Move In A Way That Feels Right For You
Movement Can Support More Than Your Body
Movement can play a positive role before, during and after cancer treatment, but it doesn’t have to mean pushing yourself or following a strict exercise plan.
What feels manageable will be different for everyone. Some days it might be a walk, some gentle stretching or a few minutes on your feet. The aim is to work with your body, build from where you are and focus on what helps you feel a little better.
If you’re undergoing treatment or recovering from it, it’s always worth checking with your healthcare team before making significant changes to your activity.
Energy & Fatigue
It can sound counterintuitive, but gentle activity can sometimes help with cancer-related fatigue and make everyday tasks feel more manageable. The key is finding a level that works for you, rather than trying to push through tiredness.
Strength & Mobility
Treatment and periods of inactivity can affect strength, balance and mobility. Regular movement, adapted to what you can comfortably manage, can help you maintain or gradually rebuild confidence in what your body can do.
Mood & Wellbeing
Movement can also give you time away from appointments, treatment and everything that comes with cancer. Whether it’s getting outdoors, moving with other people or simply having a few minutes to yourself, activity can support mood and provide a sense of routine.
Movement Doesn’t Have To Look A Certain Way
There is no single right way to stay active during or after cancer. What feels manageable can change from day to day, and that’s completely okay.
A short walk, some gentle stretching, everyday movement around the house or gradually returning to activities you enjoy can all count. Start with what feels comfortable, listen to your body and build up slowly when you feel ready.
The goal isn’t to reach a particular level of fitness. It’s to find movement that supports how you feel and fits around what your body needs right now.
A Simple Way To Find
What Works For You
Start Where You Are
There’s no need to compare yourself with what you could do before diagnosis or treatment. Think about how you feel today, what feels manageable and what your body is telling you.
Choose Something You Enjoy
Movement is easier to return to when it feels like something you want to do. That might be walking, stretching, gardening, swimming or simply moving a little more throughout your day.
Build Up Gradually
Start small and give yourself time. A few minutes of movement can be enough to begin with, and you can gradually increase the time or intensity when it feels comfortable to do so.
Keep It Flexible
Energy levels and symptoms can change from day to day, especially during treatment. Adapt what you do, rest when you need to and remember that doing less on a difficult day is still part of looking after yourself.
If you’re unsure what level of activity is right for you, speak to your healthcare team before starting something new.
Movement Can Be Part Of
Everyday Life
Being active does not have to mean going to the gym, following a workout plan or pushing yourself until you feel tired.
Movement can be anything that gets your body moving in a way that feels manageable. What that looks like may change throughout treatment and recovery, and even from one day to the next.
The Role of Movement Can Change As Your Treatment Does
Before Treatment
Prepare for what’s ahead
Being physically active before treatment can form part of prehabilitation, helping to prepare your body and support your overall fitness before treatment begins. Even when there is only a short amount of time, appropriate activity can still be worthwhile.
During Treatment
Maintain what you can
During treatment, the aim may shift towards maintaining strength, mobility and everyday function while working around side effects and changes in energy. What is appropriate will depend on your treatment and how you are feeling.
After Treatment
Rebuild with confidence
After treatment, movement can help you rebuild strength, fitness and confidence while easing back into everyday routines. The focus is on progressing gradually and finding what feels manageable as your body continues to recover.
