There is no denying the health benefits of exercise are far-reaching, but even with the best intentions, a strong workout regimen can easily fall off your radar for numerous reasons. It can be especially hard to stay active if you are battling Breast Cancer or recovering. As with everything, sometimes taking the first step is the most important part. Exercise can help reduce stress and fatigue, improve your mood, tone and build your muscles, improve your endurance, and more. The American Cancer Society recommends exercise after breast cancer surgery, no matter what type of surgery you had, as well as exercise after radiation therapy.
Where to Begin
Like most things these days, if you are battling Breast Cancer or recovering, your first point of contact if you have a question is usually your physician and seeking his or her advice about exercise is no different. Your physician is well aware of you your progress, your unique needs, and how your body might respond to exercise. Your physician will be able to steer you in the right direction when it comes to how strenuous of exercise you should do, and how often.
Start off Slow
It’s natural to want to start things on the fast track, especially when you hear about the benefits of exercise. However, to prevent muscle soreness, burnout, and possible injury, it’s best to start off slowly. Consider taking a beginner’s yoga class (even if you were advanced before your diagnosis), a slow-paced walk, or even swimming are all great choices when you first begin. Eventually, with your physician’s green light, you might be able to ramp up your regiment but it’s best for everyone, not just those who have Breast Cancer to start off slow.
Stick to a Routine
It’s no surprise that everyone has a time of day when they have more energy, try to determine what time works best for you and stick to a routine. Consider setting a goal of maybe 2 to 3 times per week and increasing as you get stronger.
Rest
There will be days you won’t feel well and exercise will be the last thing on your mind. Accept that you are going to have days like this and be kind to yourself by resting. It’s okay to miss days and even weeks altogether, your body will tell you when you need to rest. Listen.
Invite a Friend
Studies have shown that you are less likely to skip a workout if you know someone is counting on you. Consider asking a friend to join you for a walk around the neighborhood, or even a group class. Exercising with a friend or spouse is more fun and will make the time go by faster. A workout buddy can help keep you on track or push you to rest if they see you getting tired.
Stretch
To avoid injury, it’s important to get into the habit of properly stretching. Stretching warms up your muscles, keeps them flexible and strong, and aides with range of motion. Stretching also has other benefits such as increased blood flow, reduced stress, and performance.
A workout routine can make a big difference if you have Breast Cancer. You and your body have been through quite a lot and during this recovery period, it’s important for you to truly put yourself first. Take time to find the right exercise for you, at your own pace! Avoid recurring cancer and improve your quality of life. Pink Ribbons Memphis is a Mastectomy and Lymphedema Boutique, but also a friend. We will hold your hand every step of the way, before and after. Our goal is to assist each woman who comes through our doors to regain or maintain her self-esteem and good body image that was altered during and after her breast cancer treatment. We will strive to make every woman feel complete and balanced through properly fitted and beautiful garments. For information about our Post-Op care, please visit our Services Page or give us a call today at 901-417-6060.
