Your first exercise class
What to expect
Exercise with a PICC line?
You can maintain an active lifestyle and exercise safely.
Your first exercise class is likely to be a group prehabilitation class aimed at getting you active and helping you prepare physically, before surgery or before starting treatment or perhaps a balance class aimed at improving strength and confidence when mobilising.
In Harrogate, the exercise sessions take place in the main studio which is located on the first floor in the main Harrogate Sports & Fitness Centre building (directly behind the Active Against Cancer office where you had your initial assessment). Enter the main entrance and proceed up the stairs to your left. If you require assistance getting to the first floor there is a lift located on the right as you enter the main entrance. The studio is through the door on the left at the top of the stairs.
In Ripon, sessions take place in studio 2 at The Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre. Please make your way there and wait in the seated area outside the studio.
Please arrive on time for your sessions.
You can go straight to the class.
Wait for a member of the Active Against Cancer team to call you in to the studio.
Our team will be made aware of any special instructions you have been given during your assessment.
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You will be asked to take a seat at any available exercise station and one of the team will speak with you individually before the session begins.
Your exercise station is your area and will have all the kit you will require for your session. No other patient will enter your station but you will be able to see the other patients exercising and they will be able to see you.
One trainer will lead the session and demonstrate the exercises and the other trainer(s) will help you learn the exercises, modify the exercises where necessary and ensure you are comfortable during the session.
This will help you become more confident in the exercise studio environment. You can then start to ‘push’ yourself a little bit harder as you get more used to the exercises. The Active Against Cancer physical trainers will help you do this and encourage you every step of the way.
- A brief ‘warm-up’. This is aimed at gently and gradually loosening your joints and muscles ready for exercise. Don’t be surprised if your heart rate becomes a little elevated and your breathing become a little more heavy.
- The main session is aimed at working your muscles a little harder than usual. Your legs, arms and torso will all be worked and your heart and breathing rate may increase a little further. We may use some specialist kit such as weights or resistance bands but, don’t worry, we have all the kit and you don’t need to bring anything. Sometimes during the main session the physical trainers may also choose to do some balance, joint flexibility or core exercises.
- The session finishes with a cool down where the physical trainers will ensure your heart rate returns to normal and your muscles get a stretch.
- Each exercise session lasts 45 minutes.
- You will again be offered hand sanitiser.
Important information for your exercise session
- You do not need any specialist kit or equipment.
- Please wear comfortable loose fitting clothes and flat non-slip shoes (training shoes are ideal but not essential).
- Please bring with any specific medication with you to your exercise session (such as respiratory medication). Unfortunately, you will not be able to take part in your session if you do not have it with you.
- Please bring a bottle of water (there is a water fountain for refills).
- You must book into each exercise session (this will be explained during your initial assessment).
- Each exercise session will have a maximum of 18 patients.
- If you cannot attend a booked session, please call or e-mail us to cancel so we can make the place available to another patient.