Weightlifting for the Win during and after treatment By Cara Price PN1 Nutrition Coach, CrossFit L1 Trainer
When you are going through cancer treatment or recovery, there are many things you can do to help your body heal. Now, science confirms what doctors and patients have noted for years, exercise during and after cancer treatment is beneficial to a patient. Even if you were not active prior to your cancer diagnosis, beginning an exercise routine during or after treatment can greatly improve many areas of life, not the least of which are physical and mental health. And just as exercise, specifically with the use of weights, has proven longterm benefits for a general population, the same holds true for those who are in any phase of cancer treatment. The benefits of adding in weightlifting (also known as strength training) will last far beyond the time period of cancer treatment or the recovery phase. Strength training can make a huge difference in the quality of your life. Some of those benefits include:
It improves the quality of your everyday activities – When your muscle strength increases, other every day tasks become easier and less risky. When you are stronger, you can move in ways that are more efficient and prevent injury. Things like carrying groceries or getting boxes down off shelves become less taxing on your body when you have good muscle stability. Building and maintaining muscle during and after treatment also allows patients to maintain more independence in everyday life.
Strength training can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.
It may decrease nausea – Many factors play a part in the fact that most people struggle with eating enough food at some point during their cancer journey, not the least of which is nausea. Though weightlifting may not completely change problems with nausea, an observational study published by the National Library of Medicine showed that patients participating in a physical training routine that included strength training reported a decrease in nausea symptoms. It makes your bones stronger – Though it may seem that weightlifting will only increase muscle strength, it is important to know that it also improves bone strength. Everyone is susceptible to losing bone density as they get older, but this possibility increases for those who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis. When you lift weights, the muscles surrounding the bones contract and extend on the bones beneath them. This
The magazine for women affected by cancer
in turn causes the bone to make new cells, which can prevent and even reverse bone loss at any phase of life.
Strength training isn’t the same as bodybuilding. When considering weightlifting, think about a manageable, moveable weight for a series of reps that is sustainable.
If you are just starting out in a weightlifting journey, I would strongly advise finding a qualified trainer to teach you proper form, rep scheme and cues to know what is best for your body, and always be sure you talk to your oncologist or general doctor about your specific situation before beginning a new workout routine. No matter where you are on your journey during or after cancer treatment, an exercise plan will likely reap big benefits for you!
Ligibel, J., M.D., Bohlke, K., ScD, & Alfono, C., PhD (2022, July 5). Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment. American Society of Clinical Oncology. https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.22.00277 (2019, November 8). A single exercise session improves side-effects of chemotherapy in women with breast cancer: An observational study. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6842202/
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