Exercise and relaxation

Physical activity and relaxation can support wellbeing during and after cancer. We organise online exercise sessions for people who have undergone colorectal surgery, as well as online relaxation sessions for all people affected by cancer and their loved ones.

These guided sessions offer safe ways to move, tools for caring for your body, and a moment to pause and focus on your own wellbeing.

Exercise and well-being during and after cancer

Exercise supports well-being during and after cancer. Regular physical activity that suits your own condition can help ease treatment-related fatigue, maintain muscle strength, and improve mood. Exercise does not need to be strenuous—even small amounts of movement can help you cope better in everyday life.

  • Online exercise sessions are designed for people who have undergone colorectal surgery. The guided sessions focus especially on safe core exercises and supporting everyday functional ability.
  • Online relaxation sessions offer a calm moment to pause and recover from everyday strain. These guided exercises are intended for all people affected by cancer and their loved ones.
  • Online activities by the Finnish Cancer Organizations provide a variety of sessions, such as strength training, yoga, relaxation, and rhythmic movement, which you can easily join from home.

Please note: The sessions are held in Finnish.

Exercise and relaxation

  • Many people wonder how to safely train their core muscles after colorectal surgery and how to reduce the risk of complications such as hernias. Colores – Finnish Colorectal Cancer Association and Finnilco organise online exercise sessions designed for people who have undergone colorectal cancer surgery, including those with a stoma or similar procedures (e.g. J-pouch, stoma reversal).

    These 30-minute guided sessions focus especially on safe core muscle training. The sessions are led by physiotherapist Terhi Pyykönen. The exercises are suitable for you if at least 8 weeks have passed since your surgery.

    The exercise sessions are currently on a summer break and will resume in the autumn. Information will be updated later.

    Please note: The sessions are held in Finnish.

     

    Tiina Kosti

  • Colores – Finnish Colorectal Cancer Association and Kymenlaakso Cancer Association organise online relaxation sessions as part of the Finnish Cancer Organizations spring 2026 online exercise and relaxation programme for people affected by cancer and their loved ones.

    The sessions are led by Mervi Kaartoaho, a solution-focused brief therapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and relaxation coach. Mervi was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2017 and developed severe LARS (Low Anterior Resection Syndrome) following treatment. During her treatment, she discovered meditation and developed a strong interest in relaxation techniques and their effects on the body and mind. In her sessions, Mervi uses a variety of methods, allowing everyone to find an approach that suits them best. You will learn skills that can support your wellbeing and that you can continue to use in your everyday life.

    Online relaxation sessions

    The sessions are held every two weeks on Wednesdays at 17:00–18:00 via Teams. You can join all sessions or attend individual ones.

    The exercise sessions are currently on a summer break and will resume in the autumn. Information will be updated later.

    Please note: The sessions are held in Finnish.

    Tiina Kosti

  • Finnish Cancer Organizations offer a wide range of online exercise sessions for people affected by cancer and their loved ones.

    The programme includes, for example, strength training, relaxation, yoga, and rhythmic movement, as well as newer options such as Asahi, fitness boxing, and gentle morning flow sessions.

    The sessions are free of charge and easy to join from home via Teams.

    Syöpäjärjestöjen etäliikunta