The AKTIV Center at Summit Health

Located in the lower level of Bensley Pavilion in Berkeley Heights, NJ, the new AKTIV Center offers free, professionally guided exercise programs to cancer patients undergoing treatment and in early survivorship. Powered by Summit Health Cares and based on the AKTIV Against Cancer model, the center is rooted in the science-backed belief that physical activity is a critical part of cancer care—improving outcomes, strength, and overall well-being.

The AKTIV Center at Summit Health allows patients to take part in activities which nurture strength, reduce stress, and foster recovery.

Purposeful Exercise for Cancer Recovery

AKTIV Against Cancer was founded in Norway in 2007 and has since become a global leader in exercise oncology. Their mission is “we work to ensure personalized physical exercise is an integral part of cancer treatment from the point of diagnosis.” They have donated over $30 million to scientific research to support this mission. Their research with Memorial Sloan Kettering has shown the benefits of exercise in reducing treatment side effects including decreased fatigue and depression, improved physical and emotional well-being, and an overall enhanced quality of life for patients. It has also proven that a personalized dose of exercise can slow and even decrease cancerous tumors.

Results have proven that following a structured exercise prescription resulted in a 37% reduction in cancer related mortality and 28% reduction in recurrence.

Science-Backed Intensity Personalized for You

We take an individualized approach to cancer care, designing personalized exercise programs tailored to each patient’s unique journey, and modified over the course of treatment. Participants will undergo 3 one-hour personal training sessions with an AKTIV Exercise Oncology Instructor to assess their needs and goals. The instructor will collaborate with the oncology team and curate and oversee the individualized exercise prescription which may include: strength training, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, walking groups, and more.

Our group training sessions follow the American College of Sports Medicine’s guidelines for cancer patients—working toward 75 minutes of vigorous cardio and two strength sessions per week. But we know everyone starts from a different place. Each class is scaled to your fitness level and treatment stage, with personalized intervals that build endurance, strength, and confidence at a safe, effective pace. It’s not about pushing past limits—it’s about reclaiming your strength, one step at a time. The goal is to meet you where you are each and every day, while benefiting from the comradery of the group and building a community.

Strengthen from Within

Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance movements. It emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance and focuses on the mind-body connection.

Healing Through Movement

Our therapeutic yoga program encourages gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to promote healing from the inside out. “Moves That Matter” supports flexibility, emotional balance, and relaxation—no prior yoga experience needed.