Fighting Cancer with Physical Fitness
Cancer patients
can benefit greatly from understanding which exercises are ideal for each stage
of recovery. Conferring with the doctor and maintaining a conscious effort to
make exercise and nutrition a part of the daily regimen is the one of the best
ways to approach a healthy recovery from cancer. Choosing the right exercises
will help recovering cancer patients feel better mentally and physically, while
reducing fatigue as well. Light exercises are ideal for patients that are still
taking it slow, moderate exercises help patients begin regaining strength and
advanced exercises are ideal for patients that can begin improving their
condition as well.
Walking
The light
exercises are usually a starting point for people that are still undergoing
aggressive treatments for
mesothelioma or other lung-related cancers. Patients should not be out of
breath when doing these types of workouts. It should be easy to hold a
conversation while doing light exercises. Recovering patients should never
break a sweat when doing these kinds of exercises. Taking walks can help
patients begin to regain endurance and muscle strength again. Routine walks
also improve bone density and reduces the rate of bone loss. Taking walks also
helps mitigate fatigue patients feel from undergoing radiation and
chemotherapy.
Biking
Recovering
patients usually break a sweat about 10 minutes after starting a moderate
exercise routine. Patients should not be out of breath, and should still be
able to carry a conversation at this level of physical activity. Biking
is a moderate workout that can help recovering patients improve their immune
systems, mental health and cardiovascular performance. Biking is an ideal
choice for patients that struggle with joint problems. This exercise is an
effective solution for continually improving conditioning and strength in order
to fend off cancer. The biking regimen should always cater to the patient’s
specific condition or state of health.
Running
Advanced
exercises should have recovering patients sweating just a few minutes after
they begin. These vigorous exercises will require fast and heavy breathing.
Running is one of the best exercises for patients that are in the later stages
of recovering from cancer. Running helps to improve endurance, strength,
bone density and the patient’s emotional and psychological state of mind as
well. Running also helps to reduce
bone loss and fatigue as well. However, it is important for patients to
ensure that the intensity and distance for each run isn't too strenuous. One of
the best things about running is that it’s easy to do and doesn't require any
special equipment.
Recovering from
cancer can be daunting, but it’s certainly feasible with a plan. Taking a
consistent and measured approach to improving health by focusing on fitness and
diet is one the best ways to win this battle. Adhering to certain exercises in
each stage of recovery will help patients avoid the risk of overexerting
themselves, while making the most of their time and efforts. It’s important to
pick exercises that are fun, and be open to changing the routine or exercises
every few weeks as well. Finding different ways to stay engaged in this
holistic recovery regimen is one of the best therapies to improving your
quality of life.
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.
Thanks so much Melanie for this wonderful post!
I hope it's helped anyone out there dealing with cancer or who has loved ones dealing with cancer currently! <3 <3
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