Her New Hobby

Nikki Barnett, Hoover, Alabama, age 44

Diagnosed in 2017

Stage 2A breast cancer

Diagnosed at age 38

Brighter: You’ve taken on strength training. Tell us about it.

Nikki: Exercise has always been a part of my life, but pre-cancer (and the osteopenia diagnosis that preceded it), my routine was more cardio-centric. I loved everything from spin class to aerobics, and I would enjoy a good run. Post-cancer, I knew I still wanted to exercise, but I had to recognize that my performance level wasn’t what it used to be. Chemo had actually sent my body into osteoporosis, and I was determined to do all I could to reverse it. I did a lot of research and it became quite clear that weight training is a game changer when it comes to keeping our bones strong.

Brighter: How did you get started?

Nikki:

I set a realistic goal for myself of going just once a week. Even though I wasn’t going very often, I worked hard when I was there, putting in a whole body focused workout. For inspiration, I also started following a couple of Instagram accounts (@jeannie.g.fitness and @pancakesandpush_ups) and that helped me with form and technique.

After a few weeks, I moved to two days a week, splitting up upper body (first session of the week) and lower body workouts. I gradually increased to three days a week (30-60 minutes each time), and just make it work with my schedule, right after school, every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

I supplement the weight training with daily walks, as long as my schedule allows for it. The combination makes me feel like I’m doing my part to keep my bones healthy, and I’m also happy to be a good example for my children. There is a lot of emphasis out there already on the importance of moving and exercise in general, but I’m glad to have reason to show them that strength training is just as critical.

Brighter: How has strength training impacted your osteopenia?

Nikki:

I’m four years out from active [breast cancer] treatment and started weight training two years ago. My bone density scan last August came with great news. No more osteoporosis! I am holding steady, still with osteopenia, but that’s a huge win to have reversed further bone weakness. I take this as proof positive that strength training is a real game changer.

Brighter: Advice to those who want to start but might feel intimidated?

Nikki:

First of all, be mindful of what you see others doing. As much as the Pancakes and Pushups Instagram coach inspires me, I don’t get caught up in a comparison game. Sure, she’s 50 plus and fabulous, but she and so many others like her haven’t been in our shoes.

When you’ve gone through what we have, between cancer, chemo, surgeries and all the physical and emotional havoc that comes with it, we have to not lose sight of the fact that our paces and stamina levels are going to be different.

So that’s the first piece of advice I’d offer – remind yourself as often as you need to that everyone is different.

Next, know why you’re doing it. To look at me, you can’t even tell that I exercise (thank you, menopause). But I’m not doing it to look like a bodybuilder or for looks at all. I’m doing it because it makes my body feel good.

Also, celebrate the small wins! I knew I was getting stronger when I went to the gym with a friend. She is just your average happy go lucky mom and fortunately, she hasn’t dealt personally with cancer. About halfway through our workout she turned to me and was just in awe. “You’re so strong! I can’t lift half the weights you do!”

Lastly, go at your own pace, even if it means you have to let go of some things you did before cancer. As an example, I can no longer walk with friends. They have 16-17 minute miles when they walk, and I’ve told them, ‘I love y’all, but I cannot walk with you. It gives me too much anxiety to try and keep up with them, and I just can’t do it.’

So now, I use solo walks as my prayer time. I put on my praise and worship music and use those walks as my time with God. Sometimes I’ll have my sunglasses on and I may even have a good cry, just depending on the day, what my friends are going through and what’s on my heart. When you’ve walked this path and you have a friend going through it, a lot of powerful emotions come right to the forefront.