Exercise support for cancer patients
Funds raised through the 2025 Dry July campaign helped purchase a Pilates Reformer machine to support cancer exercise therapy at Bendigo Health.
Exercise is an important part of cancer treatment and recovery, with research showing it can help reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve treatment tolerance and support psychological wellbeing and quality of life.
The new equipment is already making a difference for cancer patients attending supervised exercise sessions at Bendigo Health.
Bendigo Health Cancer Centre Exercise Physiologist Aimee Ryan said the reformer has been beneficial for patients who may find standing exercises difficult.
“The reformer has been used by most of the patients that come through the Cancer Centre for supervised exercise sessions. It is used for a multitude of things, whether that is strength training or balance.”
“The reformer allows us to do weighted exercises in a lying position. Some of our patients can’t tolerate standing, so being able to do them lying down has been very beneficial.”
The reformer also allows the team to safely increase resistance and build muscle strength.
“What it allows us to do specifically for cancer patients is to increase muscle mass at a quicker rate than if we were to do bodyweight exercises. We can use the springs, which are resistance-based, to load those patients in a comfortable and safe way.”
Beyond the physical benefits, Bendigo Health Cancer Centre Exercise Physiologist Tara Bewley said the equipment can also help patients build the confidence to keep exercising in the community.
“It’s useful for all patients we see in the gym. It’s a good way of promoting that community transition. People who might be keen to get exercising in the community but are unsure how, and want to try Pilates, can try it here in a supervised environment.”
Thank you to everyone who participated in, supported and donated to the 2025 Dry July campaign. Your support has helped provide cancer patients at Bendigo Health with access to equipment that supports their strength, mobility and wellbeing throughout treatment and recovery.