A new fitness centre at the University of Calgary, aimed at cancer patients and survivors, is opening its doors today.

And at least one cancer survivor is looking forward to using the program at the Thrive Centre to get her life back to normal.

“I used to be quite active, so I am excited about it,” Calgary resident Debra Dolsky said yesterday.

Since being diagnosed with cancer in December 2010, Dolsky has lost more than 11 kilograms and remains on a liquid diet.

Dolsky, a pharmacy technician, used to teach dance, and misses the regular physical activity in her life since having gone through radiation treatments.

“If I had gone to a regular gym, they don’t have the understanding of what radiation does to the body,” she said.

Along with the specialized staff, Dolsky is excited about being surrounded by a group of people with a common goal.

“There is an intangible quality about being with people who understand what I have been through. We are all there working toward getting well.”

She has been working out with a trainer for an hour once a week but is hoping to make it twice a week.

“Exercise is one of the most important things a cancer patient or survivor can do, emotionally and physically, to regain and to keep their health in the future,” said Nicole Culos-Reed, a kinesiology researcher at the U of C.