CHALLENGE Programme
A fully funded, supported recovery exercise programme for bowel cancer patients
Move forward with strength, support and confidence
CHALLENGE: Movement for Life is a fully funded, three-year supported recovery exercise programme for patients with stage 2 or stage 3 bowel cancer.
Designed to begin within six months of completing chemotherapy, the programme supports patients to safely build and maintain the level of weekly physical activity associated with meaningful long-term health and survival benefits.
You don't need to be fit to start. You just need to be ready to take the next step.
Arc Wellness Studios is the CHALLENGE provider for the Wellington Region
Funded by Bowel Cancer New Zealand and delivered in partnership with the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (PINC & STEEL).
Why this programme exists
Strong international evidence shows that regular physical activity after bowel cancer treatment is associated with improved long-term outcomes.
CHALLENGE: Movement for Life is based on the international CHALLENGE randomised controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine – a 155-centre study that demonstrated:
High participation and long-term adherence
Sustained increases in physical activity
An improvement in long-term survival compared with health education alone
This programme brings that evidence into structured, expert-supported care here in Aotearoa.
What's included
A comprehensive three-year support pathway
Participants receive:
An individual assessment with a cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist
A tailored exercise plan based on recovery stage and individual goals
Ongoing one-to-one physiotherapy support
Supervised physical activity and behaviour support sessions
Group classes to support connection and motivation
Online and in-person options for accessibility
A complimentary wearable fitness tracker
Regular review and progression of your plan over time
Who’s it for?
This programme is designed for patients who:
Have been diagnosed with stage 2 or stage 3 bowel cancer
Have completed chemotherapy within the past six months
Are medically cleared to participate in structured exercise
Full eligibility criteria and answers to common questions are available in our FAQ.
Lindsay Montgomery
Oncology Physiotherapist
Jen East
Oncology Physiotherapist
Janna Hawkins
