"Elena's class proved to be a saviour for me! Apart from improving my flexibility and building the strength in my affected arm it was also giving me so much positive energy and both a mental and physical strength to go trough my treatments!"
- Anna Rozinova. Breast Cancer Survivor. March 2016
Over the 16 years instructing Pilates both for regular exercise and rehabilitative I have had the incredible opportunity to work with Breast Cancer Survivors. The level of increased overall wellbeing for them through Pilates has been inspirational.
So much so I needed to know more so I completed The Pink Ribbon Programme.
One in 3 women are affected by Breast Cancer. Each and everyone of us has been touched in some way by Cancer, either through a loved one or friend. The increased awareness has resulted in many cases of early diagnosis of Breast Cancer which in turn means that most of those cases are treatable.....if its treatable it's not terminal.
The Pink Ribbon Programme is a 12 session course over 6 or 12 weeks, privately or within small groups, for Post Op Breast Cancer Survivors. The Pilates based exercises help to rehabilitate the muscles affected by surgery, either through masectomy and or reconstruction of the breast...while helping the whole body move and integrate .
Many have felt a little at loss and alone once treatment is finished and the team of doctors and nurses are no longer there to alleviate stresses and worries. This programme helps you rebuild and regain your strength both physically and mentally, getting back to life better than ever before.
Benefits of The Pink Ribbon Programme:
- Regain mobility and strength in affected arm and shoulder.
- Promotes Lymphatic Drainage, helping to prevent Lymphadema
- Improves functional ability and quality of life.
- Enhances and restores energy levels.
- Restores posture.
- Decreases stress and anxiety.
- Alleviates pain and swelling.
Anna Rozinovas Full Testimonial:
I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in April 2015. I am 38 years of age and mother to two boys aged 2 and 4. Soon i had a surgery with removal of the lump from my left breast and one lymph node under my arm. I was doing some exercises to return flexibility to my arm that had been advised after the surgery but it did not feel that it was enough for me so i started attending Elena's Pilates classes.
My first class was one day before my first chemo treatment. Elena's class proved to be a saviour for me! Apart from improving my flexibility and building the strength in my affected arm, it was also giving me so much positive energy and both a mental and physical strength to go trough my treatments!
My treatment was bi-weekly so my body would be exhausted the week of the chemo. The week after I would then go to Pilates. I noticed that I felt much stronger after the class and had less side effects after the treatment almost like my body was activated and everything was circulating better.
In total I had 8 chemo treatments and surprisingly to myself did not miss too many Pilates sessions along the way. Elena was very understanding and offered me total flexibility with my attendance and modification of some exercises for my condition.
After chemo treatment was finished I started radiotherapy which affected the flexibility in my arm again. I could feel some restriction building up in my left arm. Currently I have started to do specific exercises for my arm, under Elena's guidance and hope to return full strength and flexibility to my arm, and to my whole body.
I believe that i was very lucky to find my pilates and such an amazing instructor like Elena who is a gifted teacher and fantastic person. The course exceeded all my expectations and i hope to be attending Elena's classes for many years to come.