Getting active

4 minute read time.

As we once again wave goodbye to the world’s best athletes following the Anniversary Games this July, it seems this year is becoming another one to remember for UK sport. Murray finally triumphed at Wimbledon, the Lions smashed their way to victory in Australia, cyclist Chris Froome followed Wiggins’s footprints (or tracks) into Tour de France history, and England’s cricket team retained the Ashes.

And with the support of the UK’s public being stronger than ever, it seems the Olympic buzz is yet to wear off. A recent poll suggested that two thirds of us believed the £8.77 billion cost of the Olympics was worth it – but why haven’t we been more inspired to get involved ourselves? Just 11% said that they were more active as a result of the Games, despite the proven benefits of regular exercise.

As well as releasing chemicals that reduce stress, depression and anxiety (known as endorphins), physical activity helps us maintain a healthy weight, keep fit and reduce the risk of illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.

For those affected by cancer, the list of benefits continues, with research showing that exercise can improve the side effects of treatment and aid recovery. Even just a small increase in activity can help to:

  • reduce tiredness (fatigue)
  • manage low moods
  • look after your bones and heart
  • decrease the risk of getting a blood clot
  • regain your strength
  • improve your appetite
  • prevent or control constipation
  • maintain a healthy weight
  • improve your sleeping pattern


But where should you start?

When you’re undergoing treatment or recovering from cancer, finding a way to incorporate exercise into your weekly routine can be daunting. You may feel unsure about where to begin, exhausted, unmotivated or nervous if you haven’t been active in a while. But taking that first step can make a huge difference to your physical and mental well-being.

Everyone’s fitness levels are different, so it’s important to choose an activity you’re comfortable with and that fits in with your life. You could start with smaller tasks such as gardening (check out this leaflet) or a short walk, and slowly build up the intensity or length of time you exercise at a pace which suits you.

The Walking for Health scheme offers free, short walks in small groups all over the country for those looking to gently increase their activity levels. An increasing number of local councils also have an exercise referral system to help people with medical conditions that can be improved by physical activity. Your GP can tell you about what’s available in your area.  

To help you towards a more active lifestyle, we’ve put together a free exercise DVD specifically designed for people affected by cancer. Get active, feel good is a 60-minute programme of exercises offered at 2–3 levels of difficulty, depending on how you’re feeling. It comes with a leaflet that explains how to use the DVD and how else you can get active. You can pick up your free copy at your local Boots store or order it from be.Macmillan. One Community member has already tried it out and blogged about her experience – read her post here.

You might also want to order our Move more pack – a lovely green bundle of resources! We’re sure it’ll inspire you to start enjoying the benefits of physical activity. It includes an information leaflet about physical activity and cancer, an activity diary to document your progress and a getting started guide. You can order it for free.

Our physical activity page has more information on keeping active, as well as suggestions on how to get started and inspiring stories from other people affected by cancer. Or you may prefer to order our booklet Physical activity and cancer treatment.

We know that during treatment, many people don’t feel up to being very active. Doing what’s comfortable for you is important, even if it’s just avoiding being immobile for long periods.

We hope the information in this blog has reassured you that being active is safe and beneficial. Perhaps we’ve even spurred some of you on to order one of our resources and think about increasing your activity!

If you have any questions about physical activity or what’s safe for you, contact your doctor or nurse. You can also call Macmillan’s cancer support specialists on 0808 808 00 00 to talk things through.

(Watch videos about physical activity and cancer)

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Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo

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