Learn to live with the disease to better control it. It is, in short, the philosophy of French Federation of Physical Education and Voluntary Gymnastics (EPGV), which offers sports sessions for people living with a pathology.
Through two separate programs – the first intended for people with cancer, the second for those suffering from any other disease – the structure makes it a point of honor to “adapt the exercises to each participant, even if the sessions take place in groups”, explains Michelle Saravoff-Delva, who runs two classes per week, in the Montluçon area.
Good in his body …
From relaxation to muscle strengthening, through breathing exercises, these courses are intended to be as complete as possible. At all levels. “The social bond plays a huge role in the treatment”, underlines Christiane Baudet, vice-president of the EPGV departmental committee of Allier.
Fencing and Nordic walking lessons to fight against breast cancer at Montluçon hospital
“We must admit that disease isolates”, agrees Marie-Christine, 69 years old. Last May, this young retiree was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Suffice to say that I’m still in the middle of it,” she says. I was operated on at the end of June and since then, it’s radiotherapy. “
I used to do the gym in the pool, but as my breast is still raw, it is strictly forbidden. So I said to myself that this kind of activity was very good for me.
Marie-Christine, 69 years old
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And science approves. Several studies have shown that regular physical activity helps withstand the effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, while significantly reducing the risk of recurrence.
Thanks to the adapted gym, these seniors have found the secret to keeping fit in Montluçon
“It also allows them to feel good about their daily lives,” adds Christiane Baudet. For example, we teach those who suffer following surgery to redo movements that they no longer thought they could do. “
… and in his head
In addition, there are considerable psychological benefits, “because there are days that are more difficult than others,” says Marie-Christine. Me it helps me, it pushes me. “
However, the EPGV notices that many are reluctant to register for fear of having to speak openly about their pathology. But in the majority of cases “Speech is released very naturally”, indicates Geneviève. Suffering from cancer for ten years, she is, at 80, the dean of the program.
It’s a bad time that we better spend together. After a while, we need to talk about it. Especially since we don’t necessarily want to broach the subject with our loved ones or our family.
Geneviève, 80 years old
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A “gateway” to get back in shape
In this course, the primary objective remains to offer a “bridge” to the participants, “to give them enough shape to allow them to register subsequently in a club”, specifies Michelle SaravoffDelva. At least for those who want it.
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“I’ve been taking this course for eight years, and I have no intention of going elsewhere,” warns Geneviève. Not that she’s afraid of not keeping up, “I feel great,” she said. But we are so cocooned here, it does not make you want to leave ”.
Sessions
Classes take place on Mondays at the village hall of Marmignolles, in Désertines, and on Fridays at the gymnasium of Nerdre, in Montluçon. Hours from September to June: from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for the “Gym after cancer” program and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for multi-pathology sessions. Phone. 06.74.59.90.29.
Recruitment
The EPGV is looking for sports educators, holders of a BP JEPS or a professional qualification certificate of sports leisure activity leader, in the Montluçon sector. CV to send by email to [email protected].
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Sid Benahmed
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