Movement is medicine - but it’s the dose that determines the outcome.

We’ve known for years that exercise improves quality of life for cancer survivors. But a major new study just gave us the clearest evidence yet that structured, targeted exercise may directly improve survival - not just energy, strength, or mood.

In this randomized, placebo-controlled study (the gold standard of research), people with Stage II and III colon cancer who had completed surgery and chemotherapy were split into two groups:

• One received general health education.
• The other received a structured exercise plan with goals and exertion targets—think of it like oncology-specific physical therapy.

The results?

After eight years, 90.3% of exercisers were still alive, compared to 83.2% in the education-only group.

Let that sink in.

What made this different? It wasn’t just "go exercise." It was about structure, accountability, and progressive intensity - something far too many cancer patients never get.

Dr. Rebecca Wong, a radiation oncology professor at the University of Toronto and co-author of the study, said it best:

“It provided motivation and goals that enabled people to stick with exercise over time.”

Here's the part that matters: Most survivors are never told how much exercise is safe or beneficial. And most fitness professionals have no formal training in cancer recovery.

That’s where we come in. That’s why I created the OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist Certification - so that more survivors can access life-changing, life-prolonging support from professionals who know what they're doing.

Move of the Week: Foundational Cancer-Safe Exercises You Can Do Anywhere

When you’re recovering from cancer treatment, your body needs movement, not punishment. These exercises aren’t flashy, but they are functional. They rebuild strength, restore confidence, and reconnect you to your body in the most empowering way possible.

Move of the Week: Sit-to-Stand

This isn’t “just standing up.” It’s a powerful full-body move that supports independence, balance, and strength in your lower body - especially important after treatment-related deconditioning.

Why It Matters:

• Strengthens glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core
• Reinforces daily functionality (getting off the toilet, out of a chair, etc.)
• Builds bone density through weight-bearing
• Boosts confidence with every successful rep

How-To:

1. Sit tall at the edge of a sturdy chair with feet flat and shoulder-width apart.
2. Cross your arms over your chest or extend them forward for balance.
3. Lean forward slightly from the hips.
4. Press through your heels and stand up without using your hands.
5. Slowly sit back down with control.

Reps/Sets:

• Beginners: 5–8 reps x 1–2 sets
• Advanced: 10–15 reps x 2–3 sets

Coaching Cues:

• “Nose over toes, then rise.”
• “Push the floor away with your heels.”
• “Control the sit - don’t plop!”

Check out my YouTube for more cancer exercise videos

What You Can Do (Whether You’re a Survivor or a Fitness Pro):

For Survivors:

• Ask your care team for a referral to an OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist.
• Don’t settle for “move when you feel like it.” The proper ‘dose’ matters.
• Create goals, track progress, and give yourself structured wins (treat yourself to a mani-pedi when you reach a specific goal).

For Fitness Professionals: Why Now Is Your Moment

This is your call to action. The research is clear. The opportunity is real.

Cancer exercise is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s essential - for quality of life, for survival, and for restoring confidence in bodies that have been through hell and back.

But here’s the truth: most survivors aren’t getting the support they need. And most personal trainers have never been trained to meet the complex, individualized needs of someone recovering from cancer.

LEARN MORE

That’s where you come in.

The Professional Payoff

• Differentiate Yourself in a crowded market with a niche that’s deeply needed and grossly underserved.
• Attract New Clients who are loyal, motivated, and looking for guidance they can trust - not just workouts, but hope.
• Increase Your Impact by working with clients who need your help not to "get shredded," but to survive and thrive.
• Expand Your Business: Add oncology recovery programming, workshops, support groups, or partner with clinics and hospitals.

The Personal Reward

• Help people rebuild their bodies - and their belief in themselves - after cancer.
• Be the light during one of the darkest times in someone’s life.
• Use movement as medicine, and witness firsthand how exercise transforms not just muscles, but mindsets.
• Experience the joy of watching someone regain their strength, walk up stairs again, pick up their grandchild, or dance at their daughter’s wedding—all because of your guidance.

You already have the passion. Now get the tools.

Our OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist Certification was designed to give you the most up-to-date, evidence-based, and compassionate programming strategies - whether you’re a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, physical therapist, or health coach.

🔗 [Become a Specialist ]

Cancer survivors need more than motivation.
They need qualified experts who understand fatigue, neuropathy, bone loss, surgical limitations, and emotional trauma.

And they need you - the kind of fitness professional who leads with empathy, backs it up with science, and is ready to make a difference that matters.

For survivors ready to take control of their health again: find a trained professional and reclaim your body - one rep, one step, one empowered choice at a time.

OncoVie™ CES Directory