#recoveryfitness

Leah Rosenbaum

Dec 2, 2019

Cancer Recovery Prescription—Exercise

Janet Rubin was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and soon after underwent a bilateral mastectomy. She then had TRAM flap reconstruction, where the surgeon used a section of her skin, fat and abdominal muscle to reconstruct her breasts. While she was recovering from the second surgery, “everything hurt,” Rubin said. It was “like being hit by a bus.” But instead of remaining sedentary, Rubin chose to exercise. At first, Rubin, who lives in Short Hills, N.J., could only walk

Nancy Litterman Howe MS, CES

Nov 21, 2019

Is Cancer Rehabilitation a Good Option for You? It’s Never Too Late to Ask for a Referral

Many patients with cancer and cancer survivors suffer from pain and impaired functioning as a result of cancer treatment, even years after the treatment is over. Nevertheless, only a few people receive proper care to address these issues through cancer rehabilitation. Many patients with cancer and cancer survivors suffer from pain and impaired functioning as a result of cancer treatment, even years after the treatment is over. Nevertheless, only a few people receive proper ca

Cancer Exercise Classes in New Jersey and New York

Carol Michaels Fitness

Jul 22, 2018

Cancer Exercise Classes in New Jersey and New York

The Recovery Fitness® cancer exercise program fills a gap in the health care system. My program teaches patients how to exercise properly and safely, and takes their particular surgery and treatment into account so that they can reach a fitness level that provides them with confidence and peace of mind.We have over 20 years experience and have helped thousands of cancer patients. Sometimes the patient is so overwhelmed by their diagnosis that they are unable to comprehend the

Carol Michaels

Jul 7, 2018

Get Up. Get Motivated. Get Active

Advice from, Carol Michaels, a cancer exercise expert on how to stay active during and after cancer treatment

Carol Michaels

Jul 1, 2015

The Role of Exercise in a Survivorship Plan

There are numerous issues that need to be covered in a survivorship plan. I will focus on physical activity. Exercise is an important component of a cancer survivor’s recovery process. Emerging research suggests a decrease in cancer recurrence for those who exercise. A well-designed program can also decrease side effects and improve quality of life. Moreover, acceptance of exercise as part of a good recuperation and standard of care has been gaining momentum in the medical co

Nine Reasons To Make Fitness Part Of Your Cancer Recovery Plan

Carol Michaels

Jun 25, 2015

Nine Reasons To Make Fitness Part Of Your Cancer Recovery Plan

Exercise is an essential component of the cancer recovery process. After surgery, it is important to build strength and flexibility in the chest, shoulders, abdomen, and back. Since everyone responds differently to exercise, it's important to find an exercise program that specifically fits your physical and emotional needs. Studies have shown that exercise for cancer patients can: Help before and after surgery and during treatment May reduce risk of recurrence Here are nine

Carol Michaels

May 23, 2015

Small Group Training for Cancer Survivors

I have been a fitness professional and cancer exercise specialist for 20 years. One the the best ways to help someone feel better during or after surgery and treatments is to encourage them to attend specialized exercise classes made for cancer survivors. Exercise improves both physical and emotional health and can improve the recovery process. Exercise groups are comprised of patients who have similar cancers, surgeries, issues and concerns, thus also resulting in a support

Why Core Strength Is Important For Cancer Survivors

Carol Michaels

May 13, 2015

Why Core Strength Is Important For Cancer Survivors

A weak core in a cancer survivor can lead to further health issues such as poor balance and poor posture. Balance issues can develop due to some types of chemotherapy, neuropathy, reconstructive surgery and sarcopenia. Cancer survivors need to be concerned with maintaining good balance. The core is one of the muscle groups that is needed to maintain good balance. Good balance can decrease the risk of falls. A large percentage of survivors have osteopenia or osteoporosis so

Carol Michaels

Apr 15, 2015

The Effect of Breast Cancer Surgery and Treatments on Cancer Survivors' Balance

The breast cancer survivor’s balance can suffer after surgical procedures. We find this to be especially acute with the TRAM flap procedure where the rectus abdominus is altered. Poor core strength has a negative effect on balance. A breast cancer survivor has to learn how to compensate for this change of muscle placement through a series of exercises designed to strengthen the remaining muscles such as the obliques. Balance can deteriorate as we age even without cancer.

Carol Michaels

Mar 10, 2015

Balance Training After Cancer

Balance exercises will help you regain function and mobility for activities of daily living and are a key component for recovery after cancer surgery and treatments. Your balance can suffer after surgical procedures and this is especially acute with the TRAM flap procedure where the rectus abdominus is altered. Poor core strength, caused by the change in placement of the rectus abdominus, has a negative effect on your balance. After a TRAM flap operation, you will need to le

Carol Michaels

Oct 18, 2014

Women with Breast Cancer are Not Meeting Exercise Guidelines

Exercise is thought to lower the risk of other diseases among breast cancer survivors, increase their overall quality of life and reduce their mortality from breast cancer and other diseases. Unfortunately, only one in three women living with breast cancer is meeting current physical activity guidelines. More women with breast cancer should increase their participation in physical activity after the diagnosis of breast cancer. About one in eight U.S. women will develop breas

Tara Heath

Sep 22, 2014

Reducing Infection Risk During Treatment

Low Immunity? Reduce Infection Risk During Your Treatment Cancer treatment can make your immune system work incredibly hard, and with time, it becomes weaker than normal. Unfortunately, that increases your chance that of infection – even if you’re exposed to bacteria that your body could have previously fought off. However, this does not mean that you should just give up and wait for infection to strike. There are several things you can do on your own that greatly reduce your

Carol Michaels

Jul 1, 2014

Benefits of Using an Exercise DVD

1. Fewer distractions. 2. Better concentration on technique. 3. No one is watching – not self-conscious 4. Allows the mind to relax. 5. Save time and money by exercising in the home. 6. No waiting for a machine and no “wasted time” socializing 7. Exercise when it is convenient and works for your schedule 8. Do not have to go out for food or drinks with someone that they exercise with at the gym adding to cost and calories. 9. Do not have to dress up to exercise and put on

Carol Michaels

May 1, 2014

Exercises for Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors always have questions about exercise. Which exercises should I be doing and which should I avoid? Can I exercise during chemotherapy? Can I exercise if I have lymphedema? How do I exercise safely with osteoporosis? Some will need to exercise under supervision while others will be able to exercise independently. The type and scope of cancer and the overall medical condition and fitness level of a patient will determine whether or not a supervised program is

Carol Michaels

Sep 5, 2013

Healthy Eating and Exercise can Decrease Biomarkers

A pair of Yale Cancer Center interventional studies involving breast cancer survivors found that lifestyle changes in the form of healthy eating and regular exercise can decrease biomarkers related to breast cancer recurrence and mortality. The abstracts are scheduled to be presented at the 2014 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 3rd. “The findings of both studies support a growing body of research that suggests lifestyle interv

Carol Michaels

Oct 2, 2012

When To Start A Cancer Exercise Program

When can you start a exercise program after having cancer surgery and treatments? You should start stretching exercises as soon as you get clearance from your doctor. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting to exercise. This way you can determine what program is right for you. Some exercises can be started soon after cancer surgery while others can be done right after the drains and stitches are removed. Cancer Exercises to Not Have to Be High Intensity Wh

Carol Michaels

Jul 31, 2012

Introduction to the Recovery Fitness Cancer Exercise Program

During my 16 year experience as a fitness professional and cancer exercise specialist, I have worked with hundreds of cancer patients and cancer survivors. The Recovery Fitness cancer exercise program was developed from information from the front lines of my fitness training practice experience and in collaboration with various medical professionals. Valuable Information On Exercise after Surgery I hope that this blog will give you some of the fitness information and rehabili

Carol Michaels

Jul 18, 2012

Cancer Survivors Need To Exercise To Improve Posture

Cancer surgery and treatments can affect posture in cancer survivors. Studies have shown that if you have breast cancer surgery and treatments, you are more likely to have faulty body posture. I would like to see every person who has had surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation be evaluated by a cancer exercise specialist who is trained for your particular situation. Thus, a cancer survivor can receive specific and targeted recommendations. A mastectomy without reconstruction can