FAQs
is it really free?
Yes! We partner with locally-owned gyms, studios and clubs to provide our members access to a variety of exercise classes at no cost to them. Team Survivor membership is free — as one of our members once said, you’ve paid your dues through cancer.
See the Overview of Classes section for all current offerings.
Why is exercise so important Especially for survivors and Thrivers?
The science is clear: Exercise is medicine for all people living with and beyond cancer. In fact, every active minute adds up to better health.
Being physically active can even lower the risk of cancer and cancer recurrence.
In short, exercise helps your body and brain work better. Even a moderate amount of physical activity improves:
- Fatigue
- The immune system
- Muscle strength
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep
- Breast cancer-related lymphedema
- Flexibility in joints that have lost range of motion due to surgery or radiation
- Overall quality of life
- Physical function - the ability to get things done
Learn more about the scientific evidence for the benefits of exercise during and after cancer from the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Cancer Society, the American Physical Therapy Association, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
What Level Of Fitness Is Expected?
We offer activities for everyone. Team Survivor members are a diverse group with various levels of experience and different abilities, from those who have never exercised before joining to Half Ironman athletes. Movement matters, and science shows that even some is much better than none.
Take a look at the wide variety of classes, which range from beginner to expert levels. Members with physical limitations and some stage IV members may be especially interested in our adaptive fitness programs. We take pride in making fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or how cancer has affected their lives. We all move together, and have a great time doing so.
Is Team Survivor right for me if I'm in Treatment?
Exercise is medicine. Medical professionals typically recommend some form of exercise for anyone diagnosed with cancer, whether recently diagnosed, in treatment, or post-treatment.
Alongside many other scientifically proven benefits, being active helps reduce fatigue, the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Research clearly shows that most people who are active during treatment:
- Have fewer side effects
- Feel better faster after treatment
- May lower their risk of cancer recurrence
Exercise also improves symptoms of depression and anxiety and helps you sleep better. It does not exacerbate lymphedema.
Learn more in the short info sheet Being Active When You Have Cancer and the brochure Moving Through Cancer (Moverse Durante el Cáncer) by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Of course, everyone's medical situation is different. Be sure to discuss what's right for you with your medical provider. Getting a medical release form signed by your provider is a requirement before beginning any exercise with Team Survivor, providing an opportunity to have this conversation.
Infographic by the American College of Sporrts Medicine (ACSM)
What about if i have other physical limitations?
We offer specific classes that may be an especially good option for those with various types of physical limitations or recovering from trauma, as well as some stage IV members. This includes adaptive fitness classes for those navigating how to integrate fitness modifications into their lives. Also available are yoga classes specifically for cancer patients and survivors.
Be sure to talk with your medical provider about what's right for your individual situation. All members must have a medical release form signed by their provider before participating in any Team Survivor physical activities.
How Do I Join?
It's just two easy steps:
- Register as a new member here.
- Submit a medical release form signed by your medical provider. For your safety, this is required before participating in any Team Survivor exercise activities. You can find the release form and related information on the same new member registration page.
We require all members to have a signed medical form on file within the last 3 years. Members also renew their free Team Survivor registration each year.
I've joined! How do i sign up for classes?
You can find an overview of currently offered classes here. All are entirely free of cost to Team Survivor members. Signing up is a little different for each class, since they're offered by different partner organizations across the greater Austin area. You'll find the details about signing up in each class section.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
See you in class!