Exercise classes during chemo

Hi Sparkle,

I continued exercise classes during chemo and it helped me so much. I was advised to do more strength based classes rather than intense cardio (I was a member of F45 at the time) and I tried to attend classes where there were fewer people to avoid germs and I never picked up any illnesses. The coaches understood my situation and so didn't push me too hard and when I had issues like recovering from surgery or really painful toenails towards the end of chemo, they helped to adapt exercises as necessary. The impact it had on me was incredible, I would sometimes start a class feeling a bit fatigued, but I would leave energised and so much happier in myself. I was a bit scared what to expect at first, but I think as long as you listen to your body, exercise is a really great accompaniment to chemo. I also did a lot of walking and cycling and had a port for all my chemo.

I remember reading something at the time about the cycle of muscle loss and fatigue during chemo - the chemo makes you tired, which means you move less, which leads to muscle loss, which makes you weaker and more tired, which means you move less....so by continuing to use your muscles you help to reverse the cycle and keep your body stronger. 

I hope this helps and wishing you the best of luck with your journey xx

Hi I love to swim but have been advised not to during chemotherapy due to the risk of infection.   Public pools are just not clean enough. 

I did however manage a couple of swims after my mastectomy and before the chemo started and it really helped my arm.

If you are enjoying your exercise and you can still do it, go for it.  It is good mentality as well as physically. 

Wishing you well for a full and speedy recovery. 

Daughter's oncologist, who is the most senior one at a London Hospital, was very much up for any exercise you feel like doing - he actively encouraged it.

However, he wasn't keen on swimming in public pools. As others have said, they're just not clean enough. 

I swam and also regularly attended Aqua classes (I have a port). I continued (or at least tried to continue) running, but found it too hard. I used weights in the gym.