Your energy levels may fluctuate as you undergo cancer treatment, and it can feel difficult to stay active. Staying active during cancer treatment is often recommended, but the idea of “exercise” can feel overwhelming. The good news is that movement doesn’t have to be intense! Gentle, low-energy activities can help support your body, improve circulation, ease stiffness, and even boost your mood, all without draining the energy your body needs to heal.
We’ve gathered some simple, accessible ways to exercise during treatment that don’t consume all of your energy. Whether you’re having a low-energy day or feeling up to a bit more movement, there are options based on how you’re feeling. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has a page that shares the benefits and great tips to help you out, and also recommends ideas for ways to incorporate simple exercises into your daily routines. Here are some gentle, low-energy exercises for cancer patients that we recommend:
- Chair Yoga: Chair yoga is a great way to stay active using simple, seated movements that don’t require a lot of energy. It can help improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and help with relaxation. The Cancer Support Community has a guided gentle chair yoga session for cancer patients, that’s about 20 minutes. It walks you through simple movements at a comfortable pace, and is designed to be easy to follow and not drain your energy.
- Stretching: Stretching is a simple way to gently wake up your muscles and keep your body feeling more comfortable throughout the day. This page has a series of 3 minute videos with a variety of stretches and exercises for cancer patients, including cardio, upper and lower body, and yoga. These quick sessions make it easier to add movement into your routine in a way that feels manageable and flexible.
- Walking: Walking is one of the most simple and flexible ways to stay active, and you can do it by yourself or with a friend. You can go at your own pace, whether that’s a short walk around your home, in your neighborhood, or even at a local park. Setting small goals can also be helpful! For example, aiming to walk for 15 minutes a day, a few days a week. This can help give you a sense of routine and motivation, while still allowing you to adjust based on how you’re feeling.
- Aquatic Therapy: If you’re dealing with pain or limited mobility, aquatic therapy is a wonderful way to be active without putting stress on your body. You can search for aquatic therapy or water-based exercise classes in your area, or check with nearby community centers, pools, or physical therapy clinics.
- Bring Exercise Into Your Daily Activities: Staying active doesn’t always have to mean setting aside time for exercise, you can also build it into your everyday routines. For example, you might try doing light household tasks like gardening or cleaning, or choosing the stairs instead of the elevator when possible. You can also park a little farther away from your destination or take a few extra steps during your daily errands. These everyday movements can add up over time, helping you stay active in a way that fits into your life.
Staying active during cancer treatment can look different from day to day, and that’s okay! Even small moments of movement can support your body, ease discomfort, and help lift your mood. The most important thing is to listen to your body and choose what feels manageable for you.
If you’re looking for additional guidance or support, our team is here for you. Whether you have questions or need help finding the right approach, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you!
