Pilates is not only a method of exercise but also a philosophy of resilience and renewal. This is especially meaningful for women recovering from breast cancer and breast cancer surgery, who often face challenges such as restricted movement, muscle weakness, postural changes, and emotional strain.
A powerful historical example comes from Eve Gentry, a professional dancer and one of Joseph Pilates’ original disciples. In the 1950s, Gentry underwent a mastectomy and at a time when little support was offered for post-surgical rehabilitation, she turned to Pilates as both therapy and hope. Through gentle, mindful movement, she rebuilt her strength, reclaimed mobility, and restored her confidence.
Her journey became a cornerstone of Pilates’ role in rehabilitation.
How Pilates Helps After Surgery
Pilates can be adapted to meet you where you are in your recovery. Gentle, guided exercises focus on:
Restoring shoulder and arm mobility – easing tightness around the chest and surgical sites.
Strengthening postural muscles – helping you sit and stand tall, reducing strain on the back and neck.
Rebuilding core stability – supporting the spine and giving you more control in daily movements.
Improving circulation and lymphatic flow – which may help reduce swelling and support healing.
Boosting energy and confidence – by moving with purpose and regaining a sense of control over your body.
Moving Forward With Hope
Every breath, every small movement is progress. Pilates is not about pushing hard but about listening to your body and rebuilding gradually. With the right guidance, you can restore strength and rediscover freedom in your movement.
Eve Gentry’s story is a reminder that recovery is not only about physical repair. It is about resilience, self-expression, and the freedom to move with grace again. As she once reflected, “The body is a marvellous instrument if you know how to play it.”
Here is Pom’s neck matwork routine, which focuses on releasing neck tightness and strengthening the muscles around the neck, shoulders, and upper back. 💪⭐️ This sequence will help you improve your neck mobility, help you feel upright, and improve your posture in day to day life. The sequence is suitable for all levels. No props are needed, although you can add a head cushion for comfort or bottles of water as hand weights for an extra challenge. 🤸♀️
This is your ‘Happy Holiday Hips’ series! A mat workout that incorporates both release and strength exercises for your hips, glutes and deep external rotators along with some support work integrating the shoulder girdle that will challenge your stability. All you’ll need is a foam block or book – let’s get started! 🤩💪
This is your ‘Happy Holiday Hips’ series! A mat workout that incorporates both release and strength exercises for your hips, glutes and deep external rotators along with some support work integrating the shoulder girdle that will challenge your stability. All you’ll need is a foam block or book – let’s get started! 🤩💪
Join Celine’s gentle matwork Pilates class designed to lengthen your body and deepen the mind-body connection. 🧘♀️ Roll out your mat, and lets breathe together. 🤸♀️⭐️
We spend so much of our lives in an upright position, so it’s great to work upright against gravity. This full body workout is perfect if you don’t have much floor space or equipment, but still want to get a workout in. Enjoy the feedback of a wall! 🤸♀️💪