Date of the WeekTimeClass NameVenueFormatInstructorStart and End Dates
Monday5:00-6:00 pmStretch and StrengthLink ProvidedZOOMKim BoudreauMonday, January 15-December 16
Tuesday1:00-2:00 pmTeena's Book ClubTBCHybrid zoom/in PersonMarie-Louise DoyleTuesday, January 16-December 17
Wednesday5:00-6:00 pmRestorative YogaLink ProvidedZOOMKim BoudreauWednesday, January 17-December 18
Wednesday1:00-3:00Art ExpressionTBCIn personPolly ErskineWednesday, January 17-December 18
Friday9:30-10:30Nia Fitness Wellness LifestyleLink ProvidedZOOMBarbara CarriereFriday, January 19-December 20

Day of the Week Time Class Name Venue Format Instructor Start and End Dates
Monday 5:00-6:00 pm Stretch and Strength ZOOM Virtual Kim Boudreau October 3 -December 19
Tuesday 1:00-2:00 pm Teena's Book Club TBC In person Marie-Louise Doyle October 4 -December 20
Tuesday 6:00-7:00 pm Nia Fitness Wellness Lifestyle Hintonburg Community Centre
1064 Wellington St. W
Room 1 in the Lower Level
Hybrid Shar Chowdhury October 11 - December 20
Wednesday 1:00-3:00 Art Expression TBC In person Polly Erskine October 5 - December 14
Wednesday 5:00-6:00 pm Restorative Yoga ZOOM Virtual Kim Boudreau October 5 - December 14
Thursday 6:15-7:15 pm Zumba Fitness TBC Virtual Christine Dubue October 13 - December 15
Friday 9:30-10:30 Nia Fitness Wellness Lifestyle ZOOM Virtual Barbara Carriere October 7 - December 16
Day of the Week Time Class Name Venue Format Instructor Start and End Dates
Monday 5:00-6:00 pm Stretch and Strength Zoom Virtual Kim Boudreau July 11 - September 11
Tuesday 1:00-2:00 pm Teena's Book Club On hiatus for July and August In Person Marie-Louise Doyle September 6 - September 27
Wednesday 1:00-3:00 Art Expression On hiatus for July and August In Person Polly Erskine July 13 - September 13
Wednesday 5:00-6:00 pm Restorative Yoga Zoom Virtual Kim Boudreau September 14 - September 28
Thursday 6:15-7:15 pm Zumba Fitness On hiatus for July and August Virtual Christine Dubue September 8 - September 30
Friday 9:30-10:30 Nia Fitness Wellness Lifestyle Zoom Virtual Barbara Carriere July 8 - September 30

 

Day of the Week Time Class Name Venue Format Instructor Start and End Dates
Monday 5:00-6:00 pm Stretch and Strength Zoom link sent upon registration ZOOM Kim Boudreau Monday April 4-June 27
Tuesday 1:00-2:00 pm Teena's Book Club Address TBC on registration In Person Marie-Louise Doyle Tuesday April 5 - June 28
Wednesday 1:00-3:00 Art Expression Address TBC on registration In Person Polly Erskine Wednesday April 6-June 29
Wednesday 5:00-6:00 pm Restorative Yoga Zoom link sent upon registration ZOOM Kim Boudreau Wednesday April 6-June 29
Thursday 6:15-7:15 pm Zumba Fitness Zoom link sent upon registration ZOOM Christine Dubue Thursday April 7 - June 30
Friday 9:30-10:30 Nia Fitness Wellness Lifestyle Zoom link sent upon registration ZOOM Barbara Carriere Friday April 8 - June 24

 

I was thrilled to discover the Franklin Method class. Its gentle approach to mind and body integration seems like just what I need for my healing. Rowena is a very knowledgeable and inspiring instructor. The focus on coordination is helpful for my neuropathy, which has affected my proprioception (sense of where my body is in space) and balances out the strength, cardio and flexibility I’m working on. I enjoy learning about how my anatomy works. There is a strong emphasis on paying attention to how your body feels. It’s very relaxing and good for stress relief too.

All members of Breast Cancer Action are eligible to take any of the classes offered (Additional membership fee of $50 applies). Members can register and join classes at any time during the program. You will be asked to complete a waiver during the registration process. And if you are not a member of Breast Cancer Action or if it’s time to renew, please visit our membership page before you leave the website.

We encourage everyone to check out other exercising options and healthy activities during the summer.

The “More than just Fitness” Program

A recent review article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (July 2017) summarized that ‘Physical activity… has the most powerful effect of any lifestyle factor on breast cancer outcomes. At least 120 minutes per week of physical activity is recommended, but less than 13% of patients with breast cancer attain this.’

We at Breast Cancer Action are aware of the importance of physical activity, not only in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence, but also in improving one’s confidence, self-esteem, mood, and a sense of inner strength. It also allows us to enjoy work and leisure activities with more energy, and handle some of the tests and treatments we must have with resilience. We aim to assist our members in acquiring or maintaining an active lifestyle, which can only benefit them and their families.

Our program offers a variety of activities to suit different levels of fitness and interests. We offer yoga, stretch and strength (which aims to be about half aerobics and half stretching and resistance training, belly dancing, Tai Chi, and now pole walking as an intermittent offering. The emphasis is on getting fit, doing activities safely especially in view of the surgeries we have undergone for our breast cancers, and having FUN. Down the line, we are hoping to include occasional ‘extra’s’ like nutrition workshops, information sessions on the prevention and management of lymphedema, the do’s and don’ts of a personal home based exercise program, and perhaps even updates on breast cancer itself. We are collaborating with other organization In Ottawa in order to provide better information and access to programs that may be of interest to our members. One example is the free nutrition workshops offered by OICC (Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre).

 

Some women join our fitness classes for a short time during or shortly after their acute cancer treatment, and then move on. Other stay on for years and benefit from the social and emotional support that often accompanies the exercise. Many do a combination of both, wanting to remain ‘connected’ with friends and informal peer supporters. Often our members will say that taking the Breast Cancer Action classes gives them the training they need to do other exercise safely and more confidently given their post-surgery or radiation concerns. Some of us are in our 20’s; some in our 70’s or 80’s. Some of us have had an exercise routine all our lives; others are becoming active for the first time ever. We each progress at our own pace and according to what’s safe and enjoyable.

 

Every attempt is made to offer classes in different parts of Ottawa and at different times of the day. Our vision is that we will be able to provide more variety in future.

 

For more information, call 613-736-5921 or e-mail us at [email protected]

Class Locations

St Laurent Community Centre

525 Cote St.
Ottawa, ON
K1K 0Z8

Beyond Yoga

66 Hearst Way #3
Kanata, ON
K2L 2P4

Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation

1500 Alta Vista Dr.
Ottawa, ON
K1G 3Y9

Arcana Martial Arts

1484 Scott St.
Ottawa, ON
K1Y 2N4

Goulbourn Recreation Complex

1500 Shea Road
Ottawa, ON
K2S 0B2

Greenboro Community Centre

363 Lorry Greenberg Dr.
Ottawa, ON
K17 3P8

Hintonburg Community Centre

1064 Wellington St.
Ottawa, ON
K1Y 2Y3

Nepean Creative Arts Centre

35 Stafford Rd.
Nepean, ON
K2H 8V8

Churchill Seniors Recreation Centre

345 Richmond Rd.
Ottawa, ON
K2A OE7

Awaken Studio

111A Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario

The Importance of Physiotherapy

70% of those diagnosed with cancer are struggling with physical side effects of treatment even 1-10 years after treatment has finished (1).  Pain, loss of shoulder mobility, lymphedema, fatigue, pelvic problems (pain, dryness/burning, incontinence), and osteoporosis are some of these side effects.

While movement and exercise is an important component of recovery, some people need a little more help.  Cancer Rehabilitation, offered by a specially-trained physiotherapist, can help you manage and improve these symptoms.

The College of Physiotherapists website has a list of physiotherapists who have indicated they work in Cancer Rehabilitation.  You can access this list HERE.  When referring to this list, please note that a physiotherapists' experience in cancer rehabilitation may vary widely so it is important to ask questions about their experience and treatment approach before booking; we encourage you to look at their websites and call to ask questions.  You deserve to have the best care possible and work with a physiotherapist you trust."

(1) MacMillan Cancer Support (2009). It's no life: living with the long-term effects of cancer

To access physiotherapists in the Ottawa area click the button below

Phone: 613.736.5921
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Breast Cancer Action Ottawa