Cancer Exercise Specialists

The Cancer Exercise Specialist team provided training in specific cancer rehabilitation and fitness protocol at Avera McKennan Fitness Center. Following a comprehensive 2-day workshop and written examination, members of our staff and Avera McKennan are now fully certified in cancer exercise training.

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Cancer Fitness Program

Exercise has been proven to have a profound impact on the recovery process in patients with cancer both physically and emotionally. Treatments used to cure cancer often make activities of daily living more difficult to manage.

Exercise improves the body’s ability to be efficient in performing daily functions and allows the body to react easier to the cancer treatments while having fewer side effects and better sleep and rest patterns. Most importantly, physical exercise can have a dramatic positive impact on the quality of life of patients with cancer.

Our mission is to help patients with cancer cope with the efforts of treatments and manage symptoms. We want to help people focus on their positive energy, have enjoyment in their life and reduce any illness related anxieties.

Exercising with others is a great opportunity to maintain your motivation, prevent boredom and spend time with people experiencing similar symptoms while everyone is working toward the road to better health. As part of this program, you will have a great support network from both fellow participants and the AMFC staff.

What This Program Can Do For You

Our program can improve your quality of life and help you feel better.

Physical benefits include

• Enhanced restfulness and sleep patterns
• Increased muscle strength, coordination and balance
• Increased energy level
• Reduced nausea and fatigue
• Lower pain levels

Physiological benefits include

• Elevated immune system
• Increased lung capacity
• Strengthened cardiovascular system
• Enhanced flexibility and range of motion
• Regained muscle tone and strength
• Better supply of oxygen to brain and tissues

Psychological benefits include:

• Stress reduction
• Relaxation
• Improved sleep
• Increased feelings of self control
• Enhanced feelings of independence, self confidence and self-esteem
• Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Improved mood and mental attitude

Components of Program

Strength Conditioning: A strong, fit body leads to a stronger self-image and increased confidence. Benefits of regular exercise include: improved muscle tone, enhanced cardiovascular and pulmonary health and strengthened immune function. Participants will utilize various pieces of fitness equipment, weights, and functional training equipment (medicine balls, exercise tubing, BOSU ball, etc.) We will educate participants on different forms of exercise that can be beneficial to overall health and well-being.

Group Exercise Classes

We offer a number of group exercise classes for people who want to work with others while improving thier health!

Yoga for Cancer
These gentle Yoga practices are intended to strengthen physiological functions (especially the immune system) and restore inner balance. The specific exercises combine breathing exercises, body postures, gentle stretching, relaxation and meditation. People will experience a sense ofwell-being and strength and a balance of mind, body and spirit. Yoga allows people to reconnect with their bodies and restore their inner peace.

Harmony Qi Gong
Qi Gong is designed to enhance the natural flow of vital energy, called “chi”, in the body. Qi Gong uses breathing exercises and physical and meditative movements to help circulate the body’s energy. The movements are soft and flowing and easy to learn. This ancient practice reduces stress and anxiety, speeds healing, improves sleep and circulation and enhances longevity through this meditative approach to fitness. There is a tremendous benefit to the strength and efficiency of the immune system. Qi Gong eases the stress of living with cancer.

Conventional Classes
BOSU Integrated Balance Training, Circuit, Pilates and Cardio/Strength classes enhance your fitness level, flexibility, strength and endurance.