Subsidised fixed-term Gym Memberships
Who can access subsidised fixed-term gym membership?
Any patient with a cancer diagnosis
At some locations, you may be able to have someone to support you as your Buddy. Please make enquiries via the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre
If you are new to exercise, or have not been taking part in any form of exercise for a while due to your cancer treatment, you might want to consider starting with one of the general exercise activities first, for example Back on Track in Felixstowe.
What is the aim of the Gym membership?
To help you become more active by engaging in a wide range of gym equipment and floor based activities that can help strengthen and tone your muscles, help with stability, balance and increase your cardio vascular system.
What can you expect?
Each gym has a named Instructor who has been trained in cancer rehabilitation. Their role is to set you an individual programme, that takes into consideration the information you have provided on your booking form. They will take into consideration any physical difficulties, plus the treatment you may be receiving or have had in the past. These are not your personal trainers but are there to advise, support and adapt your exercise programme as and when you need them. The advantages and disadvantages of a gym membership depend on your individual circumstances and aims.
For example, the advantages of having a gym membership could include:
You can access several different activities: gym, pool, classes (check at the gym what classes are available to you) within the limits of your membership.
You can work independently at your own pace and a time that suits you.
You have the opportunity to see if you want to commit to a full subscription in the long term.
Conversely, the disadvantages of having a gym membership could include:
You don’t have the peer support of other cancer patients whilst at the gym, should that be important to you.
You need to be sufficiently aware of your body to ensure you do not exceed your capabilities.
You need to have the confidence to ask for support from the instructor when you are struggling or feel that you are ready to increase your level of exercise.
You need to attend the gym sufficiently so that you get best value for money.
Cost of subsidised membership and commitment period
You will be committing to pay the agreed amount for subsidised membership for one single period of 12 weeks - 6 months (depending on the venue: see below). The information below was current in April 2022:
Riverhills, Bramford, £45 for 12 weeks (anytime access)
Mid-Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket, £22.50 per month for 6 months (includes exercise app)
Stradbroke Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, £18.75 per month for 6 months
Felixstowe Leisure Centre, £49.95 for 12 weeks (anytime access)
When booking check that the period of subsidised membership gives you good value. Please take into consideration booked holidays, planned treatment and whether the time of year is suitable for you to travel back and forth to the gym.
If during the period of the subsidised membership your health or your treatment changes making accessing the gym difficult or impossible, then you can request to have your membership put on hold until you are able to return. You will be required to make an appointment back with your instructor to be reassessed before returning. You also need to make the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre aware of your suspended membership.
Buddy Support
You can ask to have a named person of your choice to act as your Exercise Support Buddy (not available at Felixstowe Leisure Centre). This person will have access to the same subsidised membership as you, to attend at the same time as you. As your buddy they are there to give you motivational support and to help you maintain your programme set by your instructor. This person is best to attend your initial programme set up so they can help you along the way. They can have their own programme too but the idea is first and foremost to be your buddy.
To make a booking
To make a booking for this activity, contact the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre by phone 01473 715748 or in visit person. For more detailed information about the booking process please follow this link.
Participating gyms
Please follow the links below for information about the facilities available at each location.
