Milton Personal Trainer Puts Recovery in Motion

Milton resident and personal trainer Laury Hale became a certified cancer exercise specialist in 2008. She knew that she’d be helping cancer survivors on their road to healing, but didn’t expect to create a community along the way. Yet her work at , in partnership with the Cancer Community Renewal Project, has established a vibrant, connected community of survivors who support one another as they journey toward wellness. Hale talked to columnist Julie Fay about the classes, her philosophy and some unexpected benefits. 

What exactly do you do at Fitness Unlimited?

I’ve been a personal trainer and spinning instructor for nine years at Fitness Unlimited, and I’m also the cancer exercise specialist there. There’s a collaborative arrangement between Fitness Unlimited and the Cancer Community Renewal Project, a non-profit organization that promotes that being active is best way to recover and heal (from cancer and related treatment) but also to avoid the diagnosis in the first place. We’ve been working together for about three years. 

We began with one-on-one sessions with cancer survivors, and the program has grown to two “Moving Towards Wellness” classes a week, plus several fundraising events a year for the Cancer Community Renewal Project. 

How do people participate in the program?

Cancer survivors and their caregivers participate in the classes at no cost. Fitness Unlimited donates the space and the equipment, and the Cancer Community Renewal Project pays the fee for the classes. Participants do not need to be members of Fitness Unlimited, and they are never pressured to join, so they can come without a commitment. The only requirement is that people meet with me before they start so I understand their background, limitations, etc. The classes are kept to no more than ten people. 

What do you do in class?

We’re very busy, spinning on bikes for 30 minutes and then doing strength and balance work. We also use the TRX suspension training system for muscle balancing work. This is of particular benefit to breast cancer survivors who have had reconstruction, because one side of their bodies will function differently from the other. The suspension system is very good at helping them negotiate that change.

So who is your typical class participant?

We have people who are just finishing up their radiation treatment and people who are nine years out (from their treatment) and everyone in between. Some people are looking to restore their prior activity level, and some have never done any (exercise.) We strive to make it a welcoming place to people at a lot of different stages. 

We have fun together. It’s magic because people have the chance to talk with others who have been down the same road. It’s not a therapy session, but a supportive atmosphere and a unique community. 

Of course exercise is good. How else do you see your work helping cancer survivors?

It provides an opportunity to define for themselves what their new normal is. When a difficult diagnosis hits people, their family and their friends, they deal with it in unique ways. Some are very private and others are very public. I like to offer a place where people can find activity that honors their unique approach to renewal. The fitness world, to me, would be a natural place to heal, but that’s not true for everyone. It’s an opportunity to introduce people to a community that I know will give them new tools for healing, whatever that’s going to be for them.

Why do you do what you do?

I should mention it took me a year to decide to do it. I wanted to be sure that I’d be able to bring something productive and effective to people, and to women in particular (Fitness Unlimited is a women-only fitness club.) I wanted to be sure I was coming from the right place, not as someone who could save (cancer survivors) but someone who could help them find the tools to heal. 

So many times, people stay strong during their treatment for the sake of others – their families, for example. This is for themselves. I wanted to be able to look someone in the eye, to hear their story and be able to be helpful, and not be another sad-sack face. 

Any particular story of healing that stands out?

One woman, following her diagnosis and treatment, got together with some girlfriends to talk about their “bucket lists,” or things they wanted to do before they died. Someone wanted to travel to Ireland; another wanted a pair of diamond earrings. Her wish was to be able to make a snow angel. Reconstructive surgery severely limits the range of motion necessary to make a snow angel, so for her, that was the image. When she was able to do a snow angel, it was her reminder that she’s coming back. 

What has the work meant to you?

Despite my initial worry about being up to the task, I’ve learned it’s not about me at all. People keep tabs on each other, without me, looking out for and supporting one another. I’m on the periphery. I helped get them in the room but they’re finding each other. 

Learn more about Hale’s classes at Fitness Unlimited here, or find Laury Hale's page on Facebook.