Yoga is a whole body philosophy, involving stretching, breathing exercises, postures and meditation. Yoga can help to improve overall wellbeing and fitness by increasing muscle strength, bone density, cardio-vascular fitness, flexibility, balance and co-ordination.
Life Now exercise and meditative courses
- The Life Now Program offers introductory Exercise, Meditation, Mindfulness, Tai Chi and Yoga courses at locations across Western Australia and Online.
- Courses are free of charge for people affected by cancer and their primary carers, thanks to generous community donations.
- All courses are delivered by experienced facilitators in a safe and supportive environment.
- Exercise and mind body activities, such as Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness and Tai Chi, are an important part of supportive cancer care. These activities provide a range of mental and physical health benefits. Research shows these activities can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve quality of life for people affected by cancer.
"The Life Now activities stand like a light-house in the middle of the stormy period of life with cancer, providing direction and support. Many thanks to everybody who makes that possible." 2021 Life Now Participant
- Life Now face-to-face course participants are still required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and follow all current WA Government COVID-19 public health and social measures.
- By registering in a Life Now course, you agree to adhere to venue COVID-19 safety plans, practice good hygiene, and not attend if feeling unwell or experiencing immunosuppression. Participants should continue to follow any specific advice or standard precautions recommended by their treatment team.
- We continually monitor Government advice and adhere to directives as required and will notify participants of changes as they arise.
For details of all upcoming courses, please see our Calendar of Life Now Courses. Alternatively, download the Life Now Term 2 Poster (PDF). How to apply Please review the eligibility criteria and course timetables before completing the course application form. These details are available below. All courses require minimum numbers to run, and your application is not confirmed until a member of the Life Now team has been in touch with you by phone or email. To receive Life Now Program updates, please subscribe to the Life Now mailing list by emailing lifenow@cancerwa.asn.au. For information on the details we collect please see our privacy collection statement.
What Life Now courses are starting soon?
Click 'OPEN" to view course information, eligibility criteria and timetables under each of the categories below.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Possible benefits for cancer patients include improvements in overall quality of life, reduced fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression and improved sleep and mood.
Testimonials
“The Life Now 6-week Yoga course was simply amazing. I have learnt so much as a first timer to Yoga about techniques to support both my body and mind.” 2021 Life Now Yoga Participant
“The Facilitator was amazing, so knowledgeable, so inclusive and so attentive to each individual and their different needs. Thank you for such a heart-warming introduction to yoga. I feel blessed to have been part of this program.” 2021 Life Now Yoga Participant
Eligibility criteria
Life Now Yoga is offered to West Australians who have been diagnosed with cancer, or who have experienced a recurrence, secondary or progression, in the last five years.
Primary carers are also eligible to attend (by themselves, or in support of a cancer patient), and are invited to register.
As this is a beginners course, no prior yoga experience is required to participate.
So we can help more people to experience the many benefits of yoga, participants are invited to attend a maximum of three Life Now Yoga courses.
Timetable
Life Now Yoga is an introductory level course running for an hour each week, for six weeks. Each class is facilitated by a senior yoga instructor.
The next term of Life Now Yoga is planned to commence in Term 2 2022. Apply now:
BUSSELTON Yoga: Wednesdays, 11:00am (1hr), 11 May to 15 June 2022
DUNCRAIG Yoga: Tuesdays, 4:00pm (1hr), 10 May to 14 June 2022
GERALDTON Yoga: Wednesdays, 1:00pm (1hr), 25 May to 29 June 2022
ROSSMOYNE Yoga: Mondays, 11:30am (1hr), 9 May to 20 June 2022
ONLINE Yoga: Mondays, 5:30pm (1hr), 9 May to 20 June 2022
ONLINE Yoga: Wednesdays, 10:00am (1hr), 18 May to 22 June 2022
ONLINE Yoga: Fridays, 1:30pm (1hr), 13 May to 17 June 2022
Tai Chi is considered a moving meditation, in which practitioners are guided to be mindful of their postures, movements, and breathing, with an intensive inwardly directed focus. Research has found that participating in tai chi can have positive effects on fatigue levels and quality of life.
What are the benefits of tai chi?
Research has found that participating in tai chi can have positive effects on fatigue levels and quality of life.
Testimonials
“Thank you so much for your Tai Chi course. I had always wanted to be instructed in this and found it wonderful. I felt like I was flying when I had finished.” 2021 Life Now Tai Chi Participant
“Making time for yourself is critical in recovery from any life challenging situation. But finding something to suit you that is easy to act on, is often hard. My Life Now program was easy to access and I felt fully supported. Thank you.” 2021 Life Now Tai Chi Participant
Eligibility criteria
Life Now Tai Chi is offered to West Australians who have been diagnosed with cancer, or who have experienced a recurrence, secondary or progression, in the last five years.
Primary carers are also eligible to attend (by themselves, or in support of a cancer patient), and are invited to register.
As this is a beginners course, no prior Tai Chi experience is required to participate.
So we can help more people experience the many benefits of Tai Chi, participants are invited to attend a maximum of three Life Now Tai Chi courses.
Timetable
Life Now Tai Chi is an introductory level course running for an hour each week, for six weeks.
The next term of Life Now Tai Chi is planned to commence in Term 2 2022. Apply now:
BUNBURY Tai Chi: Tuesdays, 10:00am (1hr), 10 May to 14 June 2022
ONLINE Tai Chi: Wednesdays, 8:50am (1hr), 4 May to 8 June 2022
ONLINE Tai Chi: Wednesdays, 10:10am (1hr), 4 May to 8 June 2022
Participants will learn practical coping techniques to counter the effects of cancer-related stress.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
During mindfulness-based therapies, participants are taught to experience the present moment non-judgmentally, so that they are not excessively thinking of past or future stressors, which can lead to negative thoughts associated with depression and anxiety.
Testimonials
“I found the Mindfulness course I completed with Life Now to have been extremely worthwhile, not only did I benefit from this course with my Cancer associated issues but also surprisingly for my general wellbeing and day to day living, I cannot recommend this course enough, thank you for the opportunity to learn such a valuable tool.” 2021 Life Now Mindfulness Participant
“It really helped to clear my mind of depressing and negative thoughts. To realise these thoughts can go as quickly as they come!” 2021 Life Now Mindfulness Participant
Eligibility criteria
Life Now Mindfulness is offered to West Australians who have been diagnosed with cancer, or who have experienced a recurrence, secondary or progression, in the last five years.
Primary carers are also eligible to attend (by themselves, or in support of a cancer patient), and are invited to register.
As this is a beginners course, no prior mindfulness experience is required to participate. Just your open mind and commitment to participation and home practice between classes.
So we can help more people to experience the benefits of mindfulness, participants are invited to attend one Life Now Mindfulness course only.
Timetable
Life Now Mindfulness includes a two-hour class once a week for eight weeks. Each class is facilitated by a senior mindfulness instructor.
The next term of Life Now Mindfulness is planned to commence in Term 2 2022. Apply now:
HILTON Mindfulness: Thursdays, 10:00am (1hr), 5 May to 23 June 2022
ONLINE Mindfulness: Wednesdays, 10:00am (1hr), 4 May to 22 June 2022
ONLINE Mindfulness: Thursdays, 10:00am (1hr), 19 May to 7 July 2022
The purpose of the Life Now Exercise program is to introduce exercise in a safe and supportive environment and to empower people to manage their own physical activity.
What are the benefits of exercise?
Research has found that exercise is an effective medicine for people with cancer. People with cancer who exercise regularly have fewer and milder side effects from their treatments.
For more information about Exercise and cancer, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
Testimonials
"The Life Now program helped me to get stronger and regain some confidence after my cancer treatment. I loved working out at the gym and talking to other people on the program. Life Now was a great transition for me between treatment and getting back into life, as well as setting me on a good path to a healthier lifestyle." 2021 Life Now Exercise Participant
"Do this course if you can! You will receive an individual program and personal attention, and be part of a group of people who understand what you are going through. Even if you think you are coping well, this course helps enormously." 2021 Life Now Exercise Participant
"The Life Now Exercise Program has made a significant impact on my recovery post Cancer. The knowledge and encouragement I received has set me on a path of regular exercise suited to me as an individual. Our facilitator, was fantastic - he made the class fun, varied, and encouraged social interaction. Each exercise station is modified to suit the individual, it is gentle yet challenging It was a bonus to meet other lovely people and make friends." 2021 Life Now Exercise Participant
Eligibility criteria
Life Now Exercise is offered to Western Australians who have been diagnosed with cancer in the last two years, are currently undergoing cancer treatment or who have completed cancer treatment in the last two years. Primary Carers are eligible to register when the patient they support is also enrolled.
So we can help more people to experience the benefits of exercise medicine, participants are invited to attend one Life Now Exercise course only.
Program contraindications include the following health conditions:
• Development of an acute illness, in addition to the initial cancer diagnosis.
• Any musculoskeletal, cardiovascular or neurological disorder that could place the participant at risk of injury or illness resulting from the exercise.
• Presence of bone metastases (cancer in the bone).
• Severe anaemia.
• Neutropenia.
Following registration, each participant must obtain medical clearance and attend an initial assessment with an accredited exercise physiologist who will develop their individually tailored exercise program (fee applies).
Timetable
Life Now Exercise includes a one hour class twice a week for 12 weeks. Each class is facilitated by an accredited exercise physiologist.
Seven exercise courses were held in Term 1 2022.
The next term of Life Now Exercise is planned to commence in Term 3 2022.
To receive Life Now Program updates, please subscribe to the Life Now mailing list by emailing lifenow@cancerwa.asn.au.
COMO Exercise: Mondays AND Wednesdays, 11am (1hr), 28 February to 30 May 2022 [COMMENCED]
WILLAGEE Exercise: Tuesdays AND Thursdays, 11am (1hr), 1 February to 21 April 2022 [COMMENCED]
BUNBURY Exercise: Mondays AND Wednesdays, 11am (1hr), 31 January to 2 May 2022 [COMMENCED]
FLOREAT Exercise: Tuesdays AND Thursdays, 12pm (1hr), 1 February to 21 April 2022 [COMMENCED]
JOONDALUP Exercise: Tuesdays AND Fridays, 10am (1hr), 25 January to 19 April 2022 [COMMENCED]
MANDURAH Exercise: Tuesdays AND Thursdays, 11am (1hr), 1 February to 21 April 2022 [COMMENCED]
MIDLAND Exercise: Tuesdays AND Thursdays, 2pm (1hr), 1 February to 21 April 2022 [COMMENCED]
Meditation can generally be defined as a self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind.
What are the benefits of meditation?
Meditation can help improve quality of life for people with cancer. Research suggests it is useful for treating chronic pain and insomnia and can help in reducing anxiety, stress and blood pressure.
For more information about meditation, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
Testimonials
“I could not stop my head throughout my cancer story - but with meditation I was able to learn to gain some peace.” 2021 Life Now Meditation Participant
“A wonderful course that teaches relaxation and coping skills. I can highly recommend it to anyone who is new to meditation." 2021 Life Now Meditation Participant
“Participating in the Life Now Meditation program has had a positive impact on me on many different levels. Learning to direct my focus, quiet my mind and the opportunity to share our personal journeys in a safe space are just some of the benefits.” 2021 Life Now Meditation Participant
Eligibility criteria
Life Now Meditation is offered to West Australians who have been diagnosed with cancer, or who have experienced a recurrence, secondary or progression, in the last five years.
Primary carers are also eligible to attend (by themselves, or in support of a cancer patient), and are invited to register.
As this is a beginners course, no prior meditation experience is required to participate.
So we can help more people experience the many benefits of meditation, participants are invited to attend a maximum of three Life Now Meditation courses.
Timetable
Life Now Meditation is an introductory level course running for an hour each week, for six weeks.
Six meditation courses were held in Term 1 2022.
The next term of Life Now Meditation is planned to commence in Term 3 2022.
To receive Life Now Program updates, please subscribe to the Life Now mailing list by emailing lifenow@cancerwa.asn.au.
What’s the difference between mindfulness and meditation?
Meditation helps you relax, channel a calmer outlook, and results are more instantaneous when practiced often.
Mindfulness is more intense and hands-on. Mindfulness skills learnt during classes change how you process your thoughts, how you mentally react to certain situations, and can support long term changes to your thought processes.
How can exercise help to reduce the side-effects of cancer treatment?
Regular exercise during or after treatment can help to:
• Improve wellbeing & quality of life
• Reduce fatigue
• Improve sleeping patterns
• Improve strength & fitness
• Improve physical function
• Manage pain
• Manage nausea
• Maintain & build muscle mass
• Prevent weight gain
• Preserve metabolism
• Maintain bone health
• Reduce depression & anxiety.
Do you have any resources to help me continue to practice exercise and meditative techniques at home?
Yes we do. See Related Resources section below.