Pilates for Breast Cancer: Supporting Recovery
At Yellow Pilates, we believe in the transformative power of movement and its ability to support healing and wellbeing, especially for individuals navigating the challenges of breast cancer. With the right studio and teacher, Pilates can play a vital role in recovery, rehabilitation, and overall quality of life.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the UK, with around 55,000 women and 370 men diagnosed each year. While survival rates are improving, with 90% of women surviving five years after diagnosis, the journey doesn’t end there. Recovery and rehabilitation are crucial for restoring strength, confidence, and wellbeing.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Pilates can help breast cancer survivors at every stage of their journey—from treatment to recovery and beyond.
How Breast Cancer Impacts the Body
Breast cancer and its treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, can have a profound effect on the body. Many people experience:
Muscle weakness
Reduced shoulder and spine mobility
Pain and stiffness
Neurological changes
Fatigue
Lymphoedema (swelling caused by fluid retention)
Reduced bone density
Fear, anxiety, and stress
These challenges can make everyday activities feel daunting and can significantly affect physical and emotional health.
The Role of Exercise in Breast Cancer Recovery
Exercise is one of the most effective tools for improving physical and mental health during and after cancer treatment. Research has shown that regular physical activity can:
Reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by up to 40%.
Enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Alleviate side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, muscle loss, and cognitive changes.
Improve mental wellbeing, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
For those recovering from breast cancer, incorporating gentle, controlled exercise into their routine can make a world of difference.
How Pilates Helps Breast Cancer Survivors
Pilates is uniquely suited for breast cancer recovery because it is gentle, low-impact, and adaptable to individual needs. It focuses on building strength, flexibility, and balance, while also encouraging mindfulness and relaxation—key elements for anyone recovering from illness or injury.
At Yellow Pilates, we take a personalised approach to support breast cancer survivors at every stage of their journey. Here are some of the ways Pilates can help:
Restore range of movement: Gentle stretches and mobility exercises can help regain flexibility in the shoulders, spine, and chest.
Build strength: Gradual, controlled movements strengthen muscles weakened by surgery or inactivity.
Improve posture: Pilates focuses on alignment, helping to counteract the effects of surgery or scar tissue.
Support lymphatic drainage: Certain movements can help reduce lymphoedema and improve circulation.
Relieve stress and anxiety: Mindful breathing and movement encourage relaxation and reduce mental strain.
Boost body confidence: Reconnecting with your body through movement can help you feel more confident and in control.
Pilates Exercises for Breast Cancer Recovery
Here are a few examples of Pilates exercises that we often use in sessions with breast cancer survivors. These movements are gentle and can be tailored to suit your body and stage of recovery.
1. Shoulder Isolations
Tip: If you are struggling to take your arms up towards the ceiling at 90 degrees - try this same movement, but at 45 degrees to the floor, closer towards your feet.
2. Pelvic Tilt & Pelvic Clock
Tip: Make this movement as big or as small as feels comfortable for you.
3. Standing Roll Down
Tip: Try this with your back against the wall if you are suffering from dizziness. Try with your knees bent and feet approx 50cm away from the wall.
Why Choose Yellow Pilates in Glasgow?
At Yellow Pilates, we offer tailored Private 1-to-1 sessions and Small Group Studio Equipment Pilates to help breast cancer survivors rebuild their strength and confidence in a supportive environment. Our experienced instructors understand the unique challenges of breast cancer recovery and will create a programme that works for you.
Whether you’re looking to regain mobility after surgery, ease fatigue, or simply reconnect with your body, we’re here to help.
We also offer online resources and classes if you would like to try some gentle movement from home, try this 15 minute video to ‘Stretch, Release & Reset’ with Yellow Pilates Founder, Michelle.
Start Your Journey Today
Breast cancer recovery is a deeply personal journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. With the right approach, Pilates can help you feel stronger, more confident, and more in control of your health.
Where to start?
Most Commonly, clients recovering from Breast Cancer will start off with a Private 1-to-1 Introductory Package.
This is 2 x 60 minute sessions where you will work with our expert instructor, Michelle to determine your goals and return to movement in a gentle and considered way. After these you may want to continue with Private Classes or join our Small Group Studio Equipment Class (2-4 people).
