Exercise Through Cancer Care | Karen Wonders | TEDxDayton

If you received a life-altering cancer diagnosis, would your first action be to hit the gym? Karen shares why exercise should become a key part of cancer treatment plans despite the barriers that make it a challenge.
Dr. Karen Wonders is the founder and director of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance and professor of exercise physiology at Wright State University. Her passion is to make exercise part of the standard of care for those battling cancer. Through Maple Tree, Karen provides free exercise training, nutrition counseling, and emotional support to hundreds of cancer survivors every month at five locations across the Miami Valley. She was named one of the Dayton Business Journal’s 2017 40 under 40, and Maple Tree has been awarded “Best in Dayton” for health and fitness four years in a row. Karen is married to her college sweetheart, Andrew, and they have seven (yes, seven!) children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@curtisjackson7742]

I am a certified personal trainer. My dad just told me he has cancer. I am pushing him to keep exercising!

[@maureenzolfo7185]

I was so strong during my chemotherapy thanks to a consistent exercise regime. I think Karen Wonders and her message speaks so much truth!!!!

[@abbeyturner1179]

I am personally going through cancer treatments now and I have found that making myself exercise and stress every day lessens the length of days I experience my symptoms!

[@oncologyrehabandwellnessre1175]

Couldn't agree more. The results of our cancer rehab programs couldn't be more dramatic in showing how exercise can improve the lives of cancer patients.

[@organizedbyolivellc7122]

A dear friend of mine has been so blessed to take advantage of your wonderful program!

[@Scambul]

I'm about to start chemo for early DLBCL Lymphoma. I am hoping to be able to exercise train through the whole treatment. Thank you for sharing this video, it has helped motivate me and let me know that i can.

[@billr5842]

How did it go? I imagine you should be done by now? I am in a similar boat now. I train all the time and want to continue to do so through chemo

[@litiaraicebe325]

Thanks so much for the encouraging talk maam. Will surely try to exercise more.

[@wisdomlife]

Great article

[@chrisj8764]

Though I personally don't doubt the benefits of exercise for persons with cancer, this is a very brief anecdotal talk without any stats to back it up

[@GST51]

i agree with you ... sort of ... personally i think intuitively , i can see the the benefits of reducing side effects , total innactivity is only going to cause more health problems nad the benefits of exercise will surely improve outlook and mood and the power of the mind in fighting illness is huge ! But an expert like this should have some stats to back it up .

[@nataliejustice5388]

I am doing chemo right now…half way through treatment…exercise has helped me tremendously! It helped me continue to do well and live a normal lifestyle while dealing with chemo side effects. My doctors are so supportive of me doing this. I rest when I need to and continue to work and ride my indoor bike. So in some cases…it does help. But you should always talk to your doctor.