In 2009 the American College of Sports Medicine formed a panel of researchers to develop exercise guidelines for cancer patients and survivors.
At the time, doctors were telling their cancer patients to avoid exercise but the panel found that physical activity "is safe during and after cancer treatments and results in improvements in physical functioning, quality of life, and cancer-related fatigue in several cancer survivor groups."
Strength for Life, based in New York, is working to spread this news and make fitness programs accessible to cancer patients and survivors "regardless of location and financial limitations."
At the time, doctors were telling their cancer patients to avoid exercise but the panel found that physical activity "is safe during and after cancer treatments and results in improvements in physical functioning, quality of life, and cancer-related fatigue in several cancer survivor groups."
Strength for Life, based in New York, is working to spread this news and make fitness programs accessible to cancer patients and survivors "regardless of location and financial limitations."
I met Jacqui Errico, Strength for Life co-founder, at a recent breast cancer event. Jacqui explained to me that, at Strength for Life, Certified Cancer Exercise Trainers (I didn't know that was a thing!) provide exercise equipment, exercise programs (usually 8-week long sessions) and wellness retreats FREE of charge to cancer patients and survivors. Currently, all the fitness sessions listed on Strength for Life's website are located on Long Island in New York. Strength for Life is working to expand and wants to hear from you if you would like to see a Strength for Life chapter formed in your area.
As a fitness instructor and breast cancer survivor, I was so excited to learn about Strength for Life and knew I needed to share this resource. After my mastectomy, I waited the full recovery period suggested by my doctor and then got right back into the gym. My first class was Zumba and I immediately felt the positive effect on my mood and my outlook. Over the next few weeks I noticed that my workouts were helping me to regain the range of motion in my left arm, shoulder and chest area. I strongly believe that getting back to my regular exercise routine helped speed up and maximize my recovery from both of my breast cancer surgeries.
Please share this great resource with anyone you know who may benefit.
As a fitness instructor and breast cancer survivor, I was so excited to learn about Strength for Life and knew I needed to share this resource. After my mastectomy, I waited the full recovery period suggested by my doctor and then got right back into the gym. My first class was Zumba and I immediately felt the positive effect on my mood and my outlook. Over the next few weeks I noticed that my workouts were helping me to regain the range of motion in my left arm, shoulder and chest area. I strongly believe that getting back to my regular exercise routine helped speed up and maximize my recovery from both of my breast cancer surgeries.
Please share this great resource with anyone you know who may benefit.
