Exercising During Chemotherapy: Why it’s Important and How to Start
According to a recent study in JACC, exercising during chemotherapy can greatly improve physical and mental health. Exercise is a crucial part of any cancer treatment plan. However, it is important to take your time and be patient with yourself as you start to gradually increase your activity levels. Let your body be your guide.
Even if you weren’t active before your cancer diagnosis, a fitness program that meets your individual needs can help you get moving safely and effectively. Physical activity can also help you cope with the common side effects of chemo and decrease your risk of new cancers in the future.
Benefits to Exercising During Chemotherapy
If you feel well enough to start exercising, getting more physically active can improve the body’s response to treatment regardless of the stage or type of cancer. Regular exercise has been shown to:
- Reduce treatment-related fatigue
- Maintain physical strength
- Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
- Reduce the amount of recovery time needed in the hospital
- Help maintain weight
- Improve quality of sleep
Exercising During Breast Cancer Treatment
Patients should start slowly and increase activity gradually. Always talk to your doctor before starting a program during cancer treatment. Start with walking and once you feel comfortable, you can work your way up to more brisk walks. If you feel you can push it more, try increasing amounts of aerobic exercise like running, swimming, or cycling.
After treatment, it will take time to return to your desired fitness level. Listen to your body and take rest days as you need them. Your healthcare team should be able to advise you on the best workout regimen for you or provide you with the guidance you need. You may have access to a local certified cancer exercise therapist who can create the ideal exercise plan for you.
As a general rule, the CDC recommends at least 2 days of full-body strength training each week for healthy adults, so consider using this as your long-term goal. A strength training program can include free weights, cardio machines, resistance bands, and your own body weight.
Your ideal individual exercise plan to start with will depend on:
- The type of cancer you have
- The treatments being used
- The side effects you are experiencing
- What you’re able to do physically
How to Exercise Safely During Breast Cancer Treatment
Make sure you start slowly, listen to your body, and drink plenty of fluids. Staying well hydrated is especially important if you are still going through chemotherapy, or experiencing side effects from your treatment.
What to Ask Your Healthcare Team
- What type of exercise program do you suggest for me?
- Do I need to refrain from doing any exercises while receiving treatment?
- Do you recommend cancer rehab for me? If so, can you provide a referral?
- Are there any exercises I can do at home?
As you get going, please remember everyone is different. This isn’t a competition. Just start moving and do what you can. Be patient with yourself and the rest will come. You’ve got this.
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