Hi all, im 57 years old and I have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, low PSA score of 3.8 Gleason 7 (3+4) at stage 2c & my op has been arranged for about 8 weeks time.
I used to be a bit of a gym bunny but I now find myself a bit on the heavy side so I’d like to lose a bit of weight between now and then. I used to enjoy getting hot & sweaty on a spin bike so was thinking that I might like to do this again.
so my question is, will being on what is essentially a bicycle detrimentally affect my prostate, would this form of exercise “rough up” my prostate and cause an exacerbation of the issue or would the benefits outweigh the risks?. Currently I don’t have a single symptom.
thanks in advance
john
Hello JohnyBoy
That's a great question - I am aware that for surgery you should be an average BMI and not overweight however I am not sure about weight loss. I know bicycle riding and sexual intercourse (or sexual activity) can affect your PSA readings if you have indulged in the previous 2 days before a PSA test.
* I would think any type of exercise would be fine but would double check with your surgical team or ask one of our Macmillan Nurses - here's the link for this -
Please allow a couple of days for a reply due to the weekend and the bank holiday.
* I am aware you need to start Pelvic Floor Exercises between 6 and 4 weeks before surgery and a link to the guide for these is here-
https://shop.prostatecanceruk.org/our-publications/all-publications/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises
The "Squeezy App" is also recommended for these - again link here-
I hope this helps, If I can do anything else for you please let me know.
Best wishes - Brian.
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Hi JohnyBoy, I also enjoy the spin bike. Before my surgery I made clear to my team I was a regular at the gym but was not told of any exercise I shouldn't undertake. Does a double negative make a positive? After my op I was told the rowing machine is good for the pelvic floor, so that might be an alternative. About 6 weeks after the op I started a gentle spin again. A word of warning, if you suffer incontinence avoid the repetitive stand up sit down routines; it really gets the bladder pumping. A 30 second standing climb is fine. All the best.
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