The SIRvivor BC Exercise Program is available for community centres and fitness instructors. To access the program, please complete this form.
What is SIRvivor BC?
The SIRvivor BC Prostate Cancer Community Exercise Program runs for 6 to 12 weeks, consisting of 2 one-hour sessions each week. The program is tailored to men living with prostate cancer and focuses largely on strength development through resistance based exercise. The program is delivered by exercise trainers certified through the BC Recreation and Parks Association. This program is also being evaluated under a research study, which seeks to gather feedback from the program participants on their experience in the SIRvivor BC program. We hope to use this feedback to help us improve and grow the program over the course of the next few years.
Who is eligible for SIRvivor BC?
All men who are 19 years of age or older and have had a prostate cancer diagnosis are eligible for the SIRvivor BC program. All participants will also be asked to complete a simple pre-exercise screening with a certified exercise physiologist.
Where is SIRvivor BC offered?
Winter 2023 locations:
City of Kelowna: Parkinson Recreation Centre
1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna
January 9 – February 9, 2023: Mon/Thur 3-4pm
February 13 – March 30, 2023: Mon/Thur 3-4pm
Registration: rec.kelowna.ca or 250-469-8800
Vancouver: Dunbar Community Centre
4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
January 11 – March 29, 2023: Wed 4:45-5:45pm
January 13 – March 31, 2023: Fri 1:15-2:15pm
Register through fitness programmer Mark Cartwright: 604-654-0771 or mark.cartwright@vancouver.ca
Virtual: Province-Wide Zoom Program
January 9 – April 13, 2023
Mon/Wed 10:30-11:30am
Registration: Contact instructor Lisa Neukomm at 778-281-0694 or inspiredlifestyles@shaw.ca
Frequently asked questions:
How will SIRvivor BC benefit me?
The majority of men who have had a prostate cancer diagnosis are not meeting the recommended exercise guidelines! SIRvivor BC provides you with a structured environment in which you can learn and practice safe, effective exercises and help you meet exercise recommendations. Resistance-based exercise may also help combat some side effects of long-term prostate cancer treatment, such as decreased muscle strength and bone density. SIRvivor BC also gives you an opportunity to interact with men who share similar experiences to you and build your community.
What if I am new to exercise or have not worked out in years? Is this program right for me?
Yes! SIRvivor BC is designed for men of all fitness levels, abilities and backgrounds. The exercises are easily modified to be manageable for each individual, and the program is run by certified fitness trainers who have specific knowledge on working with men who have had a prostate cancer diagnosis. They will be able to guide and coach you through the program to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience!
The cost of the program: what if I cannot afford it?
The average cost of the SIRvivor BC program is $50.00 when you join for the first time. The program is two classes per week for approximately 12 weeks, for a total of 24 sessions. That works out to $2.10 per class. For repeat participants, the program is $120.00, or about $5.00 per session – the same price as a Grande latte from Starbucks! If cost is an issue, please talk to the recreation centre about municipal subsidy programs that may be available.
Can I continue working out at home after the program ends?
We encourage all participants to re-register in the program – exercise is most beneficial when it becomes a regular part of your lifestyle! Please contact your community centre for information on how to register for future offerings. Current SIRvivor participants, please see the attached documents for home-based programs you can complete if you are not registered in a program: SIRvivorBC_HomeProgram_Body Weight Only SIRvivorBC_HomeProgram_Weights
Contact
For more information, please contact our research coordinator: Email: sirvivor.bc@ubc.ca Phone: 604-827-1914 