The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

FOR the entire month of October, organisations and companies throughout the Bahamas promoted awareness of breast cancer.

Known to support the cause regularly, the Club One Fitness Centre members last week partnered with the Cancer Society of the Bahamas for an initiative called “Think Pink 2015”.

For seven days, the fitness studio was flooded with all shades of pink – hosting events like the Breakfast Rave where prizes and giveaways were presented to participants; the three-hour cycling tour Ride For The Cure; Pink Ribbon Pilates, a dance marathon, the Fight Like a Girl women’s self-defence classes with the Beast Mode Fight Team; Hip Hop For Hope; the Zumba Party in Pink featuring Bahamian recording artist Julien Believe; TRX For Tatas; Latin Dance For The Cure, and the Survivor Yoga Retreat and Meditation Workshop featuring live music by singer Tebby Burrows. Free gym access was granted from October 19 to 25 to anyone wearing pink in support of breast cancer prevention.

Dianne Gibson, a certified personal trainer at Club One, said there was an activity for every and anyone to enjoy regardless of their fitness level. She said finding enjoyable ways to exercise, fun workout classes and training with partners helps women become more successful.

“Exercise and a healthy diet are important factors in breast cancer prevention as well as recovery after diagnosis. For a person that can’t make it to any of our events, they can participate by stopping in and getting a minute massage in the automated massage chairs for one dollar per minute. Part proceeds will go to the Cancer Society, and Club One is prepared to match all donations,” Ms Gibson said.

Holding to the belief that knowledge is power, she said Club One Fitness Centre likes to host community events that are both informative and entertaining. She believes the importance of cancer prevention is much more important than to be shared with just Club One members, which is why they hosts these events for the entire local community.

“We constantly see persons inspired to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle when we open our doors with fun fitness events. We can confidently say that almost everyone in the entire Bahamas has been affected by breast cancer, either personally or through a family member, co-worker or friend,” said Ms Gibson.

Club One has also recently started a “Movin’ On” exercise programme for Breast Cancer Survivors. For the remainder of the year, they are offering free nutrition and exercise training sessions to any interested breast cancer survivors.

“Exercise and a healthy diet can decrease your chances of breast cancer. We know that sometimes you can do all that you can and still find your self diagnosed with breast cancer, but having a body strong from a healthy diet and regular exercise programme may be the edge needed to assist persons who are battling cancer make it through an easier and more successful recovery,” said Ms Gibson.

Club One plans to continue working with the Cancer Society to promote and provide preventive measures in the fight against breast cancer as well as show their support by offering the Movin’ On exercise programme to breast cancer survivors throughout the year.