Exercise Therapy

Moderate exercise, as you are able, can help you sleep better, feel better, and move better. Premier Health offers these programs to help you throughout your cancer journey.

Exercise Programs For People With Cancer

Atrium Medical Center offers a 12-week Cancer Wellness Program. Within a group setting, certified instructors tailor classes to meet participants’ individual needs and abilities. We provide you with pre- and post-program assessments to measure your muscular strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and body composition. Class size is limited to 12 people. You will need a physician referral and may start the program at any time, as long as the class is not full. You’ll meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Atrium Medical Center Cardiac Rehab Gym on the second floor of the Atrium Medical Center Professional Office Building. Call (513) 974-5669(513) 974-5669 for more information.

Upper Valley Medical Center hosts an Oncology Exercise Program for people in every phase of their cancer journey, including treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Classes are taught by a Certified Athletic Trainer certified as a Cancer Exercise Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. This six program meets twice per week from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Miami County YMCA Piqua Branch. We start with an initial assessment and physical fitness testing. We ask about your goals and create an individualized treatment plan that incorporates a variety of aerobic exercises, strength training, balance, and stretching. Our group classes provide guided exercise in a friendly, fun atmosphere. We require a physician referral to participate, but if you call us directly, we can reach out to your physician. Or, you can also print off this physician referral form and send it to your physician directly. Please complete this registration packet and bring it to your pre-assessment (link to 4th attachment). To learn more, call (937) 440-7152(937) 440-7152.

Premier Health hospitals also offer an Oncology Exercise Program through Maple Tree Cancer Alliance. This program focuses on exercise and nutrition to help you gain strength and confidence. It is available at Miami Valley Hospital South and Upper Valley Medical Center. For patients at Upper Valley Medical Center, Maple Tree Cancer Alliance classes also are offered at the Robinson Branch of Miami County YMCA, 3060 S. Co. Road 25-A, Troy, Ohio.

In addition, LIVESTRONG^® at the YMCA is a 12-week program to improve strength and conditioning exclusively for cancer patients. See times and locations for:

• Dayton and Coffman YMCA locations
• Atrium Family YMCA

Healthy Steps

Also known as the Lebed Method, Healthy Steps is an internationally renowned exercise and movement program designed to aid in the physical and emotional recovery of patients with cancer and cancer survivors.

Healthy Steps helps restore range of motion, enhance physical and emotional balance and reduce swelling from lymphedema. The classes are set to music and designed for sitting or standing. The program has been found to be beneficial for people with cancer and other chronic conditions, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also beneficial for senior citizens.

The program emphasizes improving your emotional self and enjoying the experience. All fitness levels are welcome. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. at the Atrium Medical Center fifth floor Rehabilitation Gym. Call (513) 328-5473 (513) 328-5473 to make a reservation to attend or email cynthiarovai@gmail.com.

Other Movement Classes for People with Cancer

Miami Valley Hospital South also offers water exercise, and yoga for people with cancer. To learn more, call (937) 438-5483(937) 438-5483 or email CompCancerCtr@PremierHealth.com.

Water Exercise

This warm water class is designed to reduce pain and stiffness, increase muscle strength and endurance, and improve balance and coordination. The class meets at St. Leonard CHI Living Community in Centerville. Call (937) 438-5483(937) 438-5483 to verify your eligibility.

Oncology Yoga

This program is designed specifically for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Certified instructors present sessions in a group setting but will tailor the yoga moves to meet your individual needs and abilities. Classes are offered at Miami Valley Hospital South and by appointment at other locations.

Contact Us

Call the Premier Health cancer hotline at (844) 316-HOPE(844) 316-4673 (4673), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to connect with a Premier Health cancer navigator.