How To Find a Cancer Exercise Trainer

By Cheryl Guarna, PT, MPT, CLT

Oncology Rehab and Wellness Resources, LLC

. http://oncrehabandwellness.com/

More Weight Control, Nutrition & Exercise Articles

How To Find a Cancer Exercise Trainer

p.p1 {margin 0.0px 0.0px 3.6px 0.0px; text-align justify; font 10.0px Times} p.p2 {margin 0.0px 0.0px 3.6px 0.0px; text-align center; font 10.0px Times} p.p3 {margin 0.0px 0.0px 2.1px 0.0px; text-align justify; font 10.0px Times} span.Apple-tab-span {white-space pre}

Cancer treatments can affect the heart, lungs, and regulatory systems (heart rate, blood pressure), the nervous system, and the musculoskeletal system long after treatments are over. Some survivors pursue an exercise program, but unfortunately many do not. Advanced education enables exercise professionals to develop safe exercise programs that are tailored for each survivor's specialized needs.

Personal trainers may have several professional designations according to their area of expertise. Exercising without an adequate assessment of a survivor's current physical and functional state may predispose them to injury from exercise or worse, medical complications from the reduced/altered capacities of the body. It is imperative that all cancer patients and cancer survivors be cleared for exercise by their physician prior to starting any exercise program.

Get Evaluated By a Qualified
Cancer Exercise Professional

After getting cleared by your doctor, the next step is being evaluated by a qualified professional, even if you decide to go it on your own. Here are some guidelines to ensure you choose a qualified trainer experienced and/or certified in exercise program development for cancer survivors.

Look for Cancer
Exercise Certifications

TheCancer Exercise Training Institute(CETI) offers a Cancer Exercise Specialist (CES) certification, and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) issues a Cancer Exercise Trainer Certification (CET). Both organizations provide search tools on their web sites.

Is a Cancer Certification
Really Necessary?

While a specialist certification is not imperative for a cancer therapist or personal trainer, advanced education or experience is needed. Unless you live in a very rural area, chances are you can find someone who is qualified in cancer exercise. As with any service, do not hesitate to ask rehab professionals and trainers questions about their experience. Ask key questions such as

Have you worked with cancer patients and survivors?

Are you certified as a cancer exercise specialist or cancer exercise trainer?

What are your certifications?

By putting a little time into researching your cancer exercise therapist/personal trainer and asking a few important questions, you will be able to locate someone who will help you safely return to an exercise routine and help you address any physical or functional impairments you may have as the result of cancer and its treatments.

You have overcome too much to not get the appropriate treatment and guidance. There are professionals that are passionate about caring for your specialized needs. If you choose to start a post-cancer exercise program, seek out someone who can safely guide you.