Alberta Cancer Exercise
Benefits of cancer recovery exercise
Evidence has shown that exercise is a great aid in cancer therapy and recovery. Classes can help increase strength, limit swelling, and reduce pain. They can also keep you involved in life, improve your mood, body image and self-confidence.
Workouts take place in a supportive environment where modifications are made based on energy levels for that day. Your fellow participants are also survivors – they know what you are going through.

Fall registration dates
- 6 a.m. — Online (virtual waiting room opens at 5:30 a.m.)
- 8:30 a.m. — By calling the Customer Service Centre at 403-268-3800 (option 1)
- During business hours — At any City-operated Aquatic & Recreation or Arts facility
Types of cancer recovery exercise classes
You can register online, in person at our Recreation facilities, or by calling
403-268-3800.
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This 12-week, evidence based physical activity program is open to those living with and beyond cancer. Participants should be capable of low to moderate intensity exercise. This program continues to be researched by the Health & Wellness Lab at the University of Calgary.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: In pre-cancer treatment, currently receiving treatment or completed treatment within the last 3 years. (or have persisting cancer-related issues for more than 3 years).
Pre-screening and registration through the Health & Wellness Lab at the University of Calgary (Call 403-210-8482 or email ace@ucalgary.ca).
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Continue to progress your health and wellness alongside a group of your peers in this continuation to the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE): Baseline Program. This is offered to those living with and beyond cancer that have completed the ACE Baseline Program.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Recently completed the Alberta Cancer Exercise: Baseline Program
This class is appropriate for those that have completed treatment (apart from taking an oral hormone therapy) and all other chronic conditions that are considered medically stable.
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Level 2 will continue to progress your fitness with moderate to high intensity exercises. In a community-oriented setting, you will be provided with more challenging options to improve your physical and mental health. This is offered to those living with and beyond cancer that have completed the Alberta Cancer Exercise: Maintenance Level 1 program at least once.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Recently participated in Alberta Cancer Exercise: Maintenance Level 1 program (at least once). This class is appropriate for those that have completed treatment (apart from taking an oral hormone therapy) and all other chronic conditions are considered medically stable.
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Through moderately intense exercises, you will focus on maintaining your fitness in a community-oriented setting. You will participate in a variety of exercises to improve your physical and mental health. Must be a cancer survivor.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Previously participated in at least one session in ACE Maintenance in the past year
About our fitness instructors
Our certified instructors have additional training in exercise for cancer survivors based on research from The University of Calgary Health & Wellness Lab.

What are classes like?
Most classes are offered in a variety of circuit formats, with each individual following the specific exercise modification that is best for them. These modifications take into consideration limitations based on treatments, surgeries, etc. Classes also include wellness topics and education components. Classes are based on research from the University of Calgary Health & Wellness Lab.

Come prepared
Please bring:
- A water bottle
- Clean, indoor athletic shoes that have not been worn outdoors
Pre-screening is required through the Health & Wellness Lab at the University of Calgary prior to registering - call 403-210-8482 or email ace@ucalgary.ca. Individuals that have experienced a change in their health or fitness status must be re-screened through the Health & Wellness Lab.

More fitness classes
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We have a variety of inspiring fitness classes to help you stay healthy and active in the water or in a studio.
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Low to moderate intensity classes for those looking for a modified fitness routine. Join your peer group to keep active and have fun!
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Improve your range of motion, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness in our low impact shallow and deep-water aqua fitness programs.
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A powerful way of gaining the benefits of an aligned mind, body and spirit.