Specialist Exercise Classes for Medical Conditions

Exercise offers many benefits to anyone who takes part in a regular fitness class or routine. If you have been diagnosed with certain medical conditions, you may be wondering how you can continue to keep fit and healthy while still receiving treatment or recovering. Today we’re going to look at some of the most common medical conditions in the UK and how individuals with these conditions could benefit from adding a specialist exercise class into their weekly routine.

Breast Cancer

The NHS (1) shares that regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet can help to prevent the risk of breast cancer. However, specialist exercise classes can also benefit anyone who is currently suffering from breast cancer. A breast cancer exercise class will help you meet like-minded individuals while improving your strength and energy levels. You’ll focus on low impact exercises, which strengthen both the core and legs. All exercises can be tailored to your current treatment and recovery plan.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer UK (2) shares that regular physical activity can help you to manage the effects of prostate cancer and any treatment you are currently undergoing. A specialist exercise class for men with prostate cancer will include a mixture of cardiovascular, resistance, core, and pelvic floor exercises. You’ll enjoy meeting other men who have also been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the class can be tailored to your current energy levels and any side effects you are experiencing.

Parkinson’s

According to the NHS, one in 500 people is affected by Parkinson’s disease (3). For anyone with Parkinson’s, exercise is crucial for slowing the progression of the disease and your symptoms. Parkinson’s UK (4) shares that doing just 2.5 hours of exercise a week can slow your symptoms down. A specialist exercise class for Parkinson’s will focus on building your strength, posture, balance, and stability.  You’ll enjoy making new friends while working on exercises to target your hand and grip strength and facial muscles.

Limited Mobility

Scope (5) shares that over 14 million people in the UK are disabled, and one of the most common conditions faced is limited mobility. A seated exercise class is ideal for anyone with limited mobility and will still improve your strength, balance, and mobility. It’s suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities, and you’ll use resistance bands to build strength in each class.

Other Conditions

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with any medical condition, you will want to look at the benefits of adding exercise into your weekly routine. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, diabetes, weight loss, high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis can all be managed better with exercise. The NHS (6) encourages anyone with mild to moderate depression to add exercise into their routine, and all individuals in the UK are encouraged to enjoy 150 minutes of exercise a week. A My Pace Fitness Class, for example, will benefit anyone who has been referred or recommended by their GP to become more active and will help you recover from a wide range of conditions. You’ll go at your own pace throughout the class, so it can be tailored to your current condition and energy levels.

What next?

For further information about using exercise to help manage the symptoms of any of the above medical conditions, visit Stepping Stones Health & Well-being. Exercise is a crucial part of maintaining a balanced and healthy life, and with specialist exercise classes tailored to a wide range of conditions, you’ll find the perfect option for you in their extensive timetable.

If you liked this article, you might also like our articles on adaptive wellness, the benefits of PTs for older adults, and the benefits of working with a pre-natal personal trainer. 

References

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/prevention/

2. https://prostatecanceruk.org/get-support/diet-and-exercise-support

3. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/parkinsons-disease

4. https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/exercise

5. https://www.scope.org.uk/media/disability-facts-figures/

6. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/exercise-for-depression/