The Importance of Strength Training for Cancer Patients

Cancer treatment can be a physically and emotionally challenging time for patients. In addition to fighting the disease, cancer patients often experience side effects such as fatigue, weakness, and loss of muscle mass. However, incorporating strength training exercises into their treatment plan can help cancer patients improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Strength training can help cancer patients by increasing muscle strength, improving bone density, reducing fatigue, and boosting self-esteem. It is also known to help manage side effects such as neuropathy, lymphedema, and depression. However, it is important that cancer patients consult with their healthcare providers before starting any exercise program.

8 Effective Strength Training Exercises for Cancer Patients

1. Bodyweight squats: This exercise helps strengthen the lower body and is ideal for cancer patients who are undergoing treatment that affects their balance or coordination. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, lower your body into a squat position, and then push back up to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.
2. Wall push-ups: This exercise helps strengthen the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Stand facing a wall, with your feet about two feet away from the wall. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height and perform push-ups, bending your elbows and lowering your body towards the wall. Repeat for 10-15 reps.
3. Seated leg press: This exercise helps strengthen the legs and is ideal for cancer patients who may have trouble standing. Sit on a leg press machine, with your feet on the platform. Push the platform away from your body, straightening your legs. Slowly return to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.
4. Floor bridges: This exercise helps strengthen the glutes and lower back. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips up towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top. Slowly lower back down to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.
5. Resistance band rows: This exercise helps strengthen the back, shoulders, and arms. Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor and wrap a resistance band around your feet. Hold the handles of the band with your palms facing each other, and pull the band towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Slowly release back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.
6. Dumbbell bicep curls: This exercise helps strengthen the biceps and forearms. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms by your sides. Bend your elbows, curling the weights towards your shoulders, then slowly release back down. Repeat for 10-15 reps.
7. Tricep dips: This exercise helps strengthen the triceps and is ideal for cancer patients who may have trouble with weight-bearing exercises. Sit on the edge of a chair with your hands on the seat beside your hips. Slide your hips off the chair and bend your elbows, lowering your body towards the floor. Push back up to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 reps.
8. Plank: This exercise helps strengthen the core and is ideal for cancer patients who want to improve their balance and stability. Get into a push-up position, but instead of bending your elbows, hold your body straight and rigid, with your forearms on the ground. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute.

Strength training exercises can play a vital role in the recovery process for cancer patients. However, it is important to remember that each individual’s needs and abilities may vary, and that it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program. By incorporating these 8 effective strength training exercises into their routine, cancer patients can improve their physical and mental wellbeing, while managing the side effects of treatment.