Sticking with an exercise routine is challenging! Common hurdles are getting bored with your routine, losing your motivation, or getting extra busy with family and life in general.
Exercise, especially for those living with breast cancer and undergoing treatment, is extremely beneficial to overall health. Many Oncologists will recommend breast cancer patients participate in regular low-impact and non-strenuous exercise during treatment and beyond. Although, exercise can be extremely difficult when feeling sick, fatigued, or experiencing pain related to treatment. Still, many cancer patients will express how vital exercise and movement was to their mental health and recovery from treatment.
Whether you are living with breast cancer or not, here are some helpful tips to get you back on track, or stay on track, with your exercise routine.
#1: Go at your own pace
Remember, this isn’t a competition! Start exercise routines gradually, and build upon them each day. Allow yourself to rest on days where you may be experiencing nausea, extreme fatigue or pain. Also, little things add up! Parking in the spot furthest from the door, or taking a flight or two of stairs counts as moving your body, and can add up throughout the day!
#2: Even small movements are a big achievement
Even on days where you just are not able to leave the couch or your bed, doing some leg lifts, or slow air punches can keep the blood and lymph flowing, and lift your spirits!
#3: Listen to your body
If you are feeling dizzy or lightheaded, maybe doing that yoga headstand isn’t the best idea. Or, maybe you’re a little nauseous and thinking twice about those burpees. It’s OK to modify or skip exercises that can aggravate symptoms! Remember that even on your best days, you are still going through cancer treatment.
#4: Don’t worry about what others may think
Whether you are carrying a few extra pounds, or you have lost your hair from chemotherapy, I will promise you one thing; you are inspiring others around you by showing up to exercise! People are not noticing your appearance, they are noticing your strength and courage
#5: Remember the benefits of exercise will bring
Here’s a short list of benefits from exercise:
- Boosts energy
- Reduces fatigue
- Prevents weight gain
- Manages stress and anxiety
- Improves bone health
- Improves heart health
- Improves sleep
- Prevents constipation
#6: Safety first
Always talk to your licensed health care provider, and especially a lymphedema specialist (if you have lymphedema) before beginning an exercise program. You may need a fitted compression sleeve to help minimize swelling in your arms.
For this month’s workout, I chose a low-impact cardio dance routine. I really do love to dance, especially to good music! It’s also a nice change of pace from exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. If you don’t love the music in this video, turn up your music of choice and enjoy!
