Last week I was invited to lead the warm up for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Santa Monica. I was asked to motivate, inspire and support – things that as a personal trainer, I do quite well! But, what I didn’t expect was that I’d actually be the recipient of all of these great gifts and more!

I was surrounded by survivors, fighters and loved ones walking in memory of their mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. I met a young woman who walked for her mother – a woman who battled breast cancer twice. The second diagnosis was perhaps more devastating than the first. To be faced with cancer again! “Why?” They asked. As it turned out, her mother had a gene mutation that dramatically increased her risk factor for the disease (from about 12% for most women, to more than 60%). This young woman walked not only as a supporter, but also as someone who wanted to educate other young women about their own risks of cancer.

It was also inspiring to see so many women, in the midst of their treatments, walking for the cause – many with pink bandanas tied proudly around their heads. It seems daunting to face chemotherapy, radiation and surgery and still have the courage to get out of bed. But, that’s exactly what they did. And, although it’s tough, exercise has been proven to greatly improve recovery time and long-term health in cancer patients. A recent study out of the UK goes as far as calling exercise “The Wonder Drug” in cancer treatment.

If you, or someone you know is fighting cancer, here are a few ways exercise – even if it’s a walk around the block – can help:

• Increased energy
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve overall health (so as to avoid added health complications)
• Reduce the risk of blood clots and sores

I encourage you to do what you can and be proud of every accomplishment! And, to the women I met over the weekend – thank you for continuing to inspire me!