Written by Malak Manasrah
“More than just Exercise”
When people think about cancer treatment, they often think of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or medications. While these treatments play a critical role in fighting cancer, another powerful tool has gained increasing recognition over the past two decades: exercise.
For many years, individuals diagnosed with cancer were encouraged to rest as much as possible during treatment. Today, research tells a very different story. Health professionals now recognize exercise as an important part of supportive cancer care, with evidence showing that regular physical activity can help manage treatment side effects, improve physical function, and enhance overall quality of life. Although exercising independently has many benefits, participating in a group exercise class offers something even more meaningful. Group classes combine the physical advantages of exercise with emotional support, motivation, and a sense of community that can make a significant difference throughout the cancer journey.
Exercise as Medicine
Cancer and its treatments can affect nearly every system in the body. Many patients experience fatigue, muscle weakness, reduced endurance, loss of flexibility, balance impairments, and difficulty completing everyday activities. These side effects can continue long after treatment has ended, making it challenging to return to normal routines.
Fortunately, research consistently shows that exercise is one of the safest and most effective ways to manage many of these challenges. Studies (KS, 2010) have demonstrated that appropriately prescribed exercise can:
- Reduce cancer-related fatigue
- Improve muscular strength and endurance
- Increase cardiovascular fitness
- Enhance balance and mobility
- Maintain bone and muscle health
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Enhance overall quality of life
- Unlike ordinary tiredness, cancer-related fatigue often cannot be relieved by rest alone.
Interestingly, one of the most effective treatments for this type of fatigue is regular physical activity. While it may seem counterintuitive, moving the body often helps patients regain energy and improve daily functioning over time. Organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine and Exercise and Sports Science Australia now recommend that, whenever medically appropriate, individuals living with cancer remain as physically active as possible. Even small amounts of movement can provide meaningful health benefits.
Why Group Exercise Makes a Difference
While the physical benefits of exercise are well established, group exercise classes provide something that cannot always be achieved through exercising alone: connection.
A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly isolating. Between medical appointments, treatment schedules, and changes in physical ability, many individuals find themselves feeling disconnected from their usual routines and social circles. Walking into a group exercise class introduces them to others who understand many of the same challenges. Participants quickly realize they are surrounded by people who truly understand what they are experiencing. There is no pressure to explain why a particular day feels more difficult than another. Everyone recognizes that some days will be stronger than others, and that every effort deserves encouragement.
This supportive environment often helps reduce feelings of isolation while creating opportunities for friendships and meaningful conversations. The shared experience of working toward improved health builds a unique sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the exercise itself. Research has shown that social support is associated with better psychological well-being and may improve adherence to exercise programs. Simply knowing that others are expecting to see you each week can become a powerful source of motivation.
Building Confidence, One Class at a Time
One of the most rewarding aspects of group exercise is watching participants gradually regain confidence in their bodies.
Many individuals arrive at their first class feeling uncertain. They may worry that they are too weak, too tired, or unable to keep up with others. Some have not exercised in months or even years due to treatment and understandably feel anxious about where to begin. What quickly becomes apparent is that these classes are not about competition. Every exercise can be modified to suit each participant’s abilities, energy level, and comfort. Progress is measured individually, whether that means lifting a slightly heavier weight, walking a little farther, improving balance, or simply attending class consistently.
Over time, participants begin to trust their bodies again. Tasks that once seemed difficult become more manageable, and many regain confidence not only during exercise but also in their daily lives. Carrying groceries, climbing stairs, gardening, or playing with grandchildren become easier as strength and endurance improve.
Celebrating these small victories is an important part of every class because each accomplishment represents meaningful progress.
My Experience Teaching the Classes
Over the past several weeks, I have had the privilege of leading group exercise classes for individuals living with cancer or are survivors of cancer, and the experience has reinforced just how impactful these programs can be.
Each class brings together participants with different diagnoses, treatment experiences, and fitness levels. Despite these differences, everyone shares a common goal: to continue moving and improving their health in a safe and supportive environment.
One of the first things I noticed was how encouraging the participants are toward one another. Whether someone completes every exercise or simply attends class after a difficult week of treatment, every effort is recognized and celebrated. There is a genuine sense of teamwork that develops naturally within the group.
As the weeks have gone by, it has been incredibly rewarding to watch participants grow more comfortable and confident. Individuals who were initially hesitant to try certain exercises often begin attempting new movements with greater confidence. Others become more engaged in conversations before and after class, forming friendships and encouraging one another throughout each session.
Some of the most memorable moments have nothing to do with the exercises themselves. They happen when participants laugh together during a balance activity, congratulate each other after completing a challenging circuit, or proudly share that they were able to do something at home that had previously been difficult. These moments serve as reminders that exercise is about much more than improving physical fitness. It helps restore confidence, independence, and a sense of normalcy during a time when many aspects of life can feel uncertain.
As an instructor, it has been inspiring to witness the resilience, determination, and positivity that participants bring to every class. Their willingness to continue showing up, even on difficult days, is a powerful reminder that progress is not about perfection but about consistency and perseverance.
More Than Physical Health
Exercise supports more than muscles and the cardiovascular system. It also contributes significantly to emotional health. Many participants report feeling happier, less stressed, and more energized after attending class.
Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. Just as importantly, group classes provide structure, routine, and opportunities for social interaction, all of which contribute to overall well-being. For many participants, attending class becomes something they genuinely look forward to each week. It is a place where they feel supported, capable, and understood.
Research has consistently shown that exercise interventions improve emotional well-being, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance health-related quality of life in people living with and beyond cancer.
Every Step Matters
One of the most important messages we hope participants take away is that every movement counts. Exercise does not need to be intense or exhausting to make a difference. A few extra minutes of walking, a gentle strength exercise, or attending a weekly group class can all contribute to better health and improved quality of life.
Cancer rehabilitation is about helping individuals regain strength, confidence, and independence, and group exercise classes provide an ideal environment for achieving those goals. Through movement, encouragement, and shared experiences, participants discover that they are capable of much more than they may have believed.
The physical improvements are certainly worth celebrating, but perhaps the greatest success of these classes is the sense of hope they inspire. Each class reminds participants that they are not alone, that progress is possible, and that every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
For more information on group fitness classes or to register check out The Ottawa Cancer Foundation.