Taking part in regular physical activity can improve the way your body responds to different treatments. This includes reducing your chance of developing some complications and speeding up your recovery. Even small improvements in your fitness or activity levels will have a benefit, so do not worry if you are not an Olympic athlete.
The aim is to do an activity that makes you feel a little out of breath. Over time, try and push yourself to slowly do more. It is easier to regularly do an activity you enjoy rather than forcing yourself to do generic exercise. If you are struggling for ideas, there are some resources at the bottom of the page which might be helpful. It might also be worth asking family or friends for suggestions.
Depending on what treatment you are offered there might be specific exercises that we feel are beneficial. If this is the case we will provide you with any equipment and information you might need. Below is an example video of some breathing exercises we ask people to do before certain operations.
Exercise can also have benefits to your overall physical and mental wellbeing. It might be worth trying to find an exercise that has a social component if you have found yourself feeling lonely or isolated.
Some people might have to be cautious when starting to exercise. This might be due their treatments leaving them vulnerable to infections when exercising in groups, or that the cancer has spread to their bones making them weaker. If you have any concerns, you can always ask your doctor or if you are seeing one, physiotherapist.
Below is some information on the amount of recommended exercise to aim for each week. There are also some links to useful free resources that can help you start exercising. They include information for people of all starting abilities.
Resources
General
Exercising safely when you have cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
Wellbeing Walks (ramblers.org.uk)
Get active – Better Health – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Join the Movement | Sport England
Exercise and keep fit classes for seniors | Age UK
Gateshead
Chopwell Wood | Forestry England
Keep Fit / Exercise | OurGateshead
Classes, groups, and activities for over 50s in Gateshead (gatesheadopa.org.uk)
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Getting Active – Healthworks (healthworksnewcastle.org.uk)
Northumberland
Active Northumberland – Active Northumberland
Sunderland
Cumbria