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How to Thrive When You Survive: The Importance of Exercise for our Physical + Emotional Wellbeing

My first thought was, I want to live. At age 23, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I was fresh out of college and ready to tackle life. Growing up an athlete, I led a healthy lifestyle and was completely sidelined. Going through this life hurdle at such a young age helped me to put life in perspective and changed the trajectory of my entire life.

I fell in love with mindful movement after my treatments. About one year after my stem cell transplant, a friend introduced me to Barre classes. My teachers helped me discover strength I didn’t know I had.

My mantra is Yes. You. Can. I believe that everyone has the ability to lead his or her best lives. We must be relentless in the pursuit. Cancer taught me that. I start all of my classes by saying “it’s a beautiful day to be alive.” Because, it simply is.

The research speaks to all the benefits of exercise. Through research, we know regular exercise strengthens muscles and bones, reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and improves sleep patterns. Exercise also helps people maintain a healthy weight, reduce fatigue, boost energy levels, improve mood and reduce anxiety. All winners in my book.

We lead lives full of goodness and it’s important to take tiny steps to reach our fitness goals. Time can feel limited. If you have an open pocket of 5-15 minutes, try to shift your mind directly to movement. This could be simple stretches, a quick walk or core exercises. Core exercises help to improve our posture and move through our day with more ease.

When the pandemic hit last year, I knew I wanted to create a dynamic online community -- including cancer thrivers. I offer my weekly virtual Pilates Fusion classes free for the cancer community. I feel so honored to hold space for my “Chi Chi Lifers”.

Exercise is a pillar of self-care. When we come together in community, we soak up the positive energy and motivate each other. Showing up wholeheartedly with consistency will guide you to a solid path. You will see and feel your progress. You will get stronger. You in?

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Chi Chi Life Founder Lauren Chiarello Mika is a two-time cancer thriver + twin mama who leads corporate wellness workshops, weekly virtual Pilates Fusion classes and is a Cancer Exercise Trainer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

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Are you part of the cancer community and interested in Lauren’s *free* virtual Pilates Fusion classes? Email Lauren lauren@chichilifenyc.com to get started.


Are you based in NYC? Join Lauren IRL for a *free* outdoor Pilates Fusion at Meatpacking Sweat Sessions on Tuesday 8/3 @ 6:30p. RSVP here.



If you are interested in participating in our Vented Uplift Community Blog as a guest writer, please reach out to Becca at becca.vented@gmail.com

And check out our website to see the beautiful jewelry with a purpose! #BuyoneGiftone

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