After lung cancer surgery 12 months ago, Lakes Entrance local Carol Cripps wasn’t sure how she’d get her strength and confidence back.
Then she came across Energise, an exercise and education program for people recovering from cancer, run by community health organisation Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH).
“I thought I’d come along and see if I could get some strength back,” Carol said.
“Not doing anything, you lose all your get-up-and-go.”
It was Carol’s first time in a gym — and she admits she was hesitant at first.
“I had in my mind all these big, bronzed gym junkies and thought, ‘I don’t want to go anywhere near them’,” she said.
“But everyone in the group had been on their own journey and were all at different stages of recovery. We weren’t competing — we just set our own goals and tried to improve a little each week.”
The program, led by exercise physiologist Zach O’Rourke, focuses on helping people recovering from or undergoing cancer treatment to safely rebuild strength, manage fatigue, and return to activities they enjoy.
“Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for cancer-related fatigue,” Zach said.
“We tailor every program to the individual — their capability, their interests, and what they want to return to. The key recommendation after a cancer diagnosis is to avoid inactivity. No matter where someone starts, if they begin an exercise program, they
will improve.”
For Carol, the benefits have gone far beyond the physical.
“The social side was worth 90 per cent of it,” she said.
“You meet people with different outlooks on life and realise you’re not alone. We had so many laughs — the instructors are friendly and funny, they make it not just enjoyable
but tolerable.”
Now 12-months cancer-free, Carol said she’d recommend the Energise program to anyone recovering from cancer.
“I’d say do it — bite the bullet. Otherwise, I’d still be sitting at home wondering how
to recover.”
Zach said the Energise program is unique to GLCH and open to anyone in East Gippsland currently managing or recovering from a cancer diagnosis.
“No referral is required,” he said.
“If you think this might benefit you, or someone you know, contact GLCH to schedule an initial assessment. We also offer home exercise programs for those who prefer not to join a group.”
Energise is the only dedicated exercise and cancer recovery program in East Gippsland.
