Physical Activity and Nutrition
Physical activity can improve your well-being and allow you to live life on your own terms. In our physical activity and nutrition section, you can find programs that will empower you to lead a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are looking for an individual health plan or for group activities, you’ll find resources to help you achieve your fitness and nutrition goals.
The Extra-Toughs program is a comprehensive fitness, nutrition, and support program offered to women diagnosed with breast and/or gynecologic cancer or pre-cancer who have completed primary treatment and who have a BMI equal to or greater than 30.
The Extra-Toughs program is designed to provide an integrative team approach to sustainable weight loss, a healthy lifestyle, and survivorship for those diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and/or breast cancer.
All sessions are offered virtually via Zoom. Group fitness sessions are offered weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7am. Nutrition and Mindset classes are offered weekly on Tuesdays at 12pm. Support group sessions are offered each week on Mondays at 7:50am.
For more information, please download this brochure, contact Audrey Cotter at (907) 382-7192 or wildenergizedlife@gmail.com, or visit their website here.
The Anchorage Radiation Therapy Center offers in person and virtual yoga classes for individuals with cancer who are interested in improving their mental and physical health. The classes are open to anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience with yoga.
The Anchorage Radiation Therapy Center’s yoga classes are offered both in person and virtually. The in person class is offered on Wednesdays every week from 12pm – 1pm at Alaska Regional Hospital. Space is limited to 6 participants, and masks are required. The virtual class is offered on Fridays every week from 1:30pm – 2:30pm.
To register for an in person class, please visit this website. To join the virtual class, please use this Zoom link and input the password “yoga” if prompted.
If you would like to ask any questions or learn more, please visit this website here or reach out to Margo at blissyogawithmargo@gmail.com or (907) 947-2030.
The Providence Oncology Rehabilitation Team provides a fitness program that focuses on physical wellness through strength and aerobic conditioning. Participants must have participated in the Providence Oncology Rehabilitation program and be cleared for attendance.
Each session is limited to 6 participants to allow for more tailored instruction. Due to limited availability, please choose no more than 2 sessions each week.
This program meets in person at 3851 Piper Street, U Tower, Second Floor, Suite 222 in Anchorage. Sessions are held Monday through Friday every week from 7:30am – 9:30am and from 3:30pm – 5:30pm.
Registration is required. To learn more or to register, please visit this website here.
The Providence Cancer Center offers a virtual hour of gentle chair yoga. This practice provides slow, mindful movement, focused breathing, and guided relaxation to reduce stress, support recovery, and increase energy levels. The class is open to everyone, regardless of ability or age.
The Providence Cancer Center’s yoga classes are free and supported by the Providence Alaska Foundation. New participants must complete a waiver form and a virtual intake with the instructor before the first class.
Sessions are held virtually on Tuesdays every week from 10am – 11am. Registration is required. To learn more or to register, please visit this website here.
ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation focuses on helping individuals with cancer, and those in recovery, live better lives. Highly trained therapists lead a specialized program that helps manage the side effects of cancer and its treatments through a total body, patient centered approach utilizing physical, occupational, speech and lymphedema therapies.
ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation recognizes that every person’s experience with cancer and its effects on their life are unique. Based on a person’s history and needs, ReVital will build a customized treatment plan and connect the patient with the best therapists for them.
The therapies that ReVital offers include occupational therapy, pelvic floor therapy, cognition therapy, physical therapy, speech language pathology, lymphedema therapy, and other various specialized therapies.
Working with a ReVital therapist can help:
- Decrease pain and fatigue
- Improve balance and mobility
- Build strength and endurance
- Enhance memory and concentration
- Regain speech and swallowing abilities
- Improve bowel, bladder, and sexual function
- Reduce numbness and tingling
- Manage persistent swelling and other side effects
- Continue to engage in important daily activities and roles
To learn more about ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation, please visit their website here or reach out to their email ReVitalRehab-West@selectmedical.com.
YMCA of Alaska CARES is an 8 week program consisting of private, small-group low impact workouts with the option of sitting or standing. The sessions are led by a wellness coach who prioritizes your personal wellness goals, adjusting workout difficulty as needed.
YMCA of Alaska CARES is sponsored by the Alaska Department of Health and the Alaska Cancer Partnership. The program offers a private, small-group opportunity for individuals with cancer to improve their physical fitness and to achieve their activity goals.
In addition to the workouts, participants will receive a 6 month YMCA membership, a fitness assessment with a wellness coach, ActivTrax access with a personal fitness program, two personal training sessions, and weekly Walk and Tone classes.
To learn more about YMCA of Alaska CARES, please visit their website here and reach out to Vickie Leavens at vickie@ymcaalaska.org or (907) 646-8105.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week small group fitness program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their health goals. The program offers a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical fitness classes twice a week for 12 weeks.
Participants in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA work directly with staff trained in supportive cancer care. The program includes two 75-90 minute sessions each week for 12 weeks, consisting of cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises.
After the 12 week program, participants have the option to join a support group that will meet each month for 6 months – or longer if needed.
Participation in the program requires a referral and medical clearance from a physician. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please visit this website here or reach out to Vickie Leavens at vickie@ymcaalaska.org or Erin Widener at erin@ymcaalaska.org.