After building a life fitness forward, one man's determination to get back to his fitness helped him survive his cancer.
Chas Rodgers is about to make you laugh, think, and maybe even shed a tear.
More than anything though, in this episode of the Man Up to Cancer Podcast, Chas is going to light a fire under your ass to GET UP AND MOVE!
As a longtime fitness professional and coach, Chas has spent most of his adult life doing just that.
He's a U.S. Navy veteran who lives in San Diego, father of three, and passionate advocate for men facing prostate cancer.
He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at age 45. His cancer was discovered because he asked his doctor a simple question: Was there anything else he should be checking, particularly as a Black man?
That question may have saved his life.
Since his diagnosis in 2013, Chas has endured prostate surgery, radiation, additional procedures, and complications that changed his body and his life. The physical challenges were difficult enough. But the emotional toll, sexual dysfunction, changes in his relationships, and struggles with his sense of masculinity were every bit as challenging.
Today, Chas continues to work in fitness and advocate for men with prostate cancer. His message isn't about pushing through pain or accomplishing extraordinary athletic feats. It's about meeting yourself where you are, and finding ways to keep moving.
In this episode, Chas and I talk about:
- How a routine physical and an unexpected PSA test led to his diagnosis at age 45
- Why Black men need to be proactive about prostate cancer screening and early detection
- How prostate cancer treatment affected his masculinity, sexual function, relationships, and mental health
- How he went from struggling to walk up a hill to gradually rebuilding his strength
- Why a five-minute walk can be more meaningful than an impressive fitness accomplishment
- The importance of giving yourself grace and not comparing your body today with what it could do before cancer
Resources mentioned in this episode
Ready for More Than Walking? Try This Beginner Strength Routine
Chas Rodgers has a simple message for men rebuilding their fitness during or after cancer: Start where you are. Keep moving. Give yourself grace.
If you've established a regular walking routine and feel ready for the next step, consider adding this gentle bodyweight workout.
Complete the following exercises slowly and comfortably, and then increase your number of sets and reps:
Chair Squats (Sit-to-Stands) — 8 repetitions
Sit in a sturdy chair, stand up, then slowly sit back down. Use your hands for assistance if needed.
Wall Push-Ups — 8 repetitions
Stand facing a wall, place your hands against it at shoulder height, and slowly bend and straighten your arms.
Standing Calf Raises — 10 repetitions
Hold a counter or sturdy chair for balance. Slowly rise onto your toes, then lower your heels.
Standing Marches — 20 steps total
March slowly in place, lifting one knee at a time. Hold a counter for balance if needed.
How to use this workout: Start with one round, twice a week, on nonconsecutive days. Warm up with a few minutes of easy walking, rest whenever needed, and gradually work toward two rounds as the exercises become easier.
No gym. No weights. No pressure to keep up with anyone else.
Before starting, check with your cancer care team, particularly if you're in active treatment, recovering from surgery, or dealing with balance problems, neuropathy, bone metastases, or other treatment-related limitations.
SPONSOR SHOUT OUT!
I want to thank my sponsor for this episode, Pfizer.
This Is Living with Cancer™ is a free online resource developed by Pfizer Oncology for all people living with cancer, regardless of age, income, race, location, cancer type, or stage of disease. This comprehensive program is available to anyone in the US, whether they’re on a Pfizer treatment or not, with a growing focus on those facing challenges accessing care.
Visit ThisIsLivingWithCancer.com to learn more.
I can't make this podcast happen without sponsors that believe in storytelling and the elevation of real patient voices.
All views are my own, and the opinions expressed in this show do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.
