Exercise For Cancer Recovery

What a buzz these last few days have been. From a tv feature on Win News Channel 9 to our local The Courier newspaper turning up at our kids school assembly this morning to take a picture of my #richardbransonproject. So much to fill you in with. More on all that as soon as I get links and images. 

In the meantime if you would like to donate to my Brisbane Ride to Conquer Cancer CLICK HERE.

Fitness Food And Style - Dani stretching after exercising

In the meantime I would love to share an article a friend sent me throughout the week. I am so passionate about sharing everything that I know and what I discover along the way, so this exercise and cancer article is simply perfect!

Melanie is currently a Master's student with a passion that stems from her grandmother's cancer diagnosis. She often highlights the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness.  To read more from Melanie, visit her blog for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In her spare time, you can find Melanie trying new vegan recipes, on her yoga mat, or spending time with her family.

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Exercise For Cancer Recovery

Exercise is an important part of recovery when you have a cancer diagnosis. Regardless of the level of activity, regular exercise offers many benefits that promote an overall improved quality of life for cancer patients. Exercise also helps you feel stronger the more often you engage in it. It's not always easy to exercise while being treated for cancer, but here are 3 recommendations will help you find a starting point that is best for you.

Easy Stretching Techniques For Light Exercise

Stretching is important no matter what stage of cancer treatment you are going through. However, this level of activity is especially beneficial for those battling a prognosis of mesothelioma or any other cancers that may impair breathing. Light exercise will not increase your heart rate significantly, and you will feel like you are able to carry on an entire conversation without difficulty. Stretching will improve your flexibility,

Simple stretches are responsible for allowing the body to stay mobile. Hamstring stretches are especially important. These stretches will help you walk easier and relieve lower back pain. The hamstrings are responsible for a lot of the mobility in your body. Stretching is one of the best things you can do. Even if you are bed ridden, stretches can be performed without leaving your bed at all. Remember that if you are unable to take on higher levels of activity, it is important to try and remain as flexible as possible.

Moderate Yoga Exercise

When you are ready to advance to moderate exercises, yoga is the perfect choice. It centers your body, mind and spirit to create a positive feeling. Performing yoga is enough to create a light sweat and increased heart rate. It will allow you to carry on a conversation with some ease.

Yoga is beneficial because it reduces fatigue, increases strength and gives your body time to adjust to an intense routine. Yoga is able to help reduce pain and discomfort when it is practiced over the course of several weeks. Being consistent with yoga is the most important thing.

There are some cancer treatment centers now offer yoga classes to their patients as another form of therapy. Yoga classes may be more beneficial because an instructor can teach you how to hold each pose properly. There is also the support of other class members to help you through the workout routine.

Weight Training For Intense Exercise

Weight training is something you should do when you are fully prepared for the intensity. Patients who take on intense exercises are typically in the final stages of recovery. Strength is the most important part of an exercise routine, but you need to be able to handle the intensity. Proper form is important so that you can avoid injury.

Strength building will increase muscle tissues. It will also increase bone density that may have been lost during cancer treatment. Strength training improves cardiovascular health, energy levels and full-body strength. It will empower you to feel like a warrior after fighting the cancer. It's truly a worthwhile activity to participate in after your doctor has cleared you.

Lifting weights may not give you the same heart-pumping benefits as aerobics do, but you will notice faster improvements in your body. You will look leaner, healthier and stronger overall.

It's important to take it slowly when you are exercising while going through cancer treatment. Exercise can help you feel better, but you must follow your doctor's instructions. You want to start off at the bottom even if you were an elite athlete prior to your cancer diagnosis.

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Thank you so much Melanie for your time and sending me this. I am a firm believer that fitness plays a big role and if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease.

XxDani