Colchester Exercise Class
Before self referring, please do read all information provided below.
If you have any questions or need support completing the form, please contact the Cancer Wellbeing & Information Centre on 01206 745347 or email esneft.cancerwell-beingcentre@esneft.nhs.uk
Welcome
Our Prehab/Rehab exercise programme offers safe, supportive exercise classes for people with a diagnosis of cancer, at any stage of their journey. Classes are led by Janine, a qualified Public Health Manager and specialist fitness professional with over 25 years of experience. Janine specialises in all aspects of health improvement including long-term health conditions, including cancer, cardiac rehabilitation and understands how to safely support your individual needs.
Sessions are fun, engaging, and set to music in a circuit-style format, with exercises that can be adapted for all abilities. The focus is on improving strength, mobility, balance, cardiovascular fitness, and confidence, all in a safe, relaxed, and supportive environment.
Whether you have been recently diagnosed, are currently having treatment, or have finished treatment, these classes are designed to help you stay active, build strength, and support your physical recovery in a way that feels manageable and appropriate for you.
The exercises are adapted to individual ability, and no previous fitness or exercise experience is needed.
Referral criteria
You may be suitable for the Prehab/Rehab exercise programme if you:
Have had a diagnosis of cancer and were treated at an ESNEFT Hospital
Would like support to improve or maintain your physical strength, movement or fitness
Are able to take part in gentle to moderate exercise with adaptations
The programme may not be suitable if you:
Have a medical condition that makes exercise unsafe without specialist input
Require urgent or complex medical care
Class details
The exercise classes last 1 hour and are held weekly on Wednesdays at Fitness 4 Less at Colchester Business Park (please do not contact the venue directly).
Full details will be provided by your instructor when you have referred yourself for the programme.
How to Join
You can refer yourself to the programme; no healthcare professional referral is needed. The instructor will triage your referral and contact you by phone or email.
To self-refer:
Make sure you fulfil the referral criteria stated above
Click the self-referral link below
Complete and submit the online referral form
Once your referral has been received, your instructor will review your information and contact you to discuss the next steps.
If you have any questions or need support completing the form, please contact the Cancer Support & Information Centre on 01206 745347 or email esneft.cancerwell-beingcentre@esneft.nhs.uk
See below for FAQ’s
FAQ’s
What’s the parking like at Fitness 4 Less?
There is ample free parking.
Will I have to go up any stairs and are the toilets easily accessible?
The ladies and gents toilets are on the ground floor along with accessible toilets, as is the studio where the class is held.
Where do I go when I get to the centre?
Please wait at reception for your first session when you arrive.
What if I can’t do the exercises?
The exercises can be adapted to suit. If standing is a problem for example, then exercises can be carried out seated.
What if I’m not fit enough?
The class is a gentle circuit-based class with the use of soft bands. You can take lots of rests and work your way round at your own pace.
I don’t know what I can and can’t do.
Don’t worry. The instructor will guide you and adapt where necessary. If exercise is new to you this is the ideal class to get you started.