Subsidised fixed-term Gym Memberships
Who can access subsidised fixed-term gym membership?
Any patient with a cancer diagnosis
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. Please follow this link to our local exercise classes.
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
Felixstowe Leisure Centre. £29.50 per month on a direct debit and no joining fee. The membership can be continued for up to 12 months but can be cancelled at any time. This includes one-to-one sessions with an exercise referral instructor if needed. The exercise referral is arranged by the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre at Ipswich Hospital.
Riverhills Health Club & Spa, Bramford. £30 per month for three months. This is payable up front with no Joining fee. A discounted membership is then offered should you wish to continue. This includes one-to-one sessions with an exercise referral instructor, use of the gym, all wet side facilities and classes. The exercise referral is arranged by the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre at Ipswich Hospital.
Mid-Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket. 3 months free of charge and £28.12 per month for the next six months. This is arranged through a referral to Feel Good Suffolk which can be organised either by the person with the cancer diagnosis or by the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre at Ipswich Hospital.
Stradbroke Swimming Pool. 3 months free of charge and around £26 per month for the next three months. This is arranged through a referral to Feel Good Suffolk which can be organised either by the person with the cancer diagnosis or by the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre at Ipswich Hospital.
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 may be able request to have your membership put on hold until you are able to return. If this is possible, you may 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.
How to arrange reduced rate gym membership
To access gym membership at subsidised rates, contact the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre by phone 01473 715748 or in visit person. If you live in the Mid-Suffolk Council area you have the option to refer yourself via the Feel Good Suffolk website.
Participating gyms
Please follow the links below for information about the facilities available at each location.
