Exercise and Cancer: the benefits

Written by Melanie Bowen

Physical activity is beneficial for anyone going through cancer. For those who have experienced difficult treatment and surgery for more deadly cancers like mesothelioma, or more common cancer such as breast and colon, it’s important that you help your body heal but also repair itself. Some of the leading medical journals have described physical fitness as one way patients can help themselves get healthier in addition to traditional treatments. While it was once thought that more rest and relaxation allowed the body to repair, many now firmly believe that with daily exercise and activities, you can greatly impact your return to a healthier state.

Getting the Most From Fitness

It starts with just light activity. You don’t have to push yourself in the beginning. Most likely, you won’t be able to move around or have the endurance to go on long
runs, uphill hikes or eight-mile bike rides. However, with some low impact exercises designed to help with bone and joint problems, you can ensure safely getting back
into the swing of things. Some preferable low impact exercises stem from yoga, row machines, cycling, strength training and even martial arts. It’s up to you where you
start, but each day, you can build upon these fitness routines for a stronger body in the end.

Planning Your Fitness Routine

You should start off every day with light stretching. You can help keep your muscles loose this way. Warming up with a short walk is another way to help your fitness
routine go smoothly. Plan for light exercise in the morning, about 20 minutes if possible. However, even something as short as 10 minutes can start you on the path
towards better fitness after cancer. In addition, physical activities also will help you maintain your bone and muscle growth, which is imperative after chemotherapy and
radiation.

Physical Activity Reduces Cancer Risk

Many studies have been released that daily exercise can reduce the risk of cancer significantly in both men and women. Studies have shown that physical activity
reduces the risk of cancers that affect the lining of the uterus, lungs, prostate, and even prevent heart disease. In addition, those who exercise every day for at least
30 minutes are able to better maintain their weight and gain the necessary energy to perform all kinds of other activities. Exercise produces endorphins, which can also
help to improve mood.

If you have been considering what types of physical activity to do after cancer, just start out with something short and light, like a walk or light jog. With weight
training, yoga and exercise machines like ellipticals, you can find your groove for a better you. Talk to your doctor today and see what exercises are conducive to your
condition and treatments.

http://www.claudiasfitness.com/exercise-and-cancer-the-risks-and-benefits/