Her Spirit, a health and fitness app for women, has partnered with Breast Cancer Now, a leading support charity, to launch a trial of their 12-week ‘Fitness for Health’ initiative.

The programme, which is aimed at women aged 45 and over, is a collaborative effort also supported by Primary Health Care Derby, The HUB Derbyshire, and Bolton GP Federation.

The plan is to help women become more physically active.

Using the Her Spirit app, the programme combines coaching, strategies, and support to help women build confidence (Image: Supplied)

Women who join the programme can expect ‘expert coaching’, practical strategies, and community support, all available via the Her Spirit app.

The programme aims to boost confidence and strength, improve fitness, and help participants form lasting activity habits for overall well-being.

Physical activity has several health benefits, including maintaining a healthy weight, improving mental well-being, and reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.

Women who have been diagnosed with the disease may also find that staying active helps to reduce some side effects of treatment, and it could also lower the chance of the cancer returning.

Bolton women aged 45 and above, including those with a primary breast cancer diagnosis whose hospital treatment has ended, can sign up for the pilot if they currently do less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week.

Holly Woodford, co-founder of Her Spirit, said: “I am incredibly proud to partner with Breast Cancer Now on this pioneering programme.

“Together, we are breaking new ground to empower women affected by breast cancer and those at risk of breast cancer to take charge of their health through physical activity and strength training.

“This collaboration is about more than exercise; it’s about creating a supportive community and expert support that inspires confidence, builds resilience, and enables every woman to take steps toward a healthier and happier future.”

As part of the pilot, women will have access to local group coaching and support (Image: Supplied)

Manveet Basra, associate director of public health, inclusion, and awareness at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Her Spirit on the ‘Fitness For Health’ programme.

“Physical activity can have huge benefits for everyone, including women moving forward after a primary breast cancer diagnosis, and yet far too often they aren’t getting the support they need to start or get back into exercise.

“This programme is an exciting step towards supporting more women to make physical activity part of their routine, helping them to feel empowered and confident.”

Women who join the programme will be asked to track their exercise via a free app for the duration of the 12-week programme and will take part in programme evaluation surveys, at the beginning and end of the programme, and also six months later.

As part of the pilot, women will have access to local group coaching and support, a weekly online strength session, as well as a variety of virtual challenges, strength, and fitness programmes for all levels, and a 12-month, free Her Spirit Premium Membership.

To sign up, visit: herspirit.co.uk/fitness-for-health-breast-cancer or email support@herspirit.co.uk with any questions.

Registration closes on January 27, 2025.

Anyone seeking information and support about breast cancer risk or recurrence can speak to Breast Cancer Now’s expert nurses by calling the charity’s free helpline on 0808 800 6000.