Next month the Community Cancer Center wellness program will bring back Pilates class! Pilates will be held on Monday’s at 5:15 p.m. The class will be taught by Andrea Kelley, mammographer at St. Luke’s Breast & Bone Health and Jones Regional Medical Center. Andrea has been practicing Pilates for 25 years, teaching for 20 years and been with the Community Cancer Center since close to its inception. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from Pilates class!
What is Pilates?
Pilates encompasses many aspects such as breathing, body alignment, precision and relaxation. The movements performed help strengthen and align the posture of the body with a variety of controlled movements for all abilities.
What can patients expect at Pilates class?
I’ve developed a class with input from the participants who attend on a regular basis. We typically begin with a warm-up which may include some easy dance movements to music. The main segment of the class utilizes light hand weights, stability balls, mats, Pilates rings and resistance bands. Every class ends with a few minutes of relaxation on the mat. There is always music, fun and smiles with hugs as well!
In what ways can Pilates benefit cancer patients during treatment and survivors as they recover in post-treatment or in the long term?
Those who attend class consider it to be a moving support group and have developed an incredible bond with each other. Many times patients have still been in treatment while attending and may only come to enjoy the company of the group.
What is your goal(s) when working with patients at the Community Cancer Center?
I want every patient to feel comfortable and know we are here for them. Many times patients are in treatment while attending so I provide options for each movement.
What is your favorite part about teaching at the Community Cancer Center?
It’s definitely the laughter, smiles, hugs and sometimes singing during class!
Anything else you’d like to add about Pilates coming back to the Community Cancer Center?
I’m so excited to be back with the class again! Some of the individuals have been in my life for many years in and outside of the classroom. On occasion we get together for dinner after class which makes my heart happy! So many friendships have developed because of the desire to move and be well!
To learn more about wellness programs at the Community Cancer Center, click here.
