Exercise to do whilst going through chemo

[BG2015]

I'm currently going through chemo but am conscious that because I'm not working I'm not moving as much as I should. I try to get out for a walk most days - weather dependent, but it's only 2-3 miles.

Pre cancer (& Covid) I was a regular gym goer and enjoyed spin, zumba and would do some weights too. My partner and I did lots of hill walking (11 plus miles) but I couldn't manage that at the moment.

I'm 52 and feel fat, bald and totally unfit. I'm trying to watch what I eat too but steroids are a nightmare.

I have 7 weeks to go of chemo so would like to start doing something slowly and build up to more once I've finished.

Is Adrienne on YouTube any good?

Sorry to hear you are going through that. Would you consider swimming? It can be very gentle but a good all round body workout.

I second swimming. My aunt continued swimming during her treatment.

I hope you're on the mend soon.

Yoga with Adriene is fab, if you've never done yoga before there are lots of beginner sessions but she has a massive back catalogue for all possible situations. I'd highly recommend it.

Swimming is also excellent but requires you to go to a public place which probably isn't a good idea when you are immunocompromised in a pandemic.

Do you have a picc line or similar as that may affect what you can do . But if you feel like it a run? Not too hard or far. Walking is good. If you can go to the gym when it’s quiet and use the machines - cross trainer?

I was banned from weights because of my picc line but I was encouraged to move as it helps your blood count recover faster.
Hope it goes well for you.

Honestly the 2-3 mile daily walks will be doing you a lot of good! Well done for keeping that up. I think chemo treatment is one of those times in life where you have to listen to your body and do as much as you can cope with and let the rest go. A bit like pregnancy.

Some ideas - yoga/pilates videos.
- swimming or water walking if it’s safe for you
- basic ballet warm up videos. (Similar feel to yoga)
- stationary bike at home, real gentle bike rides outside if you’re balance is fine.

I don't know if this is any good or might be something you can do in the spring? There will be lots of people but it's outdoors. 5k jogging and walking groups at parkrun.

The group is specifically for people with and recovering from cancer. Not just a standard 5k group.

I’m a huge fan of Leslie Sansone Walk at Home. Free on YouTube pretty cheap for the streaming app.

Definitely yoga. It makes you feel very connected with your body, very friendly towards it. You feel energised, supple, strong and the best thing is: you adapt naturally so that the fitter you get the more strenuous it is, but on days when you feel really ill it can be very gentle indeed and you still feel the benefits.

I agree yoga with Adriene online is fantastic.

@BG2015 I'm sorry your going through this. I'm also bald and going through the same for lymphoma. I do daily yoga with Down Dog - you can choose the different disciplines to suit and vary the times and focus for your sessions. Currently I can manage 1/2 hr daily (max) but I've had to dial down the routines (back to beginner rather than intermediate. I also walk daily (1-2 miles). I was fit and was running regularly in addition to yoga and hiking and SUP. It's really frustrating that I find a walk exhausting! Your team will advise what is feasible - mine have said to do what you can. It also depends on your regime and how well you tolerate it. My cycle means I'm out of it for first 10 days then slowly pick up. I'm resigned to move as much as I can when I can and deferring training until chemo is over and hopefully we can start again. Wishing you the best of luck

Thanks for all your replies. I don't have a PICC line as I had to have it removed as it was sat in a very narrow vein and causing me a great deal of discomfort. Infact the chemo is really affecting my veins.

I have thought of swimming but as someone said I'm not sure it's a good idea with covid.

I'm going to keep up with the walks and try some yoga I think.

There's quite a bit of research about the benefits of exercising throughout chemo to aid recovery and stall reaccurance.
Off to look up Adrienne on YouTube

See if you have a local cancer support centre - they would typically have activity classes (such as 'get active', walking groups, yoga classes, dance qigong and more) though some might not be running normally now. The advantage of these is that they will have leaders who have thevcorrect qualifications and experience and, if in person, you get to meet people who are going through, or have been through, similar

Also Macmillan have a Move More programme, which might be in conjunction (at least in part) with your local council

I would suggest walking and yoga 🧘‍♀️
Also wanted to wish you the very best of luck with your treatment.
Take care

Parkrun has a support group called '5k your way - move against cancer'

5kyourway.org

As you can walk for 3 miles, you might want to see if there's one near you, or find out if your GP is a parkrun practice