Living with Leslie: Life after 50
FAQs Regarding Cancer/Chronic Disease Training
As mentioned previously, Leslie has a personal connection to working with cancer and chronic diseases. She brings a different approach to personal training when working with this client base as there are so many comorbidities, contraindications and other complicating factors. At the core of every program is compassion. Through positivity, encouragement, and humor Leslie can guide you through safe workouts. At times counseling goes hand in hand with workouts, so combination sessions are also possible.
Why work out while undergoing cancer treatment? Studies have shown that exercise reduces the side effects of treatments and vastly improves mood, depression, anxiety, fatigue, muscle atrophy, quality of life and physical function. Previously, it was thought that patients needed “rest” thus exercise was not included as a part of the prescription. There is concrete evidence to the contrary. Working out aerobically for at least 3x per week for 1/2 hour and adding resistance training 2x a week can be beneficial for not just cancer patients, but many individuals suffering from chronic diseases as well. As always, check with your doctor. The types of personal training are provided in the header above.
Why choose Leslie? Leslie is well versed in cancer exercise and programming and has taught Pilates for Breast Cancer, Pilates with Props after recovery among several other programs, Livestrong Train the Trainer and was a part of an Exercise Intervention Pediatric Anthracycline Study all of which contribute to her ability to design programs for you. As an ACSM CPT/ACSM-ACS/CES and Livestrong Trainer since the mid 2000’s, Leslie is specifically licensed to work with those living with cancer, and her experience led her to work with most chronic diseases. Leslie worked with hundreds of cancer clients as Livestrong Director for the Hartford YMCA as well as being a Livestrong Instructor for the Plainville Y. Working with 14 new clients every three months for several years exposed her to several cancer types as well as treatment options and medications. She also assisted teaching “Train the Trainer” certification sessions exposing new trainers to cancer programming. Using Pilates Methods for Mat, Reformer, Tower, Cadillac and Barre, you can reduce negative side effects of treatment while improving strength, balance and coordination. Her experience includes all types of cancer: Breast, Brain, Colon, Skin, Pancreatic, Liver, Lymphomas etc. As always, if you have more questions, please reach out to Leslie via email [email protected]
What can Leslie do for you? (skip to last 2 sentences for short answer:) Through personal training, barre and/or grief sessions you will improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength and reduce side effects of treatment as well as improve the mind/body connection. Some issues, like neuropathy, are difficult to combat and may not benefit from exercise directly, but with balance adjustments and strength your propioception and ability to adapt to neuropathy should improve. Working one on one, your program is tailored specifically to you. The mindset of (W)ealth and creating your inner peace no matter what is happening around you is an integral part of training. Leslie can help you begin and sustain your wellness journey via exercise and training sessions but also through behavioral modifications and adjusting your perspective and narrative. How much Leslie can do for you ultimately lies within yourself.
Will I have fun? Well isn’t this the best question ever asked?!?! As an adult who fully believes recess should be granted through high school, Leslie believes “play” is necessary! Yes, you will have fun. Humor is one way to work through tough workouts and push through the harder days, while also allowing grace to change course if needed.
What does it cost? Please see pricing and how to contact Leslie by clicking on the Prices and Packages section in the header above
If I am not living with cancer but have another chronic disease(s), or even an injury can you still work with me? YES! As someone who lives with an autoimmune disease, Leslie understands there are days when you are fully functioning and days when it seems impossible to move. Because modifications and adaptations are an integral part of programming, your session is adjusted to meet your needs. ACSM Licensing includes Special Populations, those individuals living with pre-existing conditions. In other words, most of America! Past and current chronic disease clients include, but are not limited to: Lupus, Crohn’s, Colitis, GB, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Parkinsons, ALS, Dementia, Alzheimers and many more. One of Leslie’s most favorite memory and accomplishment was coaching the CCFA runners for the Las Vegas Rock- n -Roll Half Marathon! She created the New England Chapter Slogan “TP & Dice, That’s how we roll”. Recently, the American College of Sports Medicine published information that Liver Health can improve with Exercise Intervention. If you needed another reason to exercise, this is it! https://www.acsm.org/blog-detail/acsm-bulletin-blog/2023/04/28/acsm-hot-topic-exercise-improves-liver-health?utm_source=Informz.
What if I don’t fall into the categories above and want to improve muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance or work on a specific type of training and/or take classes from you can I still sign up? YES! See the Personal Training page in the header above for more information
