A new report by leading British cancer charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, strongly urges cancer survivors to increase, not reduce their level of physical activity. People who have had cancer usually are inclined to rest and take it easy after treatment. Recent findings show two and a half hours of exercise a week could lower a breast cancer patient's risk of dying or cancer recurrence by 40 percent, and could reduce a prostate cancer patient's risk of dying from the disease by about 30 percent.   

The American College of Sports Medicine recently developed a set of guidelines on physical activity for people who are undergoing or have recently completed treatment. The panel recommended adaptations for exercise in people based on their specific cancers and the side effects of their treatment. Strength-building exercises are great for patients who have lost muscle mass; shoulder-stabilizing exercises are great for breast cancer survivors who have had operations that debilitate the joints in their shoulders. The American Cancer Society also promotes moderate exercise but encourages patients to discuss their exercise plans with their oncologists first. 

For patients looking for help with starting a new regimen, please contact one of our certified personal trainers or check out our group fitness classes. We offer a variety of lower intensity classes including water fitness, Silver Sneakers and Fit For Life.

Physical fitness is one of the most important tools in youth development, not just physically but also mentally. We all know that working out helps build discipline and self confidence and it contributes to a healthy heart and bones. Currently there are approximately nine million children over the age of six that are obese. Childhood obesity can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, pre-diabetes and bone or joint problems. With the obesity rates raising in youth, it is important that we give children the tools they will need to live a healthy life.  

We currently offer youth boxing at the Bow Creek and Kempsville Recreation Centers for youth age 8-17. In these programs, we instruct our participants on the basics of the sport of boxing with hands on training with USA Amateur Boxing Coaches. Not only will participants learn to box and gain focus and discipline, but they will also be put through rigorous fitness routines to help get them up to the fitness level needed to participate in such a physically demanding sport. Our instructors will work with the kids on cardiovascular fitness, full body strength, foot work, coordination, speed and agility. This class is open to all levels of fitness and experience.  

Bow Creek | T, Th | Oct 4 - Oct 27 | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm | $29| Register!
Bow Creek | T, Th | Jan 3 - Jan 26 | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm | $29 | Register!  

Kempsville | M, W | Oct 3 - Oct 26 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | $49 | Register!
Kempsville | M, W | Nov 2 - Nov 28 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | $49 | Register!
Kempsville | M, W | Jan 4 - Jan 30 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | $49 | Register!