Moving at Your Own Pace: 3 Ways to Measure Progress (Without a Scale)

moving-at-your-own-pace

Everyone’s journey after cancer treatment moves at a different pace. It can be easy to compare your progress with others, but it’s important to remember that physically noticeable results are not the only way to track your progression. Although exercising is primarily recognized for improving your physical health, it can positively impact your overall wellness, including your mental health. Below are three ways to measure progress without a scale. 

Measure Your Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

While visible effects may not come automatically, other important internal factors can be measured. Consistently compare your heart rate (before, during, and after exercise) and blood pressure to keep track of accurate advancement—doing this can also help you keep track of your overall health, helping you to identify other lifestyle changes that you may need to focus on. Your resting heart rate could be associated with other health concerns, like cholesterol, stress, and breathing levels.

Logging your blood pressure assists you in tracking your likelihood of heart disease or stroke. Based on your results, you can take preventative measures to help avoid hypertension or hypotension, which will ultimately improve your overall long-term health and well-being. While blood pressure monitors with cuffs usually give the most accurate readings, Healthline suggests apps to help keep you on track if you don’t have the equipment on-hand at home. Though these aren’t externally evident outcomes, improving these numbers can be an incredible and beneficial assessment of success. 

Write and Log in a Wellness Journal

Find a journal you like and record your workouts and thoughts at least once a day. Key categories can include your routines or a mood chart—a type of journaling where you log your emotions, like feeling irritated, motivated, angry, or relaxed. By doing this, you have an organized place for your dedication and consistency, reminding you that every step you take is significant. 

Other categories can include:

  • Time/distance
  • Eating habits
  • Physical measurements (waist, hips, thighs, or biceps)
  • Flexibility advancement 
  • Hours of sleep

Set Personal Goals

Don’t get down on yourself if you’re not losing or gaining weight at the rate of someone else. One method to feel more confident about your progress is to set your own goals and focus primarily on those. If you’re having trouble with results that involve the scale or appearance, create alternate objectives that don’t rely on physical outcomes. 

Ideas for alternate goals driven by a timeline:

  • Create and implement a routine
  • Reach X number of curls 
  • Exercise X number of days during the week
  • Run X number of miles
  • Touch your toes
  • Walk X distance in X time
  • Take a kickboxing class
  • Squat X pounds 
  • Accomplish X reps 

An exercise that has worked for someone else may not have the same effect on you. Don’t feel behind or embarrassed if you need to modify an existing exercise. (You can even work this in as a new goal!)

Remember, your remission is not a competition. Your body has been through tremendous adjustment, and you are here; you are a survivor, and that in itself is amazing.

Looking for more wellness guidance through your post-treatment?

If you need more guidance on staying motivated and reaching your goals, we are here and happy to help. Survivor Fitness works with cancer survivors to help them regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support. We walk alongside you to progress your post-treatment recovery, empowering you to take control of your healing journey. Connect with us today to learn more!

How to Stay Fueled During (and After) Your Workouts

It’s known that both exercise and healthy foods are part of a well-balanced and healthy life, but did you know that certain nutritional elements can actually impact your endurance and results? By intentionally planning your cuisine, you can finish your workouts just as strong as you started them. Here are a few ways that you can stay fueled during your workouts.

Getting Started

Regardless of what time of day you work out, the food you eat before your session can influence how well you perform and even recover afterward. According to Healthline, the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients can help fuel your exercise routine. Fueling your body with these key nutrients will not only help you during your workout but will also help with muscle recovery.

Helpful Habits

It’s not always easy, but beginning (or resuming) a physically healthy life doesn’t have to include extreme measures. If working out is on your agenda for the day, start preparing when you get out of bed with a hearty breakfast. This could include a greek yogurt parfait or eggs with a slice of whole-grain toast. If you are working out in the afternoon, make it easier on yourself by prepping some lean protein to eat directly after so you can repair your muscles. 

A common rule of thumb from the Mayo Clinic is to eat one to two hours before your workout. This prevents cramping and gives your body enough time to begin digesting before you start to burn calories. 

Be sure to drink enough water before, during, and after your workouts, too, as it goes beyond just keeping you hydrated. Based on a Cleveland Clinic article, doing so “replenishes electrolytes, sodium, and glucose” when you exercise and “helps ward off muscle cramps, removes toxins from your body and transports nutrients to parts of your body that need it most” after you exercise.

Regain Your Wellness After Cancer Treatment with Survivor Fitness

As we all have different bodies, the most important thing is that you listen to yours. It can be hard to know exactly what the right plan for you is, but with a little help, you can find it.

Survivor Fitness works with cancer survivors to help them regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support. We walk alongside you to progress your post-treatment recovery, empowering you to take control of your healing journey. Connect with us today to learn more!

Participant Spotlight: Mike Cummings

Survivor Fitness helps connect participants to the resources they need to live a healthy and active life. It makes it all worth it when we hear how the program has helped our participants accomplish their goals and return to a life of possibility and wellness. In this Q&A feature, learn more about how Survivor Fitness helped Mike Cummings regain his strength, motivation, and well-being.

A Q & A with Mike Cummings

Survivor Fitness: Tell us about your diagnosis and why you began the Survivor Fitness programs.

Mike Cummings: In May 2016, I had taken a day off from work to do some things around the house and felt a dull pain in my waist that I did not really pay much attention to. A few days later, I started to notice a lump coming up right on my belt line. After researching different medical sites of what it could be, I figured out that it might be an Inguinal Hernia. 

After about three to four days, I started feeling a bit nauseous and finally gave in and went to the ER. At the ER, they tried to reduce it using force, and it would not budge. At that point, it was time to speak to a surgeon. Fast forward a few more days, and I never made it to the surgeon, as I ended up back in the ER. After several hours, the decision was made to do the surgery then and repair it. When I woke up, I was told that I had a lymph node the size of a baseball and it had been sent off to pathology for testing. Nine days later, I got the call that I needed to see an Oncologist and was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

SF: Tell us about your relationship with Survivor Fitness and how you became a participant.

MC: In March 2021, at my normal check-up, I had a conversation with my oncologist about training and weight loss programs. She introduced me to Survivor Fitness and gave me the referral to get signed up. Not knowing what I was getting into, I did plenty of reading on the program and sent in the application. Within two days, I got a call from the program that I was approved and what costs were associated with it. That conversation drew me right in, and I am glad it did, as I have a great relationship with the program administrators.

SF: How have you been able to regain your health and wellness throughout your time with Survivor Fitness?

MC: The program gave me multiple options of where I could go that fit my extremely busy schedule with two kids playing competitive baseball. [The Survivor Fitness team] made it so easy to work around my schedule and did not require me to be at a certain place at a certain time. We finally chose South Landing Fitness in Knoxville. After meeting with the owner, we were off to the races within five days. We set a schedule, and I had a workout schedule sent to my phone daily so that I could see what was coming and look back on what I had accomplished. 

The overall goals were to regain the strength I had as an athlete in high school and knock a few pounds off. We were able to accomplish 90% of the strength and 100% of weight loss in 12 weeks (actually 15, with a 3-week layoff due to COVID). 

The overall goal with strength was 1,000 pounds in three lifts, and we accomplished that with squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. I am 100% satisfied with the results of the training, and the knowledge that I learned to be able to do it on my own is invaluable. Especially now that I am working out on my own, I still get contacted by the gym owner to check on me and my progress.

SF: What makes the relationship with Survivor Fitness so good?

MC: The communication and the willingness to help me when I need something, like when I have questions about something that I want to try or what I need to do to keep going forward. I have the options to reach out to the dietician, the gym owner, and even the program administrator. Their willingness to help is definitely second to none. 

SF: In what ways does Survivor Fitness empower you to stay active and healthy?

MC: Seeing results firsthand is always empowering. Sometimes, I would be in the gym at 5:30 a.m. and wonder, “Why in the world am I doing this?” knowing that I had 100 other things to get done in the day. Then, seeing the difference in my energy level, the way my clothes fit, and how good I felt throughout the day was an eye-opener and gave me that small little nudge I needed (and still need) to keep going. Even if it is just for a few minutes a day, grabbing something heavy to add weight and doing some sort of movement helps.

SF: What would you tell someone else who might be on a similar journey and is considering being a Survivor Fitness participant?

MC: Do it! Hands down, you won’t regret it. Keep a mindset that you can do it and win. And, ALWAYS MOVE FORWARD!

SF: Do you have anything that stands out to you that you want to share from this journey?

MC: The thing that I really loved about going through this program was that there was absolutely no judgment of any kind. Nothing about weight, strength, mindset—anything. It was always great to walk into the gym—even after a long day or night before—and know that it was a fresh start each time. The same for speaking to anyone from the program; there was no judgment, only solutions to whatever the issue was at the time.

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain your health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more.

The Importance of a Daily Routine

Your daily routine can be a stabilizing factor in your life that helps you to stay balanced and healthy. Every day, your actions affect your body and mind exponentially, making it vital that those actions are a positive reflection of the life you want to live. The key to a good routine, though, is to make sure that it reflects your priorities, values, and goals. In this article, we’ll cover how to build an aligned daily routine and why routines are important.

How to Build an Aligned Daily Routine 

The beauty of your daily routine is that it’s yours. You can build it however you like, and however you feel your mind and body will benefit the most. 

So, to begin building a daily routine, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What do I value most about my life? 
  • In what ways would I like to improve? 
  • Are there areas of my life that I tend to neglect? 
  • Is there something that I would like to add to or remove from my day?
  • What are my short and long-term goals? 
  • What would I like to make a higher priority? 

Use your answers to these questions to build out a routine that resonates with you. A great exercise to use to visualize your ideal schedule is to imagine your “perfect day.” If everything went as planned, what would you do? What time would you wake up? What would your morning look like? Ask yourself questions about your ideal day to build a routine that you’re excited to follow. Now, why is all of this important? 

Why Daily Routines are Important

1. It Creates Healthy Habits 

Your daily schedule can be used to create healthy habits. Take your morning routine, for example. You may already brush your teeth and wash your face. But maybe after you think about it, you’d like to add a short yoga session. By adding this into your routine, you’ll create a habit, and your body will naturally begin to crave this part of your day.

2. It Helps You Set and Achieve Goals

You can use your daily routine as a tool to set and achieve your goals. Maybe these goals surround exercise, nutrition, or mental health. Whatever you’re focused on at the moment, try adding an element to your daily routine that will push you closer to making that goal a reality. 

3. It Keeps You Balanced

At the end of the day, routines are all about balance. Humans thrive on our routines because it helps to align our bodies and minds. You can use your morning routine to start your day on the right foot. Or maybe your afternoon routine helps you to wind down and relax. The schedule you create for yourself contributes significantly to your overall well-being. Be mindful of that as you build one that works best for you! 

Are You a Cancer Survivor Looking for Wellness Support?

Survivor Fitness works with cancer survivors to help them regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support. We walk alongside you to progress your post-treatment recovery, empowering you to take control of your healing journey. Connect with us today to learn more!

A Graduate’s Guide: How to Stay Involved with Survivor Fitness

Are you a graduate of the Survivor Fitness program? Or, perhaps, have you seen what the program can do to help cancer survivors regain their health? If you said “yes” to either of those questions, we want you to help us spread the word so that we can support as many people as possible. In this article, we’re sharing ways that you can contribute to our mission by spreading the word about how we can improve life after remission for cancer survivors. 

For Survivor Fitness Graduates

Take a moment to remember where you started and where you are now. You are an inspiration, and we’re glad that you want to encourage individuals who are new to their remission chapter. That’s why Survivor Fitness wants to celebrate your stories and share your strength—so that we can continue adding to our incredible community. Here are a few ways that you can share your Survivor Fitness story to inspire others.

Send Us Your Testimonial

We love to share participant spotlights and would be so grateful for you to be an upcoming featured participant! Contact us here to inquire about an interview. We can’t wait to celebrate your success.

Tell Your Doctors About the Program

Have discussions, even brief ones, with your medical team and other medical providers about your experience with Survivor Fitness. They may not be aware of the solutions we offer and could potentially pass the information along to their other cancer survivors.

Become a Brand Ambassador 

What better way to advocate for an organization you believe in than sharing your positive experience? The outlet possibilities are endless, and we’re happy to provide you with resources to distribute. 

For Survivor Fitness Supporters

Whether someone close to you has survived cancer, or you are looking for ways to support the lives of survivors, we’re so happy you’re here. Take a look at this list to learn about options to get involved with Survivor Fitness. 

Never Underestimate the Power of Word of Mouth

Word of Mouth is an incredibly powerful tool that will never go out of style. If you know someone going through remission, share your personal story and see if it’s something they’re interested in pursuing. Odds are, they trust your opinion, and they deserve to experience just how substantial their results can be. 

Share Our Content

Your social media platforms are a powerful tool when sharing information. You never know who might know someone living life after cancer. A simple share could lead to an incredible yet unexpected beginning. 

For Graduates and Supporters

Volunteer with Us

Survivor Fitness has various volunteer opportunities available to help further our mission. Are you thinking about volunteering? Please email us to get started. 

Post on Social Media

Share your testimonials, results, and insight on social media after you have completed or witnessed someone complete the program. (Be sure to tag us in the post, so we can see!)

Leave a Review

Reviews allow potential participants to read firsthand accounts and decide whether this program is right for them. Help us reconnect cancer survivors to their health and wellness by publicly sharing your experiences. Cancer survivors’ worlds are changing for the better, and we want to be by their side to help them accomplish the unexpected.

Whether you have been through the program itself or are a supporter of ours, staying involved after your experience truly helps others who are going through what you once did. Thank you for your bravery, your perseverance, and your support. 

Are You a Cancer Survivor?

Survivor Fitness works with cancer survivors to help them regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support. We walk alongside you to progress your post-treatment recovery, empowering you to take control of your healing journey. Connect with us today to learn more!

Participant Spotlight: Leisha Smith

Our participants and graduates can attest to the value of encouragement and support from those who have walked or may be walking a similar path toward overcoming cancer. Hearing their stories of recovery and success in regaining their strength is part of what gives us the motivation to inspire others along the way. 

Leisha Smith is a shining example of someone who took charge of her cancer journey and is now feeling stronger and healthier. In this Q&A feature, learn more about how Survivor Fitness helped Leisha regain her health and wellness.

A Q & A with Leisha Smith

Survivor Fitness: Tell us about your diagnosis and why you began the Survivor Fitness programs.

Leisha Smith: In 2015, I tested positive for the BRCA gene, meaning my chances of getting breast or ovarian or both cancers were significantly higher than those without the gene. So, I decided to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and remove my tubes and ovaries. I was being proactive, making my chances of getting breast cancer less than 1%. Then, in January 2020, I felt the tumor in my armpit. I was shocked. Every doctor from my gynecologist to the radiologist who performed the biopsy stated this couldn’t be cancer, but deep down I knew.

Because I had already done the preventative surgery, my oncologist wanted to be aggressive.  I only had the tumor, and it was contained. My breast cancer was hormone positive. So, I went through the entire protocol of two rounds of chemotherapy and 32 radiation treatments. My journey started in January 2020 and finished December 2020. 

After finishing chemotherapy and radiation, I was weak, and, for the first time in my life, I looked “fragile.” I have always been an athlete, so it was shocking to see the toll treatment has on your body—the loss of muscle mass and being constantly weak. I wanted to have control of my body again, so I started looking for fitness training that was tailored toward cancer survivors. That’s how I discovered Survivor Fitness.  

I loved the Survivor Fitness story and mission and was super excited to begin the programs in Spring of 2021. Being a cancer survivor is only a small part of who I am. This journey has been amazing because, as I got stronger physically, my mental and emotional well-being improved significantly. 

SF: How have you been able to regain your health and wellness throughout your time with Survivor Fitness?

LS: Survivor Fitness has allowed me to join a group of individuals who I can only describe as warriors! Meg is such a positive force and makes you feel like you are a part of the family. I was also able to connect with a knowledgeable trainer—Carissa Mahoney at Performance Training, Inc. (PTI)—and focus on building up my stamina and lean muscle. I also spoke with the dietitian to discuss healthy eating habits, since treatment really diminishes the desire to eat.

SF: What makes the relationship with Survivor Fitness so good?

LS: For me, it is Survivor Fitness’ focus on being strong and their mindset of “I can!” Cancer takes something from you. You feel frail and weak. Survivor Fitness gives you the ability to move beyond the label of cancer “patient” to “survivor.”

SF: In what ways does Survivor Fitness empower you to stay active and healthy?

LS: I love that Survivor Fitness “checks in” on me and how they offer group classes and informational webinars. 

SF: What would you tell someone else who might be on a similar journey and is considering being a Survivor Fitness participant?

LS: Definitely join! It is amazing to see yourself meet goals and get stronger—both physically and mentally. I have met more Survivor Fitness members at PTI and love seeing their progress as well.

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain your health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more.

Ways to Stretch Before and After Your Workouts

Stretching before and after a workout is sometimes just as important as the workouts themselves. These routines help your body acclimate to and recover from exercise, so it’s vital that you plan your stretches the same way you would plan a workout. To help get you started, here are a few ways that you can stretch before and after your workouts. 

Please note that stretches can cause injury if not done properly. Do plenty of research on the proper ways to stretch before trying these without a professional trainer. 

Before Your Workout

You might be tempted to engage in static stretching before your workout, but these stretches should actually be reserved for after. Instead, you will get the most benefit from dynamic stretching to warm up your muscles before you put them to work. This type of stretching can increase your range of motion and help prevent injury, as injuries often happen when we put our muscles under strain that they aren’t ready for. 

Here are a few dynamic warm-up stretches that you can add to your pre-workout routine: 

  • Jumping Jacks: To get your muscles warmed up, try jumping jacks! If you’re looking for a calmer exercise, step your feet out one at a time instead of jumping.
  • Light Jogging: Especially if you’re going for a run, you might want to start with a light jog that is much slower than your normal pace.
  • Jumping Rope: This classic kids’ favorite is also a great warm-up exercise before a workout. Try a light jump-rope session to warm up your arms and legs.
  • Rotating Your Hips: For this stretch, place your hands on your hips and feet hip-width apart, rotating your hips in a circular motion.
  • Swinging Your Legs: This stretch is exactly how it sounds. Stand with your hands on your hips or brace yourself on a wall or banister and swing one leg at a time, forward and backward, to feel a great stretch.
  • Knees to Chest: Lie down on your back and bring one knee at a time to your chest with light pressure. This stretch can loosen up your hips and lower back muscles. 

After Your Workout

Now that you’ve completed your workout, it’s time for static stretching. These types of stretches slow your heart rate down and help your body begin to recover, as it brings blood flow to the muscles you used. 

Here are a few static stretches that you can add to your post-workout routine: 

  • Arm and Shoulder Stretch: Cross your left arm across your body and pull it toward you with the right arm. Repeat on the other side.
  • Wrist Stretch: Especially if you work at a computer, this stretch is wonderful for your wrists. Extend both arms straight out in front of you. One hand at a time, gently bend your wrist back until you feel a stretch throughout your forearm.
  • Neck Stretch: Place your left hand on the right side of your head, gently pulling it toward the left side until you feel a stretch. Repeat on the other side.
  • Side Stretch: Stand hip-width apart, lift one arm straight up, and stretch that arm toward the opposite side. Repeat on the other side.
  • Groin Stretch: Sit down with the bottoms of your feet touching, hold your toes, and gently lean forward as you bend from your hips until you feel a stretch.
  • Hamstring Stretch: Sit in a butterfly position, similar to the previous groin stretch, and extend one leg out in front of you with your knee bent slightly. Lean forward at your waist until you feel a stretch in your hamstring. 

Note: It is important that you never force a stretch, as this could lead to a muscle injury. Listen to your body as you try these stretches and see what feels good for you.

Are You a Cancer Survivor?

Survivor Fitness works with cancer survivors to help them regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support. We walk alongside you to progress your post-treatment recovery, empowering you to take control of your healing journey. Connect with us today to learn more!

8 Elements to Add to Your Morning Routine

Your morning routine can set the tone for your entire day. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take time to care for yourself, and it helps signal to your mind and body that you’re ready for what the day might bring. As a morning routine is such an important part of the day, we want to help you ensure that you’re getting the most out of yours. 

Here are eight elements to consider adding into your morning routine. Take what you like and leave what you don’t. Make it your own!

1. Wake Up Early

It can be tempting to hit the snooze button on your alarm clock in the morning. However, when you wake up early, you have enough time to start your day with a relaxing routine. Sleeping in can feel good in the moment, but it can also make the rest of your day feel rushed and unorganized. If you have trouble waking up early, try placing your alarm where it requires you to leave the bed to turn it off. 

2. Add a Moment of Stretching

As soon as you get out of bed, try a morning stretch. Stretching after sleep can improve your circulation and relax your muscles to relieve any aches and pains you might feel after a long night of laying in the same positions. If this is already part of your routine, and you want to go a step further, add a yoga sequence first thing in the morning. 

3. Drink a Glass of Water

Your body has been without water all night, so a great addition to your routine is to drink a glass of water to rehydrate and help your organs function properly. If you’re prone to forgetting, sit a glass or bottle of water by your bed before you go to sleep so that it’s the first thing you see when you wake up.

4. Choose a Wholesome Breakfast

Start your day with a breakfast that will keep you full and provide your body with the nutrients it’s craving. You might consider planning your breakfast the night before so that you don’t grab something quick in a rush out the door. Need a new recipe? Try our banana bread overnight oats.

5. Write in a Gratitude Journal

Your first few thoughts in the morning can dramatically affect your mood and the tone you set for your day. Make these moments count by sitting down with a guided or blank journal to write down a few things that you’re grateful for, along with your thoughts and feelings that surround them. 

6. Add a Touch of Creativity

If your day ahead is full of work and other daily tasks, you might consider starting with a creative activity, such as playing music, reading, listening to a podcast, or writing. It doesn’t matter how you get creative with your morning—only that you let your mind wander and feel the creativity flow through you.   

7. Tidy Your Space 

Set aside a few moments to organize your space, allowing yourself to focus on only one area at a time. Tidying your living space ensures that you’ll come home to a clean house, where you can rest and relax at the end of your day without worrying about when you’re going to clean up.

8. Plan Out Your Day

Finally, before you head to work or your daily activities, plan out your day. Write down what you hope to accomplish, what you want to eat, how you want to move your body, and how you plan to rest. By giving yourself an expectation for your day, you are more likely to spend the day how you’d like to, rather than leaving it up to chance. 

We hope that you use these tips to design a morning routine that’s perfect for you! As we mentioned, take what you love and leave what you don’t. Finding a routine that makes you feel your best is a personal process.

Are You a Cancer Survivor?

Survivor Fitness works with cancer survivors to help them regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support. We walk alongside you to progress your post-treatment recovery, empowering you to take control of your healing journey. Connect with us today to learn more!

Participant Spotlight: Meghan Miller

Our participants know how powerful self-care after cancer treatment can be. We enjoy hearing stories of survivors who have used exercise and nutrition to build themselves up, and Meghan Miller is a great example of that. In this Q&A feature, you can learn more about how Survivor Fitness helped Meghan take back control of her body, mind, and self-care.

A Q & A WITH MEGHAN MILLER

Survivor Fitness: Tell us about your diagnosis and why you began the Survivor Fitness programs.

Lekisha Paige: In March 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After months of going through surgery, chemo, and radiation, I was exhausted. I learned about Survivor Fitness through another wonderful, local organization, Breast Connect, Inc. Knowing that I wanted to regain energy and strength as soon as possible, I applied for the Survivor Fitness program while still in active treatment. I was contacted shortly after and started the program in January of 2021 after finishing treatment and getting the ok from my doctor! I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate, and regain control over my health.

SF: How have you been able to regain your health and wellness throughout your time with Survivor Fitness?

LP: Working out with an incredible trainer allowed me to slowly and safely regain strength. I’ve learned so much about proper strength training techniques that I never knew before. Seeing a trainer twice a week held me accountable and also motivated me to work out routinely at home. I had such a great experience with my trainer that I’ve continued working with her after the program ended.

I have more energy and strength now than I did prior to cancer treatments. Self-care had been lacking with little ones, but now I make it a priority.

SF: In what ways does Survivor Fitness empower you to stay active and healthy?

LP: It feels great to be connected with a group that really understands what cancer survivors need to meet their fitness goals. Seeing others who went through the program helped make the recovery process not so daunting.

Learning how to get effective workouts completed in a reasonable time really helps me keep going. With small children, it’s easy to make excuses and tell yourself that you don’t have the time to work out. Also, Survivor Fitness offers useful events throughout the year that help keep you connected.

SF: What would you tell someone else who might be on a similar journey and is considering being a Survivor Fitness participant?

LP: Exercise offers so many benefits in general, but especially after cancer. It helps give you energy and improves your mood. The program really helps you take back some control over your body and mind after not having it for a while. It can also alleviate symptoms from ongoing treatments and lasting side effects. I highly recommend this program to every survivor I meet in the area.

Interested in Becoming a Survivor Fitness Participant?

If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor looking to regain your health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support, we’re here for you! Connect with us today to learn more.

Taking the First Step at Survivor Fitness

walking-up-steps

Are you a cancer survivor? Or, perhaps, someone close to you is. Survivor Fitness welcomes you to explore our program to learn more about how we help survivors continue to regain their health after treatment. Through personal training, nutritional support, and the accountability of a community, Survivor Fitness empowers survivors to take control of their stories. Want to join us? Here are a few ways to get involved with Survivor Fitness as a participant, volunteer, or donor. 

Apply to Become a Participant

We offer in-person training in Knoxville and Nashville, in addition to virtual training for those outside of these areas. As a cancer survivor, you may be ready to change the course of your health and wellness, but you don’t know where to start. Let us walk with you through this process.

No matter your current fitness level, history, or age, we are here to help. Our trainers and registered dietitians meet you at your point of need to create a custom program that will help you regain your health, hope, and strength. Apply today to get started. 

Want to hear firsthand stories of Survivor Fitness participants? Take a look at our participant spotlights!

Spread the Word About Survivor Fitness

We want to reach as many cancer survivors as possible so that we can help them on their path to better health. The easiest way to reach our audience is through word of mouth! If you have someone in mind who could benefit from this program, please pass our name along to them. Similarly, if you are in contact with doctors who can help spread the word, let them know that we are here to help their patients who are in recovery. It takes just one connection to change someone’s life forever! 

Volunteer with Us

Are you looking for a worthwhile way to spend your free time? Survivor Fitness always has a need for volunteers for various activities that help us further our mission. Our volunteers contribute greatly to our ability to offer our support and services. Ready to get involved? If this is something you might be interested in, please email info@survivorfitness.org for more information. 

Are You a Cancer Survivor?

Survivor Fitness works with cancer survivors to help them regain their health and wellness through one-on-one personal training and nutritional support. We walk alongside you to progress your post-treatment recovery, empowering you to take control of your healing journey. Connect with us today to learn more!