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Let Exercise Empower You

At the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center, we believe in treating not only your cancer, but your mind, body and spirit. Our center provides comprehensive assistance for patients, caregivers and survivors. We have the most clinical partners and the widest variety of support services in the area, which allows us to create individualized care programs covering every component of your care.

Exercise Plays an Essential Part in Your Recovery.

Everyone knows the physical benefits that come with exercise, but exercise goes a long way in catering to your mental and emotional well-being, too. Some benefits include:

  • Decreased treatment-related symptoms
  • Decreases feelings of stress, anxiety or depression
  • Lessening the effects of cancer-related fatigue

The exercise portion of our cancer care can adapt to a wide range of physical capabilities and needs. We offer a special workout space equipped with treadmills, dumbbells, exercise balls and bands in either group settings or individualized programs. We are always here to listen and to help guide you during your physical wellness journey.

Our Cancer Exercise Specialist evaluates each person entering the program and creates an individualized exercise plan for them. Together, you will work as a team to identify your own exercise goals based on your unique needs and limitations. As you go through the different stages of treatment and survivorship, your physical abilities will change and we will adapt to those changes every step of the way.

Your Exercise Consultation

At your initial exercise consultation, your Cancer Exercise Specialist will talk with you about your specific goals from an exercise program. The conversation will include, but is not limited to, your needs at work, home and in everyday life. Our goal is to make you as comfortable and healthy as possible during treatments, surgery, and survivorship.

Individual testing may include:

  • Cardio function
  • Flexibility and range of motion
  • Balance
  • Strength
  • Special tests may be given depending on your diagnosis or treatment

The tests and consultation are very simple but allows us to see areas of need or concern. It also allows us to assist you in setting personal goals. The entire appointment lasts about 45 minutes. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

To schedule a My Care visit, contact us at (319) 558-4876.

Meet Your Team

Our Cancer Exercise Specialist, Matt Schmitz, is available to help cancer patients and their families. Click below to learn more about Matt.

Support Groups That Move

Our exercise classes offer more than just a chance to break a sweat – they offer a chance to make a friend. Students come to class looking to regain some of the strength their cancer stole from them. In doing so, these classes serve as the perfect place to share stories and find the support every survivor needs. Find your “support groups that move” by attending one of our exercise classes today.

  • Open Gym

    Open Gym is a time to exercise and socialize with other wellness participants and caregivers. Feel free to use the various fitness equipment and workout at your own pace. The Cancer Exercise Specialist will be there to help answer any questions and assist with equipment use.

    Open Gym Times:
    Monday, Wednesday, Friday
    11am - 1pm

  • Chair Yoga Basics

    Chair Yoga Basics is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. This class teaches basic yoga movements and breath work while helping to develop the mind-body connection. It is a great practice for everyone, but is particularly beneficial for those who may have difficulty getting up and down off the floor. It helps with symptoms of health issues including hypertension, anxiety, chronic fatigue, arthritis, vertigo, clinical depression, and chronic pain.

  • Tai Chi

    Tai Chi is a martial art that blends ancient Chinese exercises for physical, mental and spiritual development with fighting techniques. Tai Chi and related traditional Chinese therapeutic exercises have been used by people wishing to improve their health, those seeking spiritual perfection and others wishing to enhance their fighting skills.

  • Yoga

    Yoga is a great form of exercise for cancer survivors. It systematically works the entire body building foundational strength. Yoga is a physical exercise that also helps reduce stress and create inner peace. Taught by an experienced yoga instructor, individuals of all abilities can experience easy, supported stretches for the body and soothing stillness for the mind along with learning breathing techniques and guided imagery for deep relaxation.

News & Resources

Physical Activity Survivorship

Physical Activity

Living a healthy lifestyle is important for all of us, but as a cancer survivor we stress physical wellness even more. My motto, “Move more and sit less.” It does

READ MORE
Exercise Yoga

Yoga with Lisa

Even though we can’t meet in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, our group exercise instructors still want to keep you healthy during this time. We will periodically offer recorded exercise

READ MORE

Resources

View all the latest exercise news and resources.

VIEW ALL

Appointments

To schedule a My Care visit, contact us at (319) 558-4876.

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Group Classes

Classes are for everyone, from avid exercisers to those who have never used a weight machine before. SIGN UP

Online Classes

Watch Full-Length Exercise Class Videos. WATCH NOW

Full-Length Exercise Class Videos

Even though we can’t meet in person, our group exercise instructors still want to keep you healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will periodically add new videos of full-length classes for you to do at home!