Embracing Exercise to Stay Strong While Going Through Cancer Treatments

Hello Everyone,

As many you do not know I do except articles and write ups from my readers. The author of this article is Melanie Bowen on the topic of exercise and how it can benefit cancer patients. She states that  she recently has been researching and writing about how staying physically fit can be extremely beneficial to people going through cancer treatments. Exercise can be a conduit for healing of many different diseases (including cancer) by giving back energy levels, reducing stress, creating better blood flow, etc..

Enjoy The Reading,

The Garage Gym Junkie

Embracing Exercise to Stay Strong While Going Through Cancer Treatments

Creating a fun and enjoyable workout routine for cancer patients is a positive way to promote overall better health.  There are a few simple things people can do to make lifestyle changes to increase their odds of successfully battling cancer.  Switching diets to include more fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains will provide added energy for a person to begin taking up a mild fitness schedule.
An online article listed on the Oncology Nursing Society states that exercise is helpful management tool for people who are fighting cancer. Socializing while working out is another great thing a person can do to keep positive spirits and to embrace an aggressive stance to battling the disease.  When people are overcome with depression and anxiety, it can be easy to give up.  This is why a great support system and workout partners are so vital in encouraging and supporting a person to keep moving forward in treatments and towards recovery.

Fitness schedules for cancer patients often differ dramatically from fitness schedules for people who are not challenged with a life-threatening disease.  If a person is diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma, it will be necessary to create a workout schedule that is light on cardio. Each individual and diagnosis will differ, and therefore each workout regimen should be created with the consultation of a doctor.

Over time, a workout plan may be slowly increased in small increments as the patient grows stronger physically and more capable of working out for longer periods of time.  Yoga and cardio workout combinations will work together to improve physical strength, promote a healthier heart and to relieve stress and anxiety.  Keeping a fitness routine varied and interesting is one of the biggest things a person can do to maintain motivation and inspiration. Interesting and enjoyable workout schedules help a cancer patient to remain as active as possible while going through endless cancer treatments.

Many people grow weary of doing the same workout every week.  Alternating activities from bicycling, using an elliptical, dancing, yoga, walking and swimming will help to inspire cancer patients to stay committed to growing stronger each week.  It is often common for people to experience a lack of motivation when it comes to getting fit, especially for cancer patients who are struggling with extreme pain or a major depletion of energy levels.  However, each small activity will help to improve the person’s quality of life along with a long list of physical benefits. To name a few, working out can help increase oxygen flow throughout the body, which can improve organ function and immune function. Furthermore, exercise also induces the release of endorphins throughout the body, which improves mood and reduces the occurrence of depression in cancer patients.

Author: Melanie Bowen

   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.