Getting Back Into Fitness After Cancer Treatment

This guest post is by Kaitlyn Teabo, featured author with the Mesothelioma Center. 

During cancer treatment, it is common for patients to reduce or stop their fitness routine altogether.  Even after completion of treatment, it may be difficult to get back into the swing of things, but physical activity during the recovering process may help improve your health and quality of life.

Studies show that exercise, in addition to a healthy diet and appropriate amounts of sleep, may improve cancer survivors’ muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, mood and overall self-esteem. Other studies suggest that breast, prostate, colorectal and ovarian cancer survivors who remain physically active after cancer treatments have a lower risk of cancer recurrence. Here are a few ways to help you get back into the swing of things after such a trying time.

 

Be Patient

Getting back into shape after undergoing cancer treatment may help you on the road to recovery, but it takes patience and determination. Remember to take it slow and to go at your own pace. Chances are you won’t be able to complete your regular exercise routine as you did before treatment, and that’s OK. The key is to keep your routine simple and fun at first, and then work your way up to a more strenuous workout.

Here are some ways to slowly incorporate physical activity back into your daily routine:

• Take a short walk or bike ride around the neighborhood after dinner
• Mow your lawn
• Clean up around the house
• Walk to lunch
• Wash your car
• Take care of your garden
• Walk up the stairs instead of using the elevator
• Do crunches, lunges or squats while watching T.V.
• Form a walking club to avoid getting bored with exercising
• Stay refreshed at work and take 10-minute walking breaks

 

Stick To It

Whether you’re a cancer survivor or not, it’s often hard to find motivation to start or continue a fitness routine. We say we are going to stay fit and incorporate exercise into our daily life, and after the initial enthusiasm wears off, we slump back into our previous ways. Here are some ways to stay motivated:

 

• Reward Yourself. When you meet a fitness goal, go to a movie or order yourself a non-fat latte at your local coffee shop.
• Invite Others to Join You. Exercising by yourself can get boring. Ask a family member or friend to take walks with you or accompany you at the gym. The extra support may be just what you need.
• Switch It Up. Don’t so the same routine over and over again. Take a bike ride one day and go to yoga class the next. This will help keep you  motivated and keep your fitness routine enjoyable.
• Stay Consistent. If you exercise at the same time every day, you’ll form a habit that becomes part of your normal routine.

 

Fitness Precautions

Research shows it is generally safe to exercise after cancer treatment, as long as you take the necessary precautions. You should always check with your health care physician before making any lifestyle changes, including changes in your exercise routine. During and shortly after your cancer treatment you should be aware of some of the precautions:

• If you are anemic, you should not exercise.
• Stay away from public gyms if you have low white blood cell counts, or if you are taking medication that weakens your immune system.
• If your body’s mineral levels (such as sodium and potassium) are not normal, do not exercise.
• Stay hydrated.
• Don’t overexert yourself. If you feel fatigued, try exercising for 10 minutes a day. Pushing your body too much will do more harm than good.
• If you have osteoporosis, arthritis, poor vision, nerve damage, poor balance or weakness, don’t use heavy weights or any exercise that puts stress on your bones.

 

When getting back into a fitness routine after undergoing cancer treatment, it is important to talk to your health care physician first. This will help you determine realistic expectations and help you understand what your body can handle. It is OK to push yourself, but keep in mind your body has been through a lot and little steps can have a huge impact on your health.

 

Author bio: Kaitlyn Teabo is a writer for The Mesothelioma Center. She combines her interests in writing, cancer research and emerging scientific technology to educate the mesothelioma community about asbestos and its related diseases.