CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
Speak with your doctor if you are a
cancer patient and are interested in
starting exercise during treatment.
They will be able to recommend type
of activity and if you are prone to
more infections, they might
steer you clear from working
out in public places.
In this situation, there
are many options,
such as workout
videos that you can
watch from home.
Your doctor might
also recommend different
activities that could
Trust your body
and do not exercise
during times of extreme
tiredness. Pushing
yourself too hard could
lead to injuries.
prove beneficial to your
health such as physical therapy.
TRUST TIME
Don’t expect to be at the same fitness
level you were at prior to cancer. Be
patient with yourself and take one
day at a time. Focus on a long-term
plan that includes goals post cancer
treatments to help you ease into the
physical activity and create long term
objectives. Focusing on goals in the
future will also help you gradually and
safely build up intensity to avoid hurting
yourself and other possible issues
that could arise.
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SIDE
EFFECTS
Side effects can
vary. Consider how
you have felt after
treatments and think
how that could be impacted
by regular exercise.
As mentioned
above, fatigue could
limit the desire or ability
to workout. Trust your body
and do not exercise during times of
extreme tiredness. Pushing yourself
too hard could lead to injuries. If you
are feeling side effects but still want
to get in a few minutes of activity, try
light yoga or light stretching to try
and get some of the positive benefits
without overextending yourself. Just
ensure that you are exercising per
your doctor’s recommendations and
trusting your body.
EXERCISE & QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
A 2012 Cochrane Collaboration review of clinical trials of
exercise interventions in cancer survivors showed that physical
activity may have positive effects on many quality-of-life areas,
including body image/self-esteem, emotional health, sexuality,
social function, sleep issues, anxiety, fatigue, and pain. In
a 2012 analysis of randomized controlled trials, physical
activity in cancer survivors was found to reduce fatigue
and depression and to improve both physical and social
function, as well as mental health.
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