What to expect

Picking up the ‘phone to call us may be the hardest thing a woman will do after treatment for breast cancer

We understand that the women who join In the Pink are often at a low point in their lives. Although they want to exercise, they feel there are simply too many barriers in the way.

Many aren’t sure whether it’s safe to exercise after breast cancer, or what exercises they can do to support their recovery. Some would like to go back to mainstream fitness classes but feel too self-conscious.

That’s why we meet every future In the Pink participant for a relaxed face-to-face assessment before they join us, so that they feel welcomed into a safe, supportive environment.

It also help our teachers get to know them and helps us build a picture of the treatment they have had, whether it’s surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy - or a combination of all three - so we can fully support their physical recovery.

Our programmes are held in relaxed, local venues like community centres or halls, but we know that when survivors walk through the doors for the first time, it can be daunting. 

Which is why we work in small groups with a maximum of 10. Sometimes, it’s the start of firm new friendships and many past participants choose to stay in touch.

Every In the Pink programme runs over eight weekly sessions, each of which lasts two hours. Some are held in daytime, but we also hold others in the evening, to accommodate participants who work.

The first hour concentrates on Pilates-based exercises with our teachers and then there’s a 15-minute break, where there’s tea and coffee…and often a homemade cake.

The second half of each session involves bringing in one of our inspiring guest teachers, and always involves an element of learning fun new activities that participants might not have tried before.

Everyone who completes In the Pink is given a folder containing detailed exercises participants have learned over the eight weeks, which helps them to continue them at home in the future.

They also know that we’re always on the end of the ‘phone or only an email away if they’ve got questions about their physical recovery that we can help with.

We also come back and reassess past participants six and twelve  months after they’ve completed the programme, to answer any questions and check in with how they’re getting on.

All of this makes In the Pink unique.

For us, this is the best bit and we love to hear how In the Pink has helped change their lives for the better. If you’d like to hear some of these inspiring stories, you can read more here or watch our videos.