A GENTLE movement class in Barrhead that provides exercise and support to those with a cancer diagnosis is taking place in person again.

The sessions at the Barrhead Foundry are suitable for people who are waiting for treatment, in treatment, living with cancer or cancer free.

Three volunteers deliver the classes, which involve gentle massage, followed by mobility exercises to help the joints, as well as ‘chi gung’ – a system of co-ordinated posture body movements, breathing and meditation used to boost physical and mental health.

The Macmillan Move More programme had been delivered online during lockdown restrictions but co-ordinator Helen Harrison said it is boost for those taking part to be able to meet in person again.

She added: “Getting live classes back is key. We are also hoping to get our circuit class back up and running again soon, which will be with a cancer exercise specialist and should be sometime towards the end of the year.”

For people living with and beyond the disease, the advice used to be ‘rest is best’ but, as Helen explained, activity tailored to individual needs has its benefits.

“You need to listen to your body,” she said. “If you just had some recent treatment and chemotherapy, then you need to take it easy for 24 to 48 hours but it’s a case of exercising at a pace that is right for the individual.

“It may be at quite a low level. It just depends on the individual and where they are in the cancer journey.”

“I’m a Move More co-ordinator but I’m also a cancer and exercise specialist, so I’m able to advise people and say ‘don’t exercise today’ or ‘yes but do this, as it is a bit more appropriate for you.’

“Gentle movement is a different style to a circuit class but all of these exercises are evidence based and proven to help people affected by cancer. They can help mental health and anxiety during treatment and, post treatment, can help with some of the side effects.

“They can help you regain your fitness post treatment and maintain it during treatment.”

Along with the resumption of the gentle movement class, Move More sessions are continuing via Zoom.

There are also ‘cancer friendly walks’ in Cowan Park, Barrhead, and other locations in East Renfrewshire, including Newton Mearns and Giffnock.

“People shouldn’t just turn up,” added Helen. “What I would like them to do is phone the number and have a conversation with me because it’s not just about turning up for a walk.

“They can get extra support because we also have information support where I can give them a booklet and book them in for a chat with our volunteer.

“Just give me and my team a call. We are waiting to support you.”

For more information, call 0786 744 1489 or email helen.harrison@ercultureandleisure.org.