Previously, we showed that medical professionals are the most effective referrals to exercise oncology rehabilitation programs. Determining why patients remain in such programs beyond referral is critical if patients are to obtain any health benefits during and after cancer treatment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify those factors that promoted adherence through a qualitative analysis of patient comments. METHODS: Using previously collected data, four themes were identified for adhering to an exercise oncology rehabilitation program: personal results (46%), the trainer (28%), not yet meeting their goals (23%), and family influence (3%). Within these four themes, patient comments were reanalyzed to determine more specific response patterns clarifying patient motivations to continue with their respective program. RESULTS: The four major subthemes identified were physical health, mental/emotional health, the trainer/facility staff, and progress/success achieved. Across all four original themes, 39% of patients referenced their physical health while 7% mentioned their improved mental health as reasons for remaining in the program. Furthermore, 34% noted the role of the trainer with approximately 14% specifically linking the trainer with their progress/success in the program. Separately, approximately 20% identified their progress/improvements as the reason to continue in the program. CONCLUSIONS: While previously and currently presented data report that physical health and improvements recognized by the patient are primary motivators to maintain adherence to the exercise program, this study found that the trainer/staff of the facility also play a significant role in maintaining enrollment, and therefore, adherence to the rehabilitation program. It is likely the progress/success identified by the patients are most likely a result of the work of the trainer/facility staff. Therefore, combining these subthemes, we conclude that the trainer/facility staff is the most important factor in building patient confidence, trust, and most importantly, adherence to an exercise oncology program.