Research tells us that exercise is key to cancer recovery. But it can be hard to find the energy when you’re undergoing treatment. To help get patients moving, University of Vermont Health - UVM Cancer Center offers Steps to Wellness, a free, medically informed rehabilitation and group exercise program, designed specifically for people with cancer. The program is available in person and virtually. 

Q+A: Steps to Wellness Program

Here’s what one breast cancer patient, Mary, 73, from NY, had to say about her experience.  

How did you learn about the Steps to Wellness program?

Pearl Moore, a UVM Cancer Center nurse navigator, shared information about cancer and hematology support services, including the 12-week Steps to Wellness program offered via Zoom. I felt it could be a valuable resource to support my recovery and overall well-being, so I decided to look into it.

Were you an active person before your cancer diagnosis?

Yes, although most of my activity was cardio. I walked our dog twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes, which gave me the sense I was staying fit. But I wasn’t incorporating strength training, balance work or stretching into my routine. All of these components — as well as warming up, cardio and cooling down — are key elements of Steps to Wellness.

Describe your participation in the program. Where do you exercise, how often and what do you need for the program?

I usually exercise in my bedroom at home in northern New York, although I’ve also joined sessions from my living room and even once from a bathroom at a campground! During the winter months, I participate from my bedroom in Florida. The program really requires only a small amount of space, which makes it easy to stay consistent wherever I am. Weights and a chair are used during the Zoom class. I started with three- and five-pound weights and now use eight-pound weights.

I graduated from Steps to Wellness and joined the Community Fitness program, which is offered three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 am. I aim to participate each morning, although I occasionally miss a class when other commitments conflict.

Did you notice any changes in how you felt?

Yes, I noticed meaningful changes. I became stronger, had more energy and found that exercising in the morning lifted my mood for the rest of the day.

What was your favorite part about participating in Steps to Wellness?

I like that it can be done remotely on Zoom. I live two hours from Burlington, so being able to participate from home made the program accessible to me in a way that in-person classes couldn’t. I also enjoy the sense of group support that comes from exercising with others.  

Our exercise trainer, Rebecca Reynolds, is wonderful: friendly, cheerful and understanding. She guides us through each workout, teaches proper form and offers modifications for different ability levels. She also explains which muscles we’re targeting and how strengthening them supports everyday activities, which makes the exercises feel even more meaningful.

Any surprises or new things you learned?

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy exercising with a group over Zoom and by how much I look forward to each class. Rebecca keeps sessions engaging by varying the format and exercises, and she always picks great music. I’m continually learning new things from the information she shares during class, which adds even more value. Overall, I would highly recommend Steps to Wellness!