Exercise during chemotherapy may be the last thing that would be on a patients mind. However, I must emphasize that one should not ignore physical fitness and exercise during this rigorous treatment. As many may be aware that chemotherapy is a treatment that helps a cancer patient lead a better life but another fact of the matter that many do not consider is that chemotherapy also causes many ill-effects on the body. To cope up with these side effects such as fatigue, exercise is very beneficial and hence its benefits should not be ignored. Regular exercise during chemotherapy not only tries to keep one physically active and fit but it also helps in the mental and emotional well being of the patients undergoing chemo treatment.

Other than being tough with the side effects, being complacent during chemotherapy and avoiding any sort of movement or exercise and instead taking a long term bed rest could only result in weak muscles, stiff joints, poor appetite, constipation, breathing difficulty etc. Be it FEC chemotherapy or fludarabine chemotherapy or chemotherapy treatment with any other agent, fatigue is a common side effect. Even if a person feels too weak after the treatment to perform exercises, he / she at least should undertake a small activity that involves some movement of the body. Let’s take a look at some of the forms of exercises that patients undergoing chemotherapy could perform and reap benefits out of.

Different Chemotherapy Exercises

There is no hard and fast rule as to what exercises to perform during chemotherapy. In fact, the same exercises that are recommended for those who do not suffer from cancer are recommended for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Basically the exercises remain the same however the challenge for chemotherapy patients is that their tolerance level of the body deteriorates with the chemotherapy treatment. This challenge can certainly be overcome with regular dosage of exercise during chemotherapy along with the drugs. It is obvious that the person may be incapable to perform any rigorous physical activity or any exercise that requires considerable energy and strength as chemotherapy takes a toll on the body, especially on the day of the treatment and for a few extra days after the chemotherapy cycle. However, simple and easy to do exercise could also make one feel better without causing much stress or tension to the body. Given below are the different forms of exercises that could be considered during chemotherapy. Please note that any of the mentioned exercises or any exercise recommended by any source should not be performed without the doctor’s approval.

Yoga

The strong dosage of chemotherapy drugs drains out all the energy out of the body causing fatigue. However, one could feel rejuvenated by following relaxation and breathing techniques and when we talk about such techniques yoga is the best for exercise to yield the desired results. Besides relaxing and energizing the body and mind, it also helps in recovering from the side effects of chemotherapy. Yoga asanas such as Pranayam helps in recovering from side effects of chemotherapy. Similarly, Surya Namaskar or the sun saluting posture helps calm the mind and also provides adequate exercise to all the parts of the body without causing much strain. It helps in building metabolism and in turn makes it easier for the chemotherapy patient to carry out the day-to-day activities with ease. Relief from pain, gaining strength and stamina, removal of toxins from the body, relaxed mind and energized body are only few of the benefits of yoga. Many of the doctors also recommend yoga as preferred form of exercise because of its benefits. But please consult with a yoga expert and the oncologist for further knowledge of it.

Strength Training

During chemotherapy treatment, bone loss and deterioration of muscle is often evident in the patients and to combat the possible occurrence of it, strengthening exercises are essential. Use of free weights is a good option to work out. Other than free weights, one could also use resistance machines occasionally. Working with light weights in the beginning and varying the sets and repetitions would not cause much of stress and without feeling too tired. Gentle stretches would also release any tension from the body. So along with light weights, one can perform some stretching exercises also.

Aerobics

Aerobics basically is a good option if you prefer rhythmic exercises and it also includes stretching and other strength training routines. Aerobics could help increase strength and stamina along with providing flexibility. Aerobics classes involve varied form of exercises depending on the intensity. Depending on your fitness level and the tolerance to exertion, you could opt for certain kind of exercises.

These are just some of the options for exercise during chemotherapy. Walking a couple of miles or cycling every day also provides adequate work out to the body. Some of the other tips in exercise during chemotherapy would involve taking stairs instead of using elevators, taking a stroll in the garden or walking around a museum. Also take care of the food taken during chemotherapy. An art connoisseur could take a walk around an art gallery, a person loves to dance could groove and dance to the tune of good music. Please note that exercise only during chemotherapy will not help in restoring your lost energy during the treatment. Exercise after stopping chemotherapy is as crucial as during the treatment. One always has the desire to get back to the normal self and if that’s the case then exercise is not something that should be ignored or avoided. Take care of your health!