October, renowned for its pumpkin spice lattes, vivid orange and red leaves, and pumpkins awaiting carving, offers more than just seasonal charm. While candy and children dressing up might initially spring to mind, there’s a deeper significance to this month. Importantly, October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To connect with this crucial observance, I want to share my journey towards becoming a Pilates Breast Cancer Survivor Coach.

Who Is Affected By Breast Cancer?

Most everyone knows the effects of Breast Cancer on our own lives, either personally or through ones we love. Why is it so crucial to visit your gynecologist and have a yearly mammogram? Check out the shocking statistics below.

• About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer throughout their lifetime.
• In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
• About 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2019. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 883.

While the statistics don’t come out in our favor, throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to find ways to help women dealing with this struggle regain pride, control, flexibility, and mobility in their bodies.

My Journey to Become a Breast Cancer Fitness Instructor

I began teaching fitness in 1989, thriving on the opportunity to improve others’ lives. However, in 1994, during a class, a student profoundly shifted my perspective on training.

This student struggled with stretches she previously mastered. After class, she confided in me about her battle with Breast Cancer, her double mastectomy, and subsequent implants, which had limited her range of motion. Her story deeply moved me, and I committed to ensuring she and others like her never felt excluded.

In 2000, I earned my Pilates certification, specializing in addressing imbalances, weak posture, and core strength. This allowed me to incorporate specific exercises into my training, aiding those recovering from surgery. Gradually, more women recovering from Breast Cancer or similar surgeries sought my guidance. I adapted my teaching style to a nurturing approach, focusing on gentle movements that accommodated their physical limitations.

The Pink Ribbon Mission

In 2004 I got the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer teaching Certification.

The Pink Ribbon Pilates Program has been created specifically to enhance recovery for breast cancer patients. The program helps stretch and strengthen shoulders, chest, and back, allowing the patient to improve range of motion and strength to areas most affected by breast cancer surgery, tram, and reconstruction. 

This course helped me to answer my biggest questions. How do I help women regain strength and mobility in the affected shoulder and area or an arm area? How can I help them promote lymphatic drainage? How can I help somebody improve functional, functional fitness and quality of life and support a breast cancer survivor to restore energy after all the treatments and procedures they go through?

How Can Pilates Help Breast Cancer Survivors? 

Pilates specifically has been shown to enhance life for people with cancer. For example, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Breast Health concluded that people with breast cancer who practiced Pilates experienced more significant improvements in quality of life, had better upper extremity functions, and experienced milder lymphedema (swelling in the limbs) than those in the control group. The study also found that Pilates exercises were found to be more effective than regular exercises for relieving the symptoms of lymphedema.

In 1955, Eve Gentry had a radical mastectomy, which removed her pectoral muscle along with her breast. She went to Pilates founder Joseph Pilates, and he helped her recuperate, leaving her able to do the more advanced exercises after just one year, impressing many doctors. 

In 2007, equipped with my growing expertise in Breast Cancer fitness, I was approached by Healthmarks Multimedia’s then-President and my clients, Ann McFarren and founder Susan Brink. They invited me to develop a safe workout for women recovering from breast cancer. I enthusiastically embraced this fantastic collaboration opportunity. Regrettably, the production of the DVD has since ceased.

What Are The Benefits Of Pilates?

1. You can do Pilates in many different positions: supine (on the back), side-lying, standing, and seated.
2. The exercises and equipment can be modified for any level.
3. You will be able to use the affected arm(s) more easily and naturally because Pilates is a whole-body exercise system that includes the arms and legs in the movements.
4. All movements are performed with focus and control
5. Deep rib cage breathing and multidimensional breathing patterns help ease tension, encourage lymphatic drainage, and stretch tight areas affected by scars.
6. Pilates provides a gentle introduction to exercise.
7. Pilates increases muscle strength, especially in the back of the shoulders and the middle back
8. Pilates improves your ability to perform daily tasks
9. Pilates strengthens the transverse abdominals, a muscle that is very important for back stability and strength after a TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap or DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap breast reconstruction procedure.

Celebrate October Awareness Month

What is the best thing YOU can do to help support these women who have experienced this trauma? Make the appointment to see your doctor and get checked out today. Schedule a yearly mammogram and ensure you are doing self-checks at home. Early detection is critical to keep you and the ones you love most in the best possible circumstances. 

Click here to find a Pilates teacher who is certified to work with Breast Cancer. Share this blog with others that you know might be interested in this information.

If you want to train with me either virtual or in person please reach out.