Exercise plays a key role in improving your fitness while also offering mental health benefits. Following an exercise routine is also helpful for cancer patients. Exercise for cancer patients can help you feel less fatigue, prevent muscle loss, improve your balance, and make it much easier to perform basic activities. Even doing a simple exercise at home can make a big difference in your physical and mental health.
Of course, it’s a good idea to start slow if you were not very active prior to your cancer diagnosis. Slowly building up will allow you to experience all of the health benefits of exercise while reducing the chance of an injury. Even if you were already active, it’s a smart idea to do things slower, whether it’s aerobic exercise or using exercise equipment. Consulting your healthcare provider before you begin is also important in receiving personalized advice.
Eating a balanced diet is another critical aspect of living a healthy lifestyle. Consuming nutritious food gives your body the fuel needed to exercise at home or visit the local gym. Choosing healthy food can help build your muscle while also increasing your endurance for aerobic exercise.
Types of Helpful Home Exercise
Reaching out to your healthcare team is a great way to learn about which types of exercises are best for your situation. For example, you may benefit from resistance band exercises, or you may be better off by focusing on flexibility exercises. A healthcare team can help you determine a schedule that best meets your needs.
Finding ways to add more movement into your daily activities is an excellent way to begin your exercise journey. Walking around your house is a great way to experience the health benefits of exercise if you haven’t been active for a while. You can also perform simple exercises at home, such as getting up and down from a chair or doing squats. However, it’s important to remember to give your muscles a break every other day to avoid overworking your body.
Understanding what works best for you is essential, as everyone’s body is different. You can modify your exercise routine at any time, as sometimes you may have less energy than other days. Staying in touch with your body is important in keeping healthy and reducing the chance of an injury.
Here are a few simple exercise routines you can discuss with your healthcare team before you begin a fitness program.
Stretching
Always stretching after you exercise is a great way to increase your flexibility while also reducing the chance of an injury. You can perform many different stretching exercises that are focused on a specific muscle group for each workout.
Chair Exercises
One of the best ways to exercise at home is by using a chair. You don’t need to invest in any exercise machines, as your healthcare team can discuss which chair exercises to focus on.
Bed Exercises
Similar to chair exercises, performing bed exercises is a great way to get in shape without having to leave your home. You can find plenty of bed exercises available online, or you can reach out to your healthcare team.
Walking
Walking is always a great way to relax and get some fresh air. Some people enjoying walking in their yard while others enjoy visiting a local park. Either way, walking outside can improve your overall well-being and is a vital component of any exercise plan.
Do Simple Household Activities
Doing chores around the house is a fantastic way to exercise while also helping you remain productive. These chores can be wide-ranging, whether it’s cleaning the house, unloading the dishwasher, or weeding around the garden.
Additional Resources for More Information
Looking at ways to stay active is essential for cancer patients. Asking your physician for a recommendation for a fitness trainer is a great way to receive personalized care to help you meet all of your fitness goals. These professionals can help train you on how to use a variety of dumbbell exercises or tips for aerobic exercise. Taking the time to follow a detailed plan is a great way to fully experience the many health benefits of exercise.