Thousands of men with prostate cancer will receive a free one-year PureGym membership and structured exercise plans in a new initiative
PureGym has joined forces with former Olympian cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing men with advanced prostate cancer: staying active.
Launched in Glasgow on September 7 in connection with Hoy’s Tour De 4 charity ride where he raised £2 million for Prostate Cancer UK, the partnership will provide a structured exercise program developed by experts at the ICR and The Royal Marsden, alongside a free one-year PureGym membership for men with advanced prostate cancer on hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy, the main treatment for advanced prostate cancer, often brings difficult side effects including weight gain from increased body fat, muscle loss, fatigue and psychological changes. Long term, it can increase the risk of bone thinning, heart disease and diabetes. However, research has shown that exercise can counter some of the effects and improve quality of life.
“This is a groundbreaking partnership and initiative which demonstrates the power of the Tour De 4, what it can achieve and the legacy it will leave,” Sir Chris Hoy said. “Scientific studies have shown that structured exercise is the perfect complement to many cancer treatments, but we need to break down the barriers that often prevent patients getting consistent and regular physical activity.”
For Hoy, the mission is personal. He was diagnosed in 2023 with stage 4 prostate cancer and revealed last year that his condition is terminal, with doctors giving him an estimated two to four years to live.
Clive Chesser, PureGym’s CEO, said the fitness operator’s size and reach enables it to have an impact nationwide.
“We hope that offering free membership to advanced prostate cancer sufferers on hormone therapy will enable thousands, across the country, to benefit from regular exercise, with expert guidance from The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden,” he said. “As Sir Chris Hoy has so bravely shown, staying active is a great way of managing the disease both mentally and physically, and we are proud to be supporting him with his vital mission.”
Professor Nick James, professor of prostate and bladder cancer research at the Institute of Cancer Research in London and consultant clinical oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said the initiative helps lower both psychological and financial barriers.
“Joining a gym, particularly when you are older and recently diagnosed with a major illness, is clearly a major psychological hurdle,” James said. “It’s also a financial barrier for many people, so we’re delighted to partner with PureGym to offer men with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer who are on hormone therapy this free access to gym facilities.”
Eligible men (those with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer undergoing hormone therapy) will receive a complimentary one-year PureGym membership and a 26-week structured exercise program, delivered via video for use at home or in the gym. The program is tailored to their needs, taking into account fatigue, bone density concerns and other risks.
“Exercise has been a fundamental part of my life and never more so than since my diagnosis of prostate cancer,” Hoy said. “I find it hugely encouraging that the importance of exercise for prostate cancer is being recognised. This is a significant step forward and potentially transformative. I look forward to seeing the results of this initiative in the coming months and years.”
Registration is available here.
