Melanie is currently a Master's student with a passion that stems from her grandmother's cancer diagnosis. She often highlights the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. To read more from Melanie, visit her blog for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In her spare time, you can find Melanie trying new vegan recipes, on her yoga mat, or spending time with her family.
Exercise During Cancer Recovery
The diagnosis is enough to send your brain reeling. When you're
diagnosed with cancer, it is typically followed up with a series of tests and
days filled with doctors. It is truly a life-changer and you may start to
question everything you do. Should you keep your diet the same? Can you keep up
with your exercise routine? Should you even exercise at all? It is important to
follow the recommendations of your physician, and there are always exceptions,
but cancer may not be your excuse to get out of breaking a little sweat!
Depending on where you are in your recovery will affect what type of exercise
is best. We'll break that down a little further to help you get started.
Light Exercise
Patients undergoing aggressive treatment for mesothelioma or
other lung-related cancers can perform light exercise. Light stretching is an example
of a simple light exercise. As long as you maintain your normal breathing and
chat with a friend easily while performing the activity, it falls into this
category. Stretching can be done while standing or sitting down, depending on
your condition. If you are confined to a chair it may be as simple as raising
your arms up overhead or reaching behind your back for several repetitions.
It might sound simple, but the benefits are far-reaching. Light
stretching can ease depression and fatigue. Stretching obviously increases
flexibility, but it also boosts feelings of tranquility while physically challenging
your body so you are able to get a better night's sleep.
Moderate Exercise
You've recently completed your cancer treatment and are ready to
start building up your strength. With a moderate exercise program you'll break
a sweat after about 10 minutes and can still chat with your friend, but your
breathing will be more rapid. Water
aerobics or aquatic exercise is a wonderful place to start. The buoyancy of
the water eases stress on your joints but the resistance of the water works
your muscles no matter which direction you move. It is safer for raising your
body temperature because you dissipate heat more effectively in the water. It
is a fun way to increase your strength and flexibility while regulating your
weight. Exercising in the water is also a good way to enhance your stamina.
Advanced Exercise
This level is for those who are in the advanced phase of recovery
and would like to get the spring back in their step. Weight training is an
excellent method to achieve this goal. Your body becomes more powerful while
you feel more energized. Lifting
weights increases bone density and muscle, which will help burn more fat.
It is especially beneficial if you have had stomach or prostate cancer, which
can cause you to lose muscle mass at an alarming rate. Using exercise machines
at a gym are a great way to get started. The machine helps you maintain good
body mechanics to avoid injury and it's easy to track your progress. Free
weights are also easy to use and can be very effective when combined with moves
like lunges or squats.
Cancer can be scary enough without stripping you of everything normal
in your life. Exercise is a great way to boost your energy and your spirit. The
benefits of exercise greatly outweigh its conveniences. Actively participating
in a fitness program is also a way to keep feeling more like you.
P.S. Today (Sunday 2nd June) is National Cancer Survivor Day, just thought I'd mention it.