Exercise Support Through Every Stage of the Cancer Journey
Structured, evidence-based exercise support from diagnosis through long-term survivorship.
A Developing Exercise Oncology Network
What began as a local exercise oncology service is evolving into a broader vision:
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a connected exercise oncology pathway,
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improved continuity of care,
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and a growing network of exercise oncology-trained professionals throughout New Zealand.
Currently, services are delivered directly by founder Brianna Wehner in Nelson/Tasman, with future plans to expand the Collective network nationally over time.
The Exercise Oncology Collective was founded to improve continuity of exercise support throughout the cancer care continuum.
Exercise is increasingly recognised as an important part of cancer care, yet many individuals are still left unsure:
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where to begin,
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what is safe,
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who to trust,
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or how to continue exercising confidently long-term.
Our approach focuses on:
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prehabilitation before treatment,
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appropriately supported exercise during treatment,
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transition beyond rehabilitation,
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and long-term survivorship and movement support
Our goal is to help individuals remain supported, connected, and confident with movement throughout every stage of care.
Where Sessions Are Delivered
The Exercise Oncology Collective Services are currently delivered from Align Functional Fitness in Richmond, Nelson.
Align provides a calm, coach-led environment designed to support individuals who may not feel drawn to traditional gym settings.
This partnership allows individuals to access structured exercise support within a quieter, more personalised environment while The Exercise Oncology Collective continues developing its broader long-term vision.
Exercise Oncology is the clinical application of individualised, evidence-based exercise to support people safely throughout the cancer care continuum.
Exercise Oncology is not “general fitness” - it is prescribed, monitored, and adapted to cancer diagnosis, treatment type, side effects, and recovery stage.
Our services are delivered by certified Exercise Oncology specialists and designed to complement existing medical and rehabilitation care.
OUR CONTINUUM OF CARE
The Exercise Oncology Collective is built around principles taught through Maple Tree Cancer Alliance.
PRE-HABILITATION
Patients at the time of diagnosis until treatment begins.
To obtain baseline measurements and improve functional capacity to reduce treatment-related side effects.
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Improve strength, fitness, and resilience
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Prepare patients for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation
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Reduce treatment-related complications
Focus
ACTIVE TREATMENT
Patients who are presently receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
To attenuate treatment-related side effects and protect immune function.
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Manage fatigue, muscle loss, and deconditioning
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Support treatment tolerance and functional capacity
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Adjusted session-by-session based on symptoms and blood markers
Focus
POST TREATMENT /
EARLY RECOVERY
Patients who only had surgery or hormone treatment, or have completed chemotherapy or radiation.
To reduce the physical and functional limitations created by treatment.
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Rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence
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Address treatment-related impairments (e.g. neuropathy, lymphoedema risk, post-surgical weakness)
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Support return to daily activities and work
Focus
SUVIVORSHIP /
REMISSION
Patients who have completed active treatment and are in long-term follow-up care.
To improve physiological and psychological values beyond initial baseline and get clients back to functional health.
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Reduce recurrence risk
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Improve cardiometabolic health
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Support independence, longevity, and ongoing wellbeing
Focus
PHASE I
PHASE II
PHASE III
PHASE 0
1 | Referral or Enquiry
Individuals may: self-refer, or be referred by healthcare providers.
2 | Intake & Screening
The Exercise Oncology Collective helps guide individuals toward the most appropriate level of support based on treatment stage, symptoms, goals, physical function, and support needs.
A comprehensive 60-minute Initial Assessment session is completed to establish baseline metrics and gain a clear understanding of each individual. This includes movement screen, collaborative goal planning and initial exercise prescription recommendations to help guide the most appropriate next steps.
($150)
3 | Exercise Support
Support may include:
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In-Person or Online coaching
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30-minute exercise sessions ($60)
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At-home self-led exercise prescription
4 | Long-Term Vision
While services are currently delivered locally within Nelson/Tasman, the long-term vision is to build a broader exercise oncology network that helps connect individuals with appropriately trained professionals throughout New Zealand.
HOW THE COLLECTIVE WORKS
BENEFITS
To date, 11,000 cancer patients have been through the evidence-based Maple Tree Cancer Alliance Exercise programmes worldwide.
The data shows that clients who participate in MTCA programmes, on average, experience:
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15.2% improvement in cardiovascular endurance
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18.2% increase in muscular endurance
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32% increase in flexibility
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58.7% increase in quality of life
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19% decrease in average length of hospital stay
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27% decrease in emergency room visits