Kicking Cancer's Ass in The Gym

5th February 2020 News

I've always been a bit of a fitness freak embracing the Green Goddess high cut leotards and shiny leggings of the 80s to the trendy but subtly branded sportswear of today. I've done aerobics, step, body combat, body pump, pilates, running, yoga and some heavy weight lifting....oh and you can throw some salsa dancing into all that as well.

The thing that's stayed constant is the impact on my well being. And since being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2016 this has become more and more important to me, in fact I don't know what I'd do without it. Whilst I'l never be Victoria Pendleton I love a spin class, used to hate it! But now it's my go to when I'm feeling a bit low, fatigued or run down.....I'm literally buzzing when I get off the bike after 45 minutes.

For strength training I do some HIIT sessions put together by my PT who redesigns a programme for me every few weeks....helps keeps the cost down. And once a week I go heavy, again under the guidance of my PT. I hear that cancer hates oxygen, so getting my heart pumping gets oxygen into all those hard to reach places where the pesky buggar might be hiding. And the strength building I believe helps keep me strong for whatever this disease might throw at me next.

The best advice I've ever had regarding exercise is to be consistent, patient and above all enjoy it! Excuses are the biggest barriers to progress......start small....you can do it!

Written by Alison Tait