Leslie is a personal trainer with expertise in cancer exercise intervention and chronic disease, a Pilates instructor, running coach, HIIT trainer, and grief counselor with over two decades of experience helping people optimize their health and wellness through the mind/body connection. She’s passionate about helping people through their own wellness journey by providing exercise and training tips.

In this episode, Leslie shares about exercise oncology—the growing field that uses movement to improve cancer outcomes and overall well-being. After losing several loved ones to cancer, Leslie was inspired to help survivors rebuild strength, confidence, and hope through personalized fitness programs.

She shares key findings from the groundbreaking CHALLENGE Study, which followed colon cancer patients for 15 years and proved that supervised exercise not only reduces side effects but also improves survival rates—showing a 37% reduction in death and 28% reduction in recurrence. These powerful results demonstrate that exercise can be just as impactful as medical treatments in supporting long-term recovery.

Leslie emphasizes that exercise doesn’t have to be complicated—even a brisk walk for a few minutes a day can reduce fatigue, boost mood, improve sleep, and lessen anxiety, pain, and muscle loss. For those who feel too tired or overwhelmed to begin, she encourages starting small, setting realistic goals, and choosing activities that bring joy and consistency.

What Leslie loves most about her work is witnessing the resilience of cancer survivors—their determination to heal and give back, even in their hardest moments. Her heartfelt message: Be gentle with yourself, move your body in ways that feel good, and remember that your “new normal” can be even stronger, healthier, and more hopeful than before.

For more information, go to livingwithleslielifeafter50.com

The Cancer Liberation Project is sponsored by the karlfeldtcenter.com