As a cancer survivor, your primary concern is to live a healthy lifestyle and remain cancer free. The extensive treatments to send the cancer into remission can take a mental and physical toll. Even though the outcome is worth it, your next step is to remain on the road of recovery. Staying healthy is a good way to maximize long-term health and exercising can help you accomplish this goal.
Many medical studies have shown that healthy eating and exercise can prevent certain cancer. Likewise, exercise may contribute to improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer. Whether the treatment is for prostate, mesothelioma or breast cancer, some can weaken immune systems and energy levels. While exercising is not a cancer cure, it can make you stronger and fitter.
Benefits of Exercise
Medical experts recommend that you begin exercising as soon as possible after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some studies show that most people tend to decrease activities after being diagnoses with cancer. Depression, fatigue from mesothelioma treatment, for example, feeling sick and stress contribute to a less active lifestyle.
A sedentary lifestyle could have greater adverse affects on your body’s response to treatments. However, exercising may help your recovery.
You can experience many benefits through exercise as a cancer survivor. Some include a leaner body mass, lower weight gain and improved muscle strength. Exercising can also improve your mood, reduce fatigue and boost your self-confidence.
Exercises to Maintain Fitness
Overcoming the odds of beating cancer makes you a winner. On its website www.cancer.org, the American Cancer Society recommends moderate to vigorous activity five days, for a minimum of 30 minutes.
This might not be achievable initially, unless you have a habit of exercising. Nevertheless, you can set small goals and build on the success as your exercise level increases over time.
The following exercises can help you remain fit for life.
• Resistance training to build muscle strength. Cancer treatments can cause you to lose muscle and gain fat. Lifting weights or strength training can rebuild the muscle you lost. Stretching exercises increase flexibility. This is a way to keep moving and get used to exercising. Stretching helps you maintain mobility and build up to a more vigorous exercise.
• Aerobic exercises can be jogging, swimming or walking briskly. You will burn excess calories and lose weight.
You can try any enjoyable activity to increase your fitness level. Make sure you get a complete physical before starting an exercise regimen.
By: David Haas
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