One of the most inspiring parts of Survivor Fitness is witnessing the transformation of participants. That transformation is what drives our team, fitness partners, nutrition coaches, and therapists to keep showing up and offering support for survivors on the road to recovery. For Anita Slaughter, a Nashville-based fitness professional and owner of A|Train Fitness, helping survivors rebuild their strength has become a personal mission.
Anita first connected with Survivor Fitness in 2019 when she became a certified cancer exercise specialist. With that certification, she and her team at A|Train Fitness began working directly with Survivor Fitness participants.
“Being able to see firsthand how Survivor Fitness truly changed the trajectory for cancer survivors is the thing that made me want to become more involved,” Anita shared.
That first-hand experience was powerful. She saw people walk into the gym burdened with fatigue, fear, and weakness and leave weeks later with renewed confidence, strength, and optimism. Those transformations made a lasting impression, leading her to join the Survivor Fitness board in 2025.
From Partner to Advocate: A Personal Mission
As a trainer, Anita has a front-row seat to the impact of Survivor Fitness, but her involvement in our organization is also deeply personal.
“Cancer has become so prevalent over the last several years. Everyone has either faced cancer themselves or had someone close to them go through it,” Anita shared. “Seeing both of my parents and several of my friends face cancer diagnoses really hit home, and I knew I needed to become more involved.”
Serving on the board has given her the opportunity to offer even more than her professional expertise. As the chair of fundraising, she’s now helping lead the charge in fundraising, outreach, and growth. Anita’s goal is clear: expand the reach of Survivor Fitness so even more people can access the support they need after treatment ends.
“Every year, we’ve doubled the number of participants going through Survivor Fitness. But that’s still only a fraction of the number of cancer survivors in Tennessee,” she said. “I’m excited to work with an incredible team to continue Survivor Fitness’ vision and growth by increasing funding and awareness.”
Community, Connection, and Continued Strength
For Anita, one of the most meaningful parts of the Survivor Fitness program is what happens after a participant “graduates.” A|Train hosts regular group fitness classes specifically for Survivor Fitness alumni, and those sessions have become a powerful community for ongoing support.
“The support system our participants build throughout their Survivor Fitness experience and beyond is incredible,” Anita said. “The bonds they share, the relationships they develop—it’s truly wonderful to witness.”
That sense of community and continuity is key. Survivor Fitness isn’t just about checking a box or completing a program—it’s about long-term health, strength, and connection. It’s why Anita is so passionate about what the organization does, and why she’s committed to helping it grow.
Looking Ahead: Growth, Trends, and Empowerment
As Survivor Fitness expands, Anita is excited to see the organization’s mission spread even further across Tennessee and beyond.
“Increasing certified cancer exercise gym partnerships, growing the number of participants, and expanding community awareness—it’s all so exciting to see.”
She’s also watching broader wellness trends closely, always looking for ways to incorporate new research and best practices that can benefit cancer survivors. Her current focus? Reducing carcinogens and improving insulin sensitivity—both of which are strongly linked to long-term health outcomes.
“The best way to improve insulin sensitivity is by incorporating strength training and increasing muscle mass,” she explained. “That reduces overall inflammation throughout the body, which is especially important for cancer survivors.”
While cold plunges and saunas may be trendy, Anita remains focused on what works for everyone: strength training and reducing exposure to harmful ingredients in foods and products.
Words of Encouragement for Survivors and Advocates
Having coached dozens of Survivor Fitness participants, Anita knows how overwhelming recovery can feel. But she also knows what’s possible when people take that first step.
“It can be extremely overwhelming to recognize the work needed to get back to feeling themselves again. I always encourage participants to take just one step at a time, one day at a time.”
Her advice is simple: celebrate the small wins. Each workout, each meal, each moment of movement is a building block toward something bigger.
“Before they know it, they’re stronger, more hopeful, and excited about their future,” Anita shared.
We’re incredibly grateful for Anita’s continued support, advocacy, and leadership over the years. By working directly with participants and championing our mission as a board member, her passion for helping survivors regain their strength and confidence is felt throughout our entire community.
If you’re inspired by Anita’s story and want to get involved—or if you’re a cancer survivor ready to take the next step in your recovery—learn more about our programs or apply today.