Tips for finding a personal trainer for a post-BC body?

2002chickadee

Prior to breast cancer I was a consistent self-directed exerciser, and particularly enjoyed weight lifting (had followed programs like New Rules of Lifting for Women and Strong), some HIIT, cycling/spinning, and walking. Between residual effects in many parts of my body from a year of treatment, ongoing joint problems from my ovarian suppression/AI regimen, and apprehension of developing lymphadema, I'm coming to terms with needing to hire some professional help to get me back into strength training. I've tried doing online searches for someone certified in working with cancer patients, but I'm coming up empty handed. I live in NYC which is filled with fitness obsessed people, there must be trainers out there who can work with women post-BC! Any tips on how to find someone, or even specific recommendations, would be much appreciated. I considered the Livestrong program but felt that I would be taking a spot from someone who needs it more than me.

Ingerp

Have you gone back to your treatment center to ask? Other than that, I just find a routine that looks good online and follow that on my own. I'm currently mixing it up with weightlifting, cardio, and yoga, although that's pretty much what I was doing before dx. The weightlifting should help with bone density (fingers crossed!) and I know yoga helps keep your joints moving. Bottom line is something is better than nothing.

2002chickadee

Yes, I was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering and they have personal trainers there, but it's a pretty inconvenient location for me to get to with any kind of regularity. I've tried looking into the other major cancer hospitals in NYC but doesn't look like they have personal training that I can see. I am hoping to get back to DIY but definitely need some help to get there! Thanks for the suggestions.

Ingerp

I was thinking more that your cancer center might know gyms in the area that have personal trainers like that. Or try contacting the larger gyms in your area?

rockymountaingirl

I had a personal trainer before I got BC, and I just stuck with her throughout my treatment and beyond, so I don't have any experience selecting a trainer who is certified in working with cancer patients. However, if you find someone who has a training certification, you will at least know that your trainer has some knowledge of the scientific basis for training and how to develop a good training program for a given individual. There are several different organizations that certify personal trainers, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine. That's the one that certifies my trainer, and she seems to know her stuff. Plus, she is required to do ongoing training and renew her certification regularly. You might see if there is a certified trainer near you and talk with him or her about your situation. If you are comfortable with what you hear, you could then try the trainer out. That's what I did when I started out, and I was reassured to know that my trainer had quite a few older clients, including some with physical problems that had to be taken into account in developing a training program.

One thing that I would be extra cautious about is lymphedema, since that is a rather specialized problem. I got the "Lymphedema Lecture" from a physical therapist that I saw when I got cording after surgery, and she emphasized that it is important to jump on it fast and get treatment if you have any signs of it. I told her I was doing strength training with a personal trainer, and she said that was great, just be aware of how your arms and your body feel and get checked out if there's any sign of swelling or any unusual pain.

Danielle_OT

Try doing a search for OT or PT who are certified to teach the Strength After Breast Cancer program, it is an exercise program designed for breast cancer survivors with upper extremity, core and lower extremity exercises. Let me know if you have any additional questions

SpecialK

I did the LiveStrong program at the YMCA, which had the benefit of free membership, and access to all aspects of the gym and classes, for the duration of the program and waiver of application fee if you joined with a regular membership after the course was over - I believe mine was 12 weeks. Here is a link to NYC area programs:

https://ymcanyc.org/programs/health-fitness/health-and-wellness-programs/livestrong

Krose53

I'm not sure if my info comes up. I am ILC Stage II2, 2/5 nodes and Er/PR + Her2 - I was diagnosed 11/17. I lost 30 lbs after diagnosis and chemo. I also started Femara. I had decreased body mass and I was weak and tired.

I found a personal trainer who was also certified in geriatrics. This worked out great because she was familiar with modifications. We would try something and it didn't work for me, she would change it. I have gained so much strength with my 1 hour strength training twice a wk.

I thought it might be easier to find a trainer who has geriatric training than cancer certification.

You'll be amazed how quickly you will start to feel like your old self. Good luck

Dani444

I have only recently joined a gym and started working out. I too am apprehensive about lymphedema. I see a certified lymphedema therapist that has fitted me for a preventative sleeve to wear when I do strength training. She has also advised me on how to ease into strength training. I would have loved the livestrong program if it would have worked with my schedule. Don’t feel like you would be “ taking a spot “ from someone. The program is for survivors just like yourself, I say give it a go

2002chickadee

Thanks everyone for the tips, these were helpful! I now have some fun options to start researching for when I'm done with PT.

I found this directory through searching some of the terms suggested above, in case it's useful to others: https://thecancerspecialist.com/specialist-directory/