Exercise and education during and after your cancer treatment
What is SPRING?
SPRING is an exercise and information group developed to help men and women going through cancer treatment to improve their physical fitness and confidence.
The group is aimed at helping you adopt an active lifestyle to maximise the health benefits that can be achieved during and after your cancer treatment.
SPRING is held in the physiotherapy department at Yeovil Hospital and is supported by highly skilled physiotherapists and volunteers. It is a chance to meet others, learn more about healthy living and take your first steps towards creating and maintaining an active lifestyle. The group is very relaxed and friendly, and will help you improve your abilities at your own pace.
Where: Yeovil Hospital, physiotherapy department
When: Tuesday mornings, 9.30-11.30am or 10.30-12.30
Time: Once a week for 12 sessions
What: Up to an hour’s exercise in the gym and an informative talk with a cup of tea
Who: Anyone with a diagnosis of cancer at any stage of their cancer journey
Cost: Free!
Benefits of keeping active during and after cancer
Research has shown that exercising during and after cancer can have the following benefits:
- Makes your bones and heart healthier
- Makes your muscles stronger
- Helps you maintain a healthy weight
- Improves your wellbeing
- Helps convert body fat to muscle mass
- Provides an opportunity to socialise
- Improves mood
- Helps you cope with stress
- Helps you feel less tired
- Provides empowerment
Being active can also reduce your chances of getting other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease and stroke.
Many people are concerned that increasing their activity levels will increase their fatigue. Evidence has shown that a gradual, graded exercise program can actually reduce fatigue levels.
Is SPRING right for me?
What topics are covered in the Information sessions?
Topics that are covered in the talks include:
- Nutrition
- Fatigue
- Finances
- Emotional wellbeing
- Exercise
- Travel
- Osteoporosis
Plus many more
I have never been to a gym and don’t know how to use the equipment!
You are closely inducted and supervised by a specialist physiotherapist at all times to ensure you work effectively and safely whatever your level of fitness.
What activity do we do in the session?
We have a large range of gym equipment and weights. We will work with you to create a programme and give you ideas of how to exercise at home.
What do I do after the programme has finished?
We will discuss ways of you continuing your exercise independently in the education and discussion sessions to ensure you are confident to keep active after the programme has finished.
What happens now?
If you are interested in attending the group please speak to your medical team who will send your referral to the physiotherapy department.
The SPRING team will then contact you to book an initial assessment where we will discuss your medical history, introduce you to the gym environment and answer any questions or concerns that you may have. You can try SPRING for one week and if you wish to continue you can then join the class for a total of 12 sessions.
If you require hospital transport, we can arrange this for you. Please let the SPRING team know when they contact you. If you drive, you are entitled to free car parking at the hospital. We will provide you with permit information at your first appointment.
The SPRING team:
Charlie Nichols - Senior Physiotherapist
Sarah Clay - Senior Physiotherapist
Tara Swash - Rehabilitation Assistant
To contact the SPRING team please call the therapy reception on
01935 384 358 (the Therapy Department is open Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm).
