YWCA Australia’s free Encore breast cancer exercise and wellness program supports women in their breast cancer journey. Encore can help strengthen and tone arms, shoulders and chest, regain mobility, and improve general fitness. The program is particularly beneficial for women who have had preventative surgery, or surgical and other treatments, restoring mobility, flexibility and confidence. Based around land and pool exercises and information sessions, Encore is safe, therapeutic and fun. The water resistance exercises are tailored to suit individual capacity, and the warm water relaxes and relieves affected muscles.
We know that many women experience fatigue, numbness, pins and needles, loss of mobility, and discomfort in their upper bodies. Encore can help relieve these treatment side-effects through exercise.
YWCA Encore aims to help you:
- improve mobility and flexibility in your arms and shoulders
- relieve any discomfort you may be experiencing as a result of surgery
- reduce the potential risk of lymphoedema or manage existing lymphoedema
Importantly, Encore also focuses on mental health and wellbeing with a focus on body image, self-esteem and reducing stress and tension.
Encore is a proven program. Following are evaluation results from our national programs over the 2020-2022 period:
- 97% of participants experienced increased strength
- 97% experienced an increase in energy
- 98% reported an increase in mobility and ability to do everyday tasks
- 100% experienced an increase in flexibility
- 100% felt an improvement in emotional wellbeing