In this episode of Cancer Survivor MD, Dr. Josie van Londen is joined by Brad Buchanan, Colleen Dwyer Diehl, and special guest Janette Poppenberg, a cancer-certified personal trainer in the Pittsburgh area, for a practical and compassionate conversation about physical activity after cancer treatment. Focusing on survivors who are no longer in active therapy, the group discusses how to safely begin moving again, why “start where you are” matters, and how small, consistent steps can help rebuild strength, stamina, confidence, and trust in the body.
Janette explains what a cancer-certified personal trainer does, how assessments can be individualized, and why range of motion, aerobic capacity, and muscular strength all matter in survivorship. The conversation also explores cancer-related fatigue, the role of medical clearance and primary care involvement, the potential value of oncology massage, and realistic motivation strategies—such as starting with five minutes a day, pairing movement with something enjoyable, and finding supportive groups or classes.
The episode emphasizes that exercise is not about perfection or pressure, but about finding safe, meaningful ways to move that fit each survivor’s body, energy, goals, and life.
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