Exercise during cancer treatment may seem like the last thing on your mind, especially when dealing with side effects like fatigue, nausea, or pain. But the truth is that staying active during treatment can have profound benefits for your body and mind. It can help reduce fatigue, improve mood, and even boost the immune system. The key is to stay within safe limits and adjust your routine to your energy levels.
Here’s how you can stay active during cancer treatment without overdoing it.
Why Exercise Is Important During Cancer Treatment
Even though cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can leave you feeling drained, exercise can actually help with recovery. Studies show that moderate physical activity can:
- Increase energy levels and help combat cancer-related fatigue
- Improve sleep and reduce insomnia caused by treatment
- Boost your mood and reduce anxiety and depression
- Maintain muscle mass and flexibility
- Reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by improving overall health
Safe Exercises to Try During Cancer Treatment
1. Walking
Walking is one of the safest and most accessible exercises during cancer treatment. It can be done at any pace and doesn’t require any special equipment. Start with short walks (10-15 minutes) and gradually increase as you feel comfortable. Walking helps improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength without overexerting yourself.
2. Gentle Yoga
Yoga is excellent for improving flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Gentle yoga or restorative yoga focuses on slow movements and deep breathing, which can help alleviate stress and improve flexibility. Many cancer centers offer specialized yoga classes tailored to cancer patients. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new yoga routine.
3. Stretching
Gentle stretching can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness, especially if you’re experiencing joint pain or muscle soreness. Focus on neck, shoulder, and lower back stretches, as these areas can become tight from chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
4. Swimming or Water Aerobics
Water-based exercises like swimming or water aerobics provide a low-impact workout that’s easy on the joints and muscles. The buoyancy of the water supports your body, making it easier to move while reducing the risk of injury. Many community pools offer water aerobics classes, which are often modified for people with cancer.
5. Strength Training (Light Weights)
Strength training can help maintain muscle mass and prevent the muscle wasting that may occur during cancer treatment. Using light weights or resistance bands is ideal for maintaining strength without straining your muscles. Aim for low-resistance exercises with high repetitions to avoid overexertion.
How to Exercise Safely During Treatment
1. Listen to Your Body
It’s important to listen to your body and recognize when you need to rest. If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or too fatigued, stop exercising immediately and rest. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises, but don’t push yourself too hard.
2. Start Slowly
If you’re new to exercise or haven’t been active in a while, start with low-intensity activities and gradually increase the intensity as you build stamina. For example, start with walking for 10 minutes and work your way up to 30 minutes.
3. Stay Hydrated
Chemotherapy and other treatments can cause dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. Dehydration can exacerbate fatigue and increase the risk of muscle cramps or dizziness.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Set small, achievable fitness goals each week. For example, aim to walk 3 times a week or do 15 minutes of stretching each day. Setting realistic goals can help you stay motivated without overexerting yourself.
5. Talk to Your Doctor
Before starting any exercise routine, it’s important to talk to your doctor, especially if you have complications like bone pain, weakness, or cardiovascular issues. Your doctor can recommend the best exercises for your specific condition and give you guidelines on how much activity is safe for you.
When to Avoid Exercise
While exercise is generally beneficial during cancer treatment, there are some situations where it’s important to avoid physical activity:
- If you have low blood counts (anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia), which can make you more prone to infections or injury.
- If you’re feeling extremely fatigued or experiencing dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath.
- If you have bone metastases or fractures that could worsen with certain movements or weight-bearing exercises.
If any of these conditions apply to you, consult with your healthcare provider to determine what activities are safe.
Key Takeaways
- Exercise during cancer treatment can help improve energy, mood, and physical health.
- Low-impact exercises like walking, gentle yoga, and swimming are ideal.
- Start slowly and increase intensity gradually, always listening to your body.
Always talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine to ensure safety.
