Exercise during chemo

Posted by georger @georger, Feb 1, 2019

More and more research shows that exercise is vital in cancer treatment....make it a regular routine...I have a background in exercise physiology and cancer and would be happy to help anyone

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer: Managing Symptoms Support Group.

earscan | @earscan | Oct 21, 2020

Do you think walking a mile per day on the treadmill would be good? Thanks, Gina

dthayer | @dthayer | Oct 21, 2020

In reply to @earscan "Do you think walking a mile per day on the treadmill would be good? Thanks, Gina" + (show)

Absolutely! Even with extreme fatigue, I went to the gym every day throughout my chemo except for infusion days. Even if you can do just a few minutes, it is beneficial for your overall physical, psychological and emotional health. A mile on the treadmill is a great idea! Best of luck!

earscan | @earscan | Oct 22, 2020

Thank you so much! Will have to get this lazy body back on the exercise machine! Gina

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 1, 2020

In reply to @earscan "Thank you so much! Will have to get this lazy body back on the exercise machine!..." + (show)

Hi Gina @earscan, it doesn't have to be an exercise machine, unless you like exercise machines. Studies show that choosing activities we enjoy help with sticking to the plan. My mom and I love pole walking. It works the arms as well as the legs. I like the added benefit of the poles keeping me upright and I walk faster. Now I challenge myself with sprints (walking faster for a few seconds). 45 seconds at an accelerated pace takes me 3 telephone poles. Next week's goal is 4 poles.

What activities keep you active that you like to do?

Tom Anderson | @ta52 | Nov 5, 2020

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi Gina @earscan, it doesn't have to be an exercise machine, unless you like exercise machines...." + (show)

Whatever you do, doing it outside is always so much more enjoyable. Even in the dead of a Minnesota winter I will bundle up and head outside.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 5, 2020

In reply to @ta52 "Whatever you do, doing it outside is always so much more enjoyable. Even in the dead..." + (show)

Hi @ta52, what are you favorite outdoors winter activities?

earscan | @earscan | Nov 5, 2020

Thankk you. I sit on my back porch and feed my beloved geese and have a glass of wine. It helps a lot to get me back to being evenly-quelled. Thank you for your help! Gina

Tom Anderson | @ta52 | Nov 6, 2020

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @ta52, what are you favorite outdoors winter activities?" + (show)

Hi, Colleen
Mindful of pavement conditions, in the past winter activities were confined to running and walking. However, this will be my first winter as a lung cancer patient and since my diagnosis I have rediscovered the joy of just walking. Too many of us use the gym as a primary location when all four seasons offer something different outdoors.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 6, 2020

In reply to @ta52 "Hi, Colleen Mindful of pavement conditions, in the past winter activities were confined to running and..." + (show)

@ta52, welcome to world of walkers. I like walking with poles. They’re great for posture and work the arms as well as legs. Still have to be careful of the pavement conditions.

Did you have treatments beyond surgery for lung cancer? How has your activity and exercise capacity changed?