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Tailored Exercises For Cancer Patients
Everybody processes a cancer diagnosis differently. This is a highly emotional and challenging time with a lot to get used to. Many people worry that their diagnosis will disrupt their routine and hobbies. Unfortunately, this may happen.
Your health is the most important thing right now. That might mean that some plans and activities will go on hold. If you are a gym-goer, you may be worrying that this will be the case with exercise. The truth is, everybody is different. Some people find that exercise helps provide comfort and relieve stress during the challenges of cancer treatment. Others might find it difficult to be active during this time or have been advised against exercise by their doctor.
In this article, we will discuss working out and cancer. At Jack City Fitness, we are here to support you in any way we can.
Exercise and Cancer: Is It Recommended?
For the most part, yes. However, this will depend entirely on you and your unique circumstances.
Your diagnosis type, care plan, treatment symptoms, or recovery needs may require you to hold back on exercise for a while. We recommend that athletes with cancer have a thorough talk with a doctor before working out. They’ll be able to assess your needs and determine what is best for your health and safety.
In many cases, it is completely fine for cancer patients to work out. In fact, some people even find it beneficial. After all, there are many links between health and fitness. Exercising while undergoing cancer treatments can provide a comforting routine and often relieves patients of some of the feelings of anxiety and depression. It may also help with treatment side effects like fatigue and lymphedema.
What Is the Best Exercise for Cancer Patients?
Cancer is a highly variable disease, and it looks different for everybody. There really is no “best” exercise for cancer patients. The answer to this will depend on you, your circumstances, and your preferences.
If you hated running before your diagnosis, there’s no reason why you should suddenly take it up. Instead, we recommend looking into exercise that you enjoy or find appealing. Remember, exercise can encompass a lot of activities, including dance, yoga, swimming, walking, or even household chores. Aside from preference, there are other important factors to consider with cancer and exercise. The right workout will depend on things like where your cancer is located, what your symptoms are like, and what your treatment entails.
During this time, you may also want to consider where and how you work out. For example, if your immune system is low due to treatment, you might choose to exercise at home rather than in a busy gym. If you are especially fatigued or feeling unwell, it makes sense to choose a non-intensive activity, like a gentle stroll around the block.
Cancer and Exercise: Find Your Balance
It can certainly be beneficial to stay active while dealing with cancer. Having a fitness routine can provide a helpful sense of normalcy during a tumultuous time and can help relieve the stresses and symptoms associated with it. However, it is not mandatory. If you don’t feel up to working out right now, that’s also okay. Rest. Remind yourself that small movements, such as gently walking around your house, making a cup of tea, or doing a few relaxing stretches, all count as non-sedentary activities.
It can be difficult to find the right workout balance, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment. It may be best to work with a fitness coach that you trust and feel comfortable with as you navigate exercise and cancer. They can help you choose appropriate exercises and a pace that is safe for your circumstances, modifying your routine to align with your needs, even if they shift.
If you are a Boise local living with cancer and want to begin working out, we are here to support you. Please contact Jack City Fitness any time at (208) 999-1111 to speak with our team about your movement options during treatment and beyond. Our facilities and fitness equipment are available 24/7 upon sign-up, and we offer fully customizable coaching options, which can be carried out remotely if necessary. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
FURTHER SOURCES:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/exercise-guidelines