Chronic health conditions like cancer have no cure but can be managed through prescription therapy, preventive measures, and certain lifestyle changes. Most forms of cancer treatment tend to affect the body’s wellness, resulting in weakness, fatigue, and reduced body function. However, unbeknownst to many, several studies indicated the benefits of physical activity during or after cancer treatment to improve recovery prospects. Keep reading to learn more about exercises that can help manage cancer.

Stretching
Cancer treatment can take a toll on the body and affect the muscles. Stretching helps improve flexibility, helps recover from muscle soreness, and promotes better movement for joints. Simple flexibility and range of motion exercises prevent vital muscle groups from getting stiff and help delay the loss of flexibility that affects mobility. Stretching works the shoulder, triceps, biceps, pectoral, quadriceps, calf, hamstring, and lower back muscle groups.

Strength training
Doctors suggest incorporating strength training exercises during cancer treatment and recovery rehabilitation programs if the body permits them, physically and mentally. Strength training helps patients focus on the major muscle groups covering the chest, arms, abdomen, back, and legs. Some basic strength training exercises are pushups, pullups, and sit-ups. Health experts suggest using weights and resistance bands to strengthen the muscle groups. Strength training improves stamina and endurance necessary for boosting immunity and helps with recovery.

Balance training
Chemotherapy, one of the most commonly suggested and used treatments to tackle cancer, can trigger neuropathy of muscles that control balance. As a result, many cancer patients suffer from gait problems where their feet become numb, thus resulting in loss of balance while standing or walking. It is also common for patients to experience dizziness and fatigue during cancer treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Rehabilitation exercises are essential to restore good balance, prevent falls, and lower the risk of injuries. The intensity of the exercises will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Cardiovascular exercises
Besides other organs, the heart must work at optimal capacity to pump freshly oxygenated blood throughout the body. However, cancer treatment can take a toll on the body affecting these regular organ functions. Advanced stages of cancer can even result in cardiovascular problems that need special rehabilitation to manage and overcome the symptoms. It is one of the main reasons healthcare professionals advise picking up low to moderate-intensity exercises to boost cardiovascular function. Gentle walking, brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and even water aerobics are good heart-pumping exercises that one can perform without exerting too much. However, note that the intensity of the exercise will depend on the body’s ability to cope and recover from fatigue during ongoing cancer treatments.

Including physical activity and exercises among lifestyle habits allows the body to release feel-good hormones called endorphins. Endorphins can improve mood, boost cognitive function, improve self-confidence, and counter stress-induced fatigue. During and after cancer treatment, it becomes necessary for the patient to boost morale and keep up good spirits to allow the body to heal quickly. Exercising regularly can help improve the long-term outlook for several chronic health conditions.