CrossFit and cancer…

So sorry to read that you had a hospital visit after your chemo last week, but happy that you are recovering well!

I did a lot of sport all throughout chemo in 2021 (4xEC & 12 x Taxol). I was a member of F45 at the time and would go 3-4 times a week, as well as cycling to/from, lots of walking and some swimming. I tried to time my classes to go to quieter sessions to avoid germs and I was guided by my oncologist to be careful and to not do too much cardio (always best to check with your oncologist first). I had to adapt exercises as needed sometimes (like if I had some fatigue, or towards the end my toenails were very painful) and no one ever pushed me too hard during that time.

It wasn't always easy to motivate myself, but the benefits were instant and I always felt so much better and energised after working out - it still amazes me the difference I felt when I think back. The coaches and other members were very considerate too, and probably it did help that it was in the early post-covid era when people were more conscious of germs. I was perhaps lucky, but I never got ill, never spent a day in bed and it really helped me to feel like me.

Are there any smaller classes you could join, or is personal training or outdoor workouts an option or even are there any open windows in your gym that you could train next to reduce your risk of airborne infections?

I hope you manage to find a solution because exercise has huge benefits xx

This has really really made me feel better thank you!!

Im going to try and use the open gym facility tomorrow at CrossFit during the day when no one’s really there so that’ll hopefully put my mind at ease. That’s interesting what you said about not doing too much cardio, I’ll speak to my oncologist tomorrow about what I plan on doing and if it’s okay.

Im doing two dog walks a day at the moment and I am tired, but it’s just so good for my mental health. The worst thing is going from being super fit, healthy and muscly to watching yourself wither away and your body change so much so quickly.

Exercise really is so good in so many ways! 

Thank you!!

Yes, I fully hear you on the mental health side, exercise helps immensely! I think the caution about cardio was more about not pushing myself too intensely and listening to my body because even if I was very motivated, my body still had a lot going on inside. Since chemo can cause muscle loss, they encouraged more strength training to combat this. I remember feeling a bit scared in the beginning, like I really didn't know what to expect from myself (well, I guess that's the whole cancer journey right?!), but it was mostly like normal with an extra feel-good boost. I fully believe it's something that should be encouraged more during treatment.

That's great you have been able to keep walking your dogs twice daily, the fresh air can't be beaten! Good luck speaking with your oncologist and your whole cancer journey - and keep me posted on how you get on with your training!

xx