Spin for Strength, October 11th at World Gym Wantagh

Strength for Life would like to thank Barbara Larrea and the World Gym Wantagh for organizing “Spin for Strength” to be held 10/11/14 from 8:30 – 10:30 am, an epic two hour event with participants invited to ride in honor of a cancer warrior. Enormous effort was put forth by Ms. Larrea to organize this event which will include live percussionists, dancers, food, prizes and raffles all in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Each rider was asked to fundraise $300 for the event and the contributions received will help Strength for Life continue on the mission of providing FREE exercise classes and wellness weekends to people living with cancer and survivors. Since our inception in 2007 we have helped over 1000 cancer patients/survivors feel their absolute best!

Strength for Life was formed in memory of Evelyn Knapp, an exercise physiologist, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2005. After Evelyn’s diagnosis, she continued to exercise saying it gave her a feeling of control in an uncontrollable situation. Aside from the psychological benefits of exercising during treatment, studies have shown that there are many physiological benefits as well. The newest ACSM guidelines suggest that patients who exercise through treatment have up to a 50% increase in survival rate.

Many survivors are initially intimidated to go back into the gym environment, our intent is to empower them to embrace the "new normal" and feel confident enough to go back to their previous activities. Learning of the astronomical co pays of a cancer diagnosis and how it can make it financially difficult for many to work with a personal trainer Strength for Life has found this solution. We have tried to eliminate all the barriers – travel, equipment, cost and qualified cancer exercise specialists.

It is awesome that the Fitness Industry through World Gym Wantagh supports our non-profit and we are grateful for their decision to select Strength for Life for this event.

Ms. Larrea has sold out the gym’s 40 spin bikes and has now rented an additional 15 so please reach out and ride with us. Contact Barbara at Spinner1991@gmail.com.