Gentle exercise for survivors / those going through treatment

[mwm]

Hi,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Cherry. I’m a breast cancer survivor and movement teacher. Previously I reached out to Breast Cancer Now and they suggested that I post here. I hope you’ll find the following info helpful.

Shortly after my breast cancer surgery and during my radiotherapy, I benefited a lot from practising Gyrokinesis on a daily basis to loosen up the tightness, regain my alignment, strength and range of motion, and calm my senses. Gyro-kinesis means circular movement in Greek. This exercise offers a holistic approach combining gentle, flowing, mindful motions with breath work to improve both physical and emotional well-being, with just a stool and a mat. There are some seated exercises which I did even when I was in the waiting room before my treatment. Both my oncologist and surgeon noticed the transformation within a short period of time. The good thing about Gyrokinesis is that it is so adaptable that every participant can move according to their ability and range of motion starting from baby steps. My own rehab journey has motivated me to focus my teaching more on breast cancer rehab. Starting from February, I’ll be teaching Gyrokinesis particularly for breast cancer rehab at Kings Cross Studios. I’m attaching the links to more details below.

It’s a pity that not many people in the UK have heard of Gyrokinesis. As a mover who has explored different kinds of exercises, I found it to be probably the most gentle and favourable exercise for rehab especially as the starting point before participants move on to more challenging exercises. The benefits include breath work for relaxation and better blood circulation, improvement on lymphatic drainage, balance and realignment of posture, strength and mobility regaining, and restoration of mind-body connection, just to name a few.

If you’re interested in joining a session, please email me at cherrymwm@gmail.com. Should you have any questions, feel free to let me know. Thank you.

Warmly,

Cherry

1. Gyrokinesis (with a mat & stool) for Breast Cancer Rehab

https://www.instagram.com/p/DS_8hewiGNm/?igsh=MWtncHFwODhoa3Fjeg==

2. Gyrotonic (with equipment) for Breast Cancer Rehab

https://www.kingscrossstudios.co.uk/2025/04/15/gyrotonic-for-breast-cancer/

3. A glimpse of the Gyrokinesis method. The course for breast cancer rehab will be modified.

https://youtu.be/wXYQIwas0GE

[gb70]

Morning Cherry, Thank you for all of this info on Gyrokinesis. Will certainly be looking into it. Can I ask if it is similar to Pilates? I no longer live in London so a bit too far for me to attend classes but still recuperating from my mastectomy 11 days ago and in the waiting for results phase. I would love to know when one can start back to Pilates? x x

[mwm]

Hi @gb70, Thank you for your message. Gyrokinesis (GK) and Pilates share some principles but move very differently. Pilates movement is mostly 2 dimensional; GK is 3 dimensional in a circular motion, more like Tai Chi (fluid like air & water flowing). Please first ask for your doctor’s clearance to exercise. Movement after surgery should start small. Every case is different even if two patients receive the same surgery and treatment. So listen more to your body.

Did you mean Pilates mat, reformer or all equipment? In my case, after surgery I started with GK, then Gyrotonic and Reformer because I found the first two more adaptable to baby-step movement. If Pilates is the most accessible to you at the moment, it might be a good idea to start with private sessions first before you find yourself ready to join group class again. Hope this helps. xx

[gb70]

Great advice. I was unable to find Gyrokinesis in my neck of the woods sadly. As soon as I get the go-ahead I will start back slowly with pilates mat for sure. I am still just under 2 weeks post-op so still a way to go yet. Thank you xx