Low-Impact Exercise For Building Fitness With A Cancer Diagnosis

 

David Haas

This article was written and dedicated for

All Cancer survivors

Low-Impact Exercise For Building 

Fitness With A Cancer Diagnosis

 



Starting an exercise program after a cancer diagnosis may seem daunting. However, truth is that low-impact exercise is the answer for those that cannot participate in intense routines. Those that are just starting cancer treatment may want to opt for something easier but also effective. Exercise builds a sense of well-being and increases quality of life. Starting a program will also help your body fight against the exhausting effects of chemotherapy.

Water Aerobics

Cancer medications can cause sore muscles, fatigue and a higher risk of fractures and water exercises are usually low impactful but still effective. Find a class and a pool to participate in. There are dozens of options, including water Zumba, water aerobics, treading water or even just swimming laps. You don’t need to feel left out of the fun activitihttp://pennstatehershey.adam.com/graphics/images/en/19389.jpges because of your cancer diagnosis. Even waist-deep water reduces gravity by 50 percent. The deeper the water, the less you feel on your joints and muscles.

Pilates

Pilates focuses on strengthening the muscles, which is something that cancer patients generally need. If you have mesothelioma or even colon cancer, Pilates is an excellent choice because it consists of low impact yet still produces a great workout for your physical body. There are beginner classes that teach the basic moves so don’t feel that your lack of knowledge about the class should discourage you if you are new. Pilates is as effective as it is relaxing. It increases circulation, speeds up metabolism and works on even lengthening posture aside from strengthening muscles.

Yoga   
Relaxing and meditative, yoga is the optimal choice for those going through cancer treatment because it increases flexibility and range of motion. These are two very important factors for staying healthy during cancer treatment. Yoga can be modified and is ideal for any person at any level of fitness because it takes little to no physical activity. It can be a wonderful outlet for someone suffering through a debilitating disease because it can get your mind off your prognosis and allow to perhaps find some ease and peace of mind.

Tips For Low-Impact Exercise

Even though low-impact exercise is safer for those with an illness, there are some things to adhere to when participating in classes. Proper shoes are always a must. Choose shoes based on your activity choice. Water shoes are great for water aerobics, and there are even shoes for Pilates.  Yoga blocks and resistance bands can be used to modify movements. This is true for all activities where you have to move your body in an unfamiliar manner.

How Low-Impact Helps

Easier exercise routines help the body gradually build up to more intense workouts. Muscles gain flexibility and joints become more responsive to difficult work. Low-impact exercise is great for those that are just too tired for anything else. Having cancer is a definite reason to keep moving because when nothing else can be done, the above exercise suggestions allow you to get in the movement necessary. Think of it as a survival tool and exercise can even improve your quality of life and help you to meet new people; low-impact exercise just means that you won’t be hurting yourself in the process. So what are you waiting for? Consult your doctor about a workout regimen that best suits you and your needs and get on the road to a healthier recovery and feeling more like yourself.