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 every future In the Pink participant is met for a relaxed face-to-face assessment before they join the programme, so that they feel welcomed into a safe, supportive environment.

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

The 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 the programme is delivered 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 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.

Follow-up meetings take place to check-in with participants at three and six months after they’ve completed the programme, to answer any questions and see 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 by clicking here participants-stories