What do you think of when you hear the word “cancer”?  Like me, you probably don’t think of “working out”, or “increased levels of physical activity”.  You might think of hair loss, painful treatments, feeling sick, and having no energy, among other things.  But for some folks, exercise and physical activity is just what their doctor orders, even if they haven’t been active in the past.  In most cases, the physical activity guidelines can be followed by  (or modified for) cancer survivors, especially while under the care of an oncologist or other physician. Physical activity not only helps improve their physical health, but can also be instrumental in improving their overall well-being.

The Y started actively working with cancer survivors in organized programs more than three years ago, and has been instrumental in helping cancer survivors understand the role of physical activity in their life, and increasing their levels of physical activity during all phases of their life as a cancer survivor.  (For most, the definition of a cancer survivor is anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the minute of their diagnosis).

How did the Y become more effective in increasing activity levels with cancer survivors?  Select Ys participated in the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA collaborative, in partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  First, they oriented and trained their staff.  Second, they engaged multiple cancer experts and organizations, locally and nationally.  Third, they did everything they could to ease cancer survivors into evidence based programs, lead by caring, empathic staff, in safe comfortable surroundings, with other cancer survivors.  And fourth, they shared what they learned along with the way.

Staff throughout these Ys were oriented and trained on how to respond appropriately when someone identifies themselves as a cancer survivor.  We also learned basic, factual information about cancer, treatments, and ways to successfully engage cancer survivors in safe levels of physical activity.  We involved local and national cancer experts during meetings, webinars, and conference calls, to glean more information about safe physical activities for cancer survivors, like weight training, aerobic activity, and flexibility exercises.  This was critical to the creditability of the LiveStrong at the Y program, as was the empathic staff who led group physical activities or one-on-one training with cancer survivors.

One of the more creative and helpful aspects of the LiveStrong at the Y program was helping cancer survivors feel in control of their lives, through physical activity.  Instead of feeling like their cancer diagnosis was a signal to do nothing (which can lead to a feeling like cancer is controlling your life), participants were encouraged to and participated in physical activities that showed they could indeed increase their physical conditioning, become stronger, more flexible, which overall showed them their cancer was something they could deal with.  Working out with other cancer survivors, and even participating in activities that benefited others (park clean ups, food drives, etc.), only enhanced this feeling of being back and being in control of one’s life. 

The physical activity guidelines are important for all people, abilities, and mindsets. 

How are you using the guidelines in new programs or in programs with new populations?

In 2002, at age 68, David Dworkin founded a unique “symphonic aerobics” program, which has since become internationally recognized. Conductorcise^®—a Sound Workout for Mind, Body and Soul—is “a symphony performance, music history lesson and aerobics workout all rolled into one,” suggests The Times-Picayune, New Orleans’ newspaper.

A graduate of The Juilliard School and Columbia University, Dworkin channeled his passion for music and physical fitness into this innovative program. Conductorcise, it turns out, is the next act in his long and distinguished career as a symphony conductor, clarinetist and music educator. In the last seven years, he has traveled widely to lead Conductorcise workouts for audiences of all ages and abilities.

Participants enjoy “an invigorating upper-body workout, learn basic conducting techniques, improve listening skills, and find out about the lives and work of the great composers,” Dworkin explains. He applies the same basic approach to each Conductorcise session, but tailors the challenges and level of effort for each group. Sessions for healthy older adults can be longer and more vigorous, with some lower-body movements, for example. With individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease, Dworkin chooses slightly shorter classical musical pieces that participants are likely to know, helping to connect them to the activity.

In each session, the maestro brings what he calls the “energy, motion and magic of music” to participants, who wave batons along with him as they move to the music of Tchaikovsky, Mozart and more. Interestingly, Dworkin has found that, among the groups he has led, participants with Alzheimer’s and other dementias respond with intense interest to the workout. In the end, “Conductorcise is extremely effective in getting participants enthused about classical music, and keeping them engaged, thinking and in motion,” he says.

Dworkin sees conducting as “a physical and a spiritual experience.” The physical benefits include, among others, increased blood flow, upper-body stretching and strengthening, improved cardio endurance, and the growth of new brain cells. That means Conductorcise participation can help improve physical health and function, while enhancing intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional wellness.

“Conductorcise is a winner, because many people don’t think they are exercising when performing the program,” Dworkin observes. “Not only are they moving their bodies in a way many have never done, but they are also stimulating their brains by being made aware of colors, conversations and rhythms in the music.”

Five key lessons learned in creating a classical music fitness experience for older adults

1. Prepare. It’s just like music or anything else in communication. Go over and over and over your program. Ask yourself, Is this the best way I can do it? Don’t be afraid to change, add, etc.

2. Reach out to all. Learn from colleagues. Reach out to physicians (both alternative and traditional), social workers, wellness professionals.

3. Give of yourself 150% all the time.

4. Never lose your sense of humor. Laugh at yourself. Make people smile.

5. Passion. You must have a passion and love what you are doing.

What are you doing to make your programs a unique, fun experience?

While walking through DeCA headquarters, one may notice a lot of activity in the building. You might see a group of women in summer dresses and workout shoes walking, a man with a gym bag and wet hair coming out of the locker room, and several people walking up the stairs instead of using the elevator. And, when shopping at the local commissary, you are likely to hear about several employees walking on their lunch break, going bowling after work or taking an exercise class together.

We are on the move at DeCA – one step at a time – as being active and making healthy choices are not only good for us but are also fun. Last year DeCA employees participated in the President’s Challenge with more than 4,800 completing the challenge. This year the Department of Defense is sponsoring a DoD-wide “Leap into Fall” Fitness Challenge that runs from August through October for all DoD civilians, contractors and their families. Team DeCA is participating in the challenge.

There is an overall DoD goal of 1,500,000 hours of physical activity during that 10-week period. To help make it even more interesting, DoD components will compete against each other for a fitness award. Participating individuals that have achieved at least 25 hours of physical activity over a 10-week period or groups whose members on average have 25 hours of physical activity during those 10 weeks will receive a Certificate of Achievement at the end of the DoD Fall Fitness Challenge. The results of the top three most active groups and individuals that contribute toward achieving the overall DoD goal will be announced on the DoD Worklife/Wellness website.

We encourage you to join the challenge at www.presidentschallenge.org. Ask your family, friends and co-workers to join, too. Qualifying fitness activities include just about any type of movement – including walking, running, golfing, gardening and even doing household tasks. Join the challenge with us and enjoy moving along to better health today in the commissary.

Secrets to success include:

1. It really helps to get buy-in from the top down.
2. Create a competition between sections in your organization. Most people enjoy being part of a team and competing to achieve a goal.
3. Throughout the challenge and at the end, share examples of events and activities that both teams and individuals can do to make it enjoyable and real for people.
4. Share the success of accomplishment through incentives and media promotion.

How are you creatively promoting physical activity in your organization?