Staying Fit During Cancer

Living with cancers, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, can be a very difficult and hard process that many people need all help and support they can get, to really help them through this tough time in there lives. Being strong and positive is one of the best ways to survive and one of the best ways to stay strong and healthy during cancer, is to stay fit. The benefits of fitness and helping to treat and live with cancer have been noted by a wide variety of sources.

For example, The Cancer Treatment Centers of America has stated, "Exercise-even minimal physical exertion-increases heart rate and muscle flexion, while boosting your body's tolerance to conventional bone care treatments such as chemotherapy." They are speaking specifically of bone cancer but this benefit should be available to all patients that are suffering from cancer.

Another major benefit is that it increases your health and helps you live longer and stronger. Obesity has been linked to increased risk of cancer, cancer death and recurrence after treatment. Staying fit helps keep you thinner, stronger and healthier. This helps increase your generalized life span after you have beat cancer.

A healthier body is more likely to be able to eliminate a recurrence of your cancer. Dr. Kerry Courneya of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, states , "Several recent studies suggest that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of the cancer coming back, and a longer survival after a cancer diagnosis."

Improved mental health is another link to increased fitness and cancer. People who exercise during cancer are taking control of their lives and eliminating the demand cancer places on the mind. Exercise endorphins will also help increase their mood, boost their self confidence and help reduce fatigue. Fatigue can make a person feel weak so eliminating this as much as possible can help a cancer patient feel stronger and happier.

These benefits can begin as quickly as 8 to 12 weeks after you begin exercising. A study done by doctor Matthew Buman of Standford University found that patients that included vitality boosting exercises into their life during treatment and increased fitness, vitality, perceived stress and fatigue. They found that sustaining this activity preserved the improvements for the entire length of the year based study.

Here at Team Fitness, training with Cancer patients is nothing new to our trainers. It is our passion and drive for the health of others, that gives us the energy, dedication and commitment to help our clients improve their health and to change their lives for the better.

Whatever we do, our clients health is our number one priority. We also believe the full Team Fitness spectrum approach ensures the best and complete personal training package for everyone.

Feel better, Look better, live better

 Fitness during your treatments may seem difficult to start, due your pain and stress. Please talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Blog was written by our Team Fitness Fan and supporter, David Haas. Thank you for your support David.