A cancer diagnosis can change nearly every aspect of life. After months of appointments, treatments, scans, and recovery, the idea of walking into a fitness class can feel intimidating. Strength may not be what it once was. Energy can come and go. Balance, flexibility, or confidence may have changed.
This can also leave people wondering how to safely return to the activities they once enjoyed. A new fitness program at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Fitness for Wellness, is designed to help participants do just that. The free, 12-week fitness series combine exercise, professional guidance, and camaraderie to help participants improve their physical fitness and make activity a sustainable part of their lives.
Exercise as Part of Cancer Care
“For people facing cancer, exercise may seem like a luxury or something to think about after treatment is over,” said Sara Scorpa, DPT, the SVMC physical therapist who is helping to facilitate the program with Nina Nunes, PTA. “However, research shows that appropriately prescribed physical activity can play an important role throughout the cancer journey.”
The American College of Sports Medicine reports that a growing body of evidence demonstrates significant physical and psychological benefits from exercise for people living with and beyond cancer. Exercise can help manage treatment-related side effects, improve physical function and quality of life, and potentially reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. One of the most common challenges associated with cancer and its treatment is fatigue. Research through the National Cancer Institute shows that aerobic exercise can significantly reduce cancer-related fatigue during or after treatment. In 2025, results from the large CHALLENGE clinical trial provided particularly encouraging evidence for people with Stage II and III colon cancer. Participants assigned to a structured exercise program experienced lower risks of cancer recurrence and death compared with participants who received health education alone. While those findings apply to a specific patient population, they add to the growing evidence that structured exercise can be a meaningful component of cancer care.
Exercise helps address some of the physical complications that can accompany cancer and its treatment, including muscle weakness, pain, neuropathy, balance difficulties, and reduced physical function. Cancer rehabilitation professionals, including physical therapists, play an important role in helping patients safely address these challenges.
A Program Designed with Safety in Mind
Fitness for Wellness isn’t simply a traditional exercise class. Because every person’s cancer experience is different, participants will first be screened and approved by their oncologist and a physical therapist before taking part. This allows the team to consider each participant’s individual medical history, treatment-related concerns, physical abilities, and exercise needs. Once approved, participants will meet twice a week for one hour over 12 weeks. The classes will follow a circuit-style format, allowing participants to move through a variety of exercises and activities designed to support strength, cardiovascular fitness, mobility, balance, and functional movement.
The program will also emphasize something equally important: independence. At the beginning of the series, classes will be primarily instructor-led. Participants will learn how to perform the exercises safely, understand their own capabilities, and become comfortable with the equipment and movements. As the weeks progress, the program will gradually transition toward participant-led exercise. The goal is not simply to complete 24 classes. It is to give participants the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue being active beyond the program. Participants can learn what movement feels appropriate for them, how to pace themselves, and how to incorporate physical activity into everyday life. Rather than viewing exercise as another obligation, the hope is that participants will begin to see movement as a tool they can use to support their overall well-being.
More Than a Workout
There is another important component to Fitness for Wellness that can’t be measured in repetitions or minutes: community.
“Cancer can be an isolating experience,” Scorpa said. “This group fitness setting can give participants an opportunity to spend time with others who understand the unique challenges of navigating cancer and recovery.”
Together, participants can celebrate small victories: a little more strength, an extra lap around the circuit, improved balance, or simply showing up on a difficult day. The program is about progress, not perfection. Some participants may be returning to exercise after months of treatment. Others may already be active but want to improve their strength or endurance. Or some may simply want to feel more confident about moving safely. Wherever someone begins, the goal is the same: to help each participant move toward greater strength, function, and confidence.
Want to participate?
Tell your oncologist at the Dartmouth Cancer Center Bennington that you are interested in SVMC’s Fitness for Wellness program to obtain more information and get a referral.
If you are interested in our program and are undergoing treatment outside of the SVMC network, just ask you oncologist to send a PT referral to SVMC Outpatient Rehabilitation department mentioning “Fitness for Wellness” to begin the screening process