--- title: Fittest Survivors Home description: survivorship, cancer, fitness, fittest survivors, exercise, blogs image: https://fittestsurvivors.com/hubfs/fslogo-original%20copy.png --- [Skip to content](https://fittestsurvivors.com#main-content) ![fittestsurvivors](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fslogo-original2%20copy.webp?width=150&height=149&name=fslogo-original2%20copy.webp) - [About](https://fittestsurvivors.com/about) - [Blog](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog) - [Contact](https://fittestsurvivors.com/contact) - 919-327-8806 Open main navigation Close main navigation - [About](https://fittestsurvivors.com/about) - [Blog](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog) - [Contact](https://fittestsurvivors.com/contact) - 919-327-8806 - Contact Connie Contact Connie # HELPING CANCER SURVIVORS EMBRACE LIFE    ![pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6443525](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6443525.jpg?width=3949&height=3146&name=pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6443525.jpg "pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6443525") ### SURVIVORS AND EXERCISE The American Cancer Society's position on cancer and exercise states "Studies of people with breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer suggest that physically active cancer survivors have a lower risk of cancer recurrence and improved survival  compared  to those who are inactive."   According to the National Cancer Institute 69% of cancer patients now live 5 years or longer into their survivorship.  Are you or someone you love a cancer survivor finding everyday tasks which require strength, stamina, and/or balance challenging due to cancer related side effects?  This exercise program, Fittest of Survivors can help. ### Wellness   Physical wellness after cancer treatment is important for overall health and quality of life. It can be challenging for individuals to regain their physical strength and function after cancer treatment, but with proper care, they can make a full recovery. Physical wellness can be improved through activities such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management. Exercise is particularly important for cancer survivors as it can help improve cardiovascular fitness, balance, muscle strength, and flexibility.  A balanced diet rich in nutrients can support the healing process and help prevent future health problems. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can also have a positive impact on physical wellness. Benefits of Exercise - helps maintain healthy weight - improves heart health - improves anxiety, depression, and mood - helps keep one thinking, learning, and using judgment skills - reduces risk of falls - strengthens bones and muscles - improves sleep - reduces fatigue - strengthens the immune system - improves appetite - may help with breast cancer related lymphedema without increasing the lymphedema risk - helps manage blood sugar - decreases the chance that some types of cancer will come back - increases the chance of living longer ![Product name](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-CmsIndustryAssets_hubspot/cms-industry-assets/img/medical-wellness/feature-two.jpg?width=500&height=300&name=feature-two.jpg "Product name") ![241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg?width=799&height=798&name=241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg "241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n") ### Certified and Experienced For over 17 years Connie Nehls has brought her dedication and diverse skills as a physical therapist to serve cancer patients at UNC/Rex Outpatient Rehabilitation.  A Certified Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist, Connie is passionate about her patient's functional outcomes and strives to guide them to their personal best.  She has trained with the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.  She has attended Cancer Rehabilitation certification courses through The Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORI), Klose Training, Monarch Studies, and Great Seminars.  Connie's experience and expertise have broadened her skills as a physical therapist treating cancer patients in all aspects and stages of their cancer journey as well as into their survivorship.  Working with cancer survivors through Fittest of Survivors is a natural fit for Connie as she journeys with the patient full circle to a successful survivorship.   ## See what people are saying See more @ [Google Reviews](https://g.page/r/CdrFUP-J87erEAI/review) > "Thank you for taking the time to really listen and care about my life & situation, and using your experience and training to help ..." > > ![person-icon](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/person-icon.png?width=60&height=60&name=person-icon.png) > > Anonymous client, Raleigh Area > "Thank you for your wonderful service!  You taught me so much to move forward with my issues, I've learned cool exercises to keep doing moving forward" > > ![person-icon](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/person-icon.png?width=60&height=60&name=person-icon.png) > > Kathy > "Thank you so much for all your time, hard work, support and encouragement.  > > ![person-icon](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/person-icon.png?width=60&height=60&name=person-icon.png) > > Emily C.  ## Latest posts Do something today that your future self will thank you for! [![](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fslogo-original%20copy.png?height=200&name=fslogo-original%20copy.png)](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/benefits-for-donating-blood?hsLang=en) [donate blood](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/donate-blood?hsLang=en), [reduce cancer risk](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/reduce-cancer-risk?hsLang=en), [patriotism](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/patriotism?hsLang=en), [lung cancer](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/lung-cancer?hsLang=en), [liver cancer](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/liver-cancer?hsLang=en), [colon cancer](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/colon-cancer?hsLang=en), [esophageal cancer](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/esophageal-cancer?hsLang=en), [blood cancers](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/blood-cancers?hsLang=en) ## [Benefits for Donating Blood???](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/benefits-for-donating-blood?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Connie Nehls, MS, PT, CLT, Certified Cancer Rehab Specialist](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg?width=50&name=241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg) [Connie Nehls, MS, PT, CLT, Certified Cancer Rehab Specialist](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/author/connie-nehls-ms-pt-clt-certified-cancer-rehab-specialist?hsLang=en) Jul 4, 2025 4:00:00 PM Happy July 4th!! [Read more](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/benefits-for-donating-blood?hsLang=en) [![Race for the Cure 2023](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_5558.jpeg?height=200&name=IMG_5558.jpeg)](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/five-unique-things-about-the-susan-g-komen-foundation?hsLang=en) [Komen Triangle Race for the Cure, Survivorship](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/komen-triangle-race-for-the-cure-survivorship?hsLang=en) ## [Five Unique Things About the  Susan G Komen Foundation](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/five-unique-things-about-the-susan-g-komen-foundation?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Connie Nehls, MS, PT, CLT, Certified Cancer Rehab Specialist](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg?width=50&name=241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg) [Connie Nehls, MS, PT, CLT, Certified Cancer Rehab Specialist](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/author/connie-nehls-ms-pt-clt-certified-cancer-rehab-specialist?hsLang=en) Apr 25, 2025 12:55:49 PM The Susan G Komen Foundation has been active since 1982. That is 43 years of fighting breast cancer... [Read more](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/five-unique-things-about-the-susan-g-komen-foundation?hsLang=en) [menopause](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/menopause?hsLang=en), [calciumsupplements](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/calciumsupplements?hsLang=en), [dietandosteoporosis](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/dietandosteoporosis?hsLang=en), [cancertreatments](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/cancertreatments?hsLang=en), [strongbones](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/strongbones?hsLang=en), [osteoporosis](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/osteoporosis?hsLang=en), [exerciseandbonehealth](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/exerciseandbonehealth?hsLang=en) ## [Winning the Bone Density Battle](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/winning-the-bone-density-battle?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Connie Nehls, MS, PT, CLT, Certified Cancer Rehab Specialist](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg?width=50&name=241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg) [Connie Nehls, MS, PT, CLT, Certified Cancer Rehab Specialist](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/author/connie-nehls-ms-pt-clt-certified-cancer-rehab-specialist?hsLang=en) Mar 17, 2025 12:26:37 PM Osteoporosis is a condition that results from a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). BMD is an... [Read more](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/winning-the-bone-density-battle?hsLang=en) [![](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hubfs/favicon.ico)](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/hope?hsLang=en) [hope, survivorship, cancer, fitness](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/tag/hope-survivorship-cancer-fitness?hsLang=en) ## [HOPE](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/hope?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Connie Nehls, MS, PT, CLT, Certified Cancer Rehab Specialist](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg?width=50&name=241063222_919965218951989_4312371010532033684_n.jpg) [Connie Nehls, MS, PT, CLT, Certified Cancer Rehab Specialist](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/author/connie-nehls-ms-pt-clt-certified-cancer-rehab-specialist?hsLang=en) Dec 31, 2024 6:03:21 PM HOPE [Read more](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog/hope?hsLang=en) ### Easy Contact Form [![fslogo](https://fittestsurvivors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fslogo.png?width=202&height=200&name=fslogo.png "fslogo")](https://fittestsurvivors.com/?hsLang=en) Wake Forest, Raleigh & Surrounding Areas NC - [About](https://fittestsurvivors.com/about) - [Blog](https://fittestsurvivors.com/fittest-survivors-blog) - [Contact](https://fittestsurvivors.com/contact) - [919-327-8806](tel:9193278806) facebook-f icon linkedin-in icon [Twitter icon](https://www.twitter.com/fit_survivors) instagram icon --- Copyright © 2026, Fittest Survivors