One of the foundational truths of Survivor Fitness is that our partners and trainers are often as deeply impacted by their work as the participants they serve. This is especially true for Robbie Robertson of Fitness Central in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Robbie joined the Fitness Central team in early 2024. Not long after joining, he was introduced to the Survivor Fitness programs by a co-worker. The trainer, who was working with a Survivor Fitness participant, recognized Robbie’s enthusiasm and experience and thought he’d be a great fit.
The connection felt right on a personal level, too. Robbie shared that his passion for this work is deeply rooted in his own experience with a loved one’s battle with cancer.
“My favorite person in the world—my grandmother—passed last year after a battle with pancreatic cancer, so the opportunity to work with Survivor Fitness was a no-brainer,” Robbie shared.
Since diving into the programs, Robbie has worked with five Survivor Fitness participants this year, each bringing their own strength and resilience that continues to affect him in profound ways.
The Power of Perspective
Reflecting on his experience, Robbie sums up his biggest takeaway with one word: perspective.
“You’re hit with a wide range of goals, motivations, and obstacles as a trainer, but when you’re working with someone who’s battling their way back from cancer, it makes you reflect on what’s really important and how exercise can help heal the body and the mind,” he explains.
Robbie’s interactions with Survivor Fitness participants have shown him the courage and humor these survivors bring, even in the face of physically demanding workouts.
“Without fail, the survivors I’ve worked with always have the most effortlessly funny attitudes and personalities,” Robbie says. “They’ve been through more than most of us can even imagine; I guess it should be no surprise they maintain a sunny disposition even through walking lunges.”
Robbie’s experience underscores that perspective is more than just an outlook—it’s a powerful reminder of the strength participants bring and the joy they find along the way, even in small, shared moments.
Taking an Empowering Approach to Recovery
For many cancer survivors, the road to recovery is not just about physical strength but also reclaiming control and confidence. Robbie has seen how programs like Survivor Fitness can foster both. He encourages participants to embrace small, steady steps toward health and well-being, recognizing the importance of mental resilience as they build physical strength.
“The physical benefits of fitness usually get all the glory, but the psychological benefits are invaluable in working your way back to feeling like yourself again,” Robbie explains.
Robbie emphasizes an empowering mindset—helping participants set realistic goals and recognize their achievements as they work towards reclaiming their health. He’s a strong advocate for gradual, sustainable progress, focusing on building a foundation that supports long-term wellness and prevents injury.
“A couple of really hard workouts right out of the gate will have roughly ZERO positive impact on your long-term health goals, but gradually building healthy habits into your routine (like working out regularly) will make them a lot more likely to stick.”
Robbie’s approach is built on communication, collaboration, and trust, providing participants with the structure they need to feel supported and encouraged throughout their journey. By tailoring the programs to each participant’s needs and abilities, he empowers them to safely build strength and embrace newfound abilities along the way.
Join the Survivor Fitness Community
At Survivor Fitness, we’re incredibly grateful for partners like Robbie Robertson and the dedication he brings to our participants. His thoughtful approach, commitment to individualized care, and genuine passion for helping survivors grow stronger make him an invaluable asset to the Survivor Fitness mission.
Want to partner with us and help survivors on their recovery journey? Reach out to our team – we’d love to connect!
If you’re a survivor ready to rebuild your strength and health, learn more about our programs or apply today!