treatment.

Maria was in Wanaka this week assessing suitable candidates for the fitness course and spoke to the Wanaka App about the aims and success of the programme which aided eight women in Queenstown last year.

It’s the first time a licence to operate the specialised ‘cancer gym’ course has been granted to trainers outside of the University, Maria said. “All of our trainers did training with her [Lynnette],” she said. 

“Our courses are open to anyone who has had breast cancer, no matter how long ago, as long they have finished treatment.”

The course offers the dual benefit of exercise to improve health and well being and the social connections of getting the women together and them feeling understood and bonded to each other. 

Maria said one of the challenges was adapting the exercise regime of the twice weekly course to the participants, who represented a range of ages and fitness levels. 

“Often we’re working with people who haven’t usually been involved in a gym programme before and the goal is to motivate them to be active and join in.” 

A goal for those who attend the 12 week course is to continue to remain active, she said. “We want them to feel comfortable [about exercising] and find a way to stay active. We don’t want them to walk away and go back to square one.”

The social element is just as important, Maria said. As a breast cancer survivor herself, she understands the feelings of isolation in a world of healthy people. 

“We’re providing an environment where you’re the norm and not the odd one out,” she said.

Maria said they had wanted to expand their programme outside Queenstown and the oncology department at Dunstan Hospital suggested cancer survivors in Wanaka would benefit. They also hope to provide the programme in Alexandra next year.

With the generous support of donations and grants from organisations such as the Central Lakes Trust the course is free for those attending, Maria said.

While only six women will join the first Wanaka course, Maria expects there will be many more interested in the next course.

“We will run the courses every year so any woman diagnosed will know she has this to look forward to once she’s finished her treatment.”

Maria has been involved in the fitness industry for 30 years and is currently employed at Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Alpine Health and Fitness as the group fitness coordinator.

Any breast cancer survivor interested in attending the course can email Maria at [email protected].

PHOTO: Supplied