Moving For Life Our Mission Enhancing the lives of people affected by cancer and older adults through accessible movement and wellness programs. Results from a study with NYU Langone Medical Center affirmed the therapeutic science of Moving For Life’s offerings. The American Society of Clinical Oncology reported that participation in Moving For Life’s classes helped survivors lose 8 to 10 pounds and motivated them to engage in a healthy lifestyle. Moving For Life is a leader in exercise and wellness education for prevention, recovery, post-treatment health, and maintenance of a healthy body & mind. We are a small nonprofit organization that offers FREE evidence-based movement classes to people with cancer. Founded by exercise physiologist and dance scholar Dr. Martha Eddy, Moving For Life classes use movement science and somatic movement principles to help people move safely and effectively, with self-awareness. In addition to the expertise of our board, we are guided by a stellar advisory board of oncologists, geriatricians, cancer survivors, and award-winning artists. This is not your typical exercise class in that participants develop skills in sensing the body’s sensations and thereby tap into the self-regulatory responses our physiology offers. People report, “We just feel better. I am feeling less pain. I know how to take care of myself more fully. I am feeling joy as well as comfort from being together in such a supportive environment.” Classes are offered daily, with in-person options available in New York City. Classes are also offered over Zoom, which allows participants to experience joyful movement in the comfort of their own home. Moving For Life classes are also adaptable by design to account for mobility differences. Our Moving For Life Certified Instructors undergo a 100-hour training course to ensure that the classes they teach offer safe and effective movement. In addition to our classes, we also offer free online wellness lectures/workshops on topics relevant to cancer, such as managing lymphedema, reducing fatigue, managing joint pain, and coping with stress using exercise and somatic movement. We make moving easy… Our classes Feature music that offsets depression, helps mental alertness, and lifts spirits Foster friendships, joy, and healthy community Focus on gentle, adaptable movement, shifting from sedentary to traveling exercises In addition, we offer Informative, participatory lectures that focus on specific health challenges Annual events – including Hike-a-thon, Dance Parade, Dance-a-thons, and more Outdoor programming to access the added benefits of moving in nature Moving For Life is committed to Culturally sensitive, age-specific music Compassionate interactions and best practices from movement science and body-mind awareness Physician-endorsed programs with a positive track record of zero injuries Multilingual programs in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, French, and German Moving For Life began 20 years ago as a group of volunteers supporting women with breast cancer. In 2011, the Komen Foundation’s generous contribution allowed us to further develop our programs. On October 3, 2014, MOVING FOR LIFE, Inc. officially became a NYS incorporated non-profit educational 501(c) 3 organization. Since then, we have expanded our offerings beyond New York City. We are now proud to work with a roster of 54 Certified Instructors, actively teaching in Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay area, Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Vancouver. Moving For Life continues to evolve in order to support the needs of our communities, including offering a variety of high-quality online classes and lectures. Moving For Life provides dance exercise and wellness programs in hospitals, community agencies, and fitness centers concerned with health and recovery from illness. We are committed to serving a wide range of people, prioritizing individuals without access to fitness clubs, trainers, and those who otherwise have inadequate health support. Benefits Moving For Life uses easy-to-follow exercises and familiar dance moves to boost mental and physical health, while carefully increasing: energy (fighting fatigue) balance (related to neuropathy, inner ear, or substance abuse) lymphatic flow (strengthening the immune system) joint ease (antidote to treatments and illnesses that cause stiffness) range of motion (post-surgery) mental acuity (helps with losses due to aging or chemotherapy) calorie burning (working with small weights or resistance bands to build a better ratio of muscle-to-fat) Dancing to samba, salsa, reggae, Motown, disco, and other forms of popular music, our classes encourage people to move into the target heart range needed for weight loss, cardio conditioning, and reducing blood pressure. Participants also learn to pay attention “within,” known as “somatic movement education.” This improved body awareness increases safety while exercising, and encourages taking more responsibility for one’s recovery process. Our classes are uplifting, yet relaxing community experiences. Moving For Life’s Wellness Programming Moving For Life staff and instructors are experienced in adapting our classes and workshops to specific audiences. We can create classes and workshops that are culturally and physically appropriate to the needs of your group, or targeted to a specific audience whether it is breast cancer survivors, metastatic cancer thrivers, caretakers, teenagers, older adults or those with limited mobility or range of motion for whatever reason. Classes can be done seated, standing, or modified for other considerations. Please let us know more about your group, their preferences, joys and challenges. Moving For Life offers the workshops in English and most in Spanish. We have instructors with Korean, Russian, and Chinese language abilities as well. Customized classes and workshops are available upon request. We can cater to your population and are open to discuss the needs and goals of your community. Our Moving for Life Lectures target the aging process, chronic illness, cancer recovery, and general health. When shaped as an Interactive Seminar, they include movement, meditation, and other wellness strategies, along with discussion and take-home activities. Moving For Life, Inc. 954 Lexington Ave. #1114 New York, NY 10021 1-212-222-1351 [email protected] https://www.movingforlife.org/about-us
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