Many women undergoing cancer treatment are choosing to participate in aerobics programs. Light to moderate exercise can aid cancer patients during the treatment and recovery process. Learn more here.
Many current studies appear to conclude that light to moderate exercise routines can aid women suffering from cancer. One fitness activity that is highly recommended to cancer patients is aerobic training. Before beginning an activity like this, there are important precautions things to know. If a cancer patient chooses to participate in aerobic training, certain health risks may become elevated.
Precautions Before Beginning Aerobics
Before a cancer patient participates in an aerobics program, it is important they discuss their decision with their doctor. While undergoing treatment for cancer, a patient may not be physically capable of participating in strenuous physical activities. If a patient with cancer is not physically able to exercise but does so against their doctor's orders or without a doctor’s approval, serious health complications can occur.
If a cancer patient is cleared by a doctor to participate in an aerobics program, they may need to be monitored more frequently. This usually includes checking blood pressure and the vital signs more frequently than usual. A doctor may place certain restrictions on what kind of fitness program a woman undergoing treatment for caner can take part in.
Safety Precautions
Treatment for cancer often leaves the body feeling weak and fatigued. For these reasons, if exercise causes too much physical exertion, the symptoms of the treatment may become worse. It is advised an aerobics training cancer patient only participates in light to moderate aerobics training. It is not recommended for a woman undergoing cancer treatment to exercise with heavy weights.
If at any point a patient doesn't feel quite right or experiences pain, they should stop. Training should feel safe, comfortable, and not cause excessive physical exertion.
Fitness Options
If a doctor and patient decide aerobics training may not be the right fitness option, there are many other fitness routines that can produce the same effects. Water aerobics is often easier for a person undergoing cancer treatment to participate in. Yoga and Thai Chi are very beneficial exercises for women with cancer. Swimming, brisk walking, and cycling are other great fitness options to participate in.
References:
“Exercise” Cancer Advocacy
“Exercise to Stay Active” Cancer.org