Different types of exercise, in different intensities and durations, can be helpful when you’re facing a cancer diagnosis. The Oncology Exercise program at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute will help you develop a more active lifestyle and be healthier during and after cancer treatment.
Exercising With Cancer
In most cases, exercise is safe and beneficial during and after cancer treatment. Being moderately physically active may:
- Help your mind work better
- Improve your psychological outlook
- Lower your risk of cancer returning
- Minimize your risk for late complications
- Reduce the side effects associated with cancer treatment, including fatigue
The Oncology Exercise program at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute is here to help you get moving. Our goal is to use exercise to enable you to function better, increase your strength and improve your quality of life. We also focus on decreasing any treatment-related side effects.
Survivorship Exercise Gym Program
Our Survivorship Exercise Gym Program is a 10-week program. It follows recommended guidelines for exercise from the American Cancer Society, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Heart Association and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The program promotes regular physical activity that includes cardiorespiratory, strength, flexibility and neuromotor exercise training. The exercises go beyond daily activities to improve and maintain your physical fitness and health.
Oncology-certified exercise physiologists tailor exercise recommendations to you. They consider the stage of your cancer, the treatments you’ve received and any ongoing side effects or side effects you might experience in the future. They also consider your current fitness level and your overall health.
To be eligible for the program, you must complete treatment intended to eliminate your cancer. You also need to receive medical clearance. At the end of the program, you should find it easier to incorporate exercise into your daily life and be able to successfully transition to a community exercise program.
Complimentary Oncology Exercise Classes
We offer complimentary group exercise classes to help you maintain or improve your range of motion, strength and ability to function before, during or after cancer treatment. Please see our complimentary group exercise class schedule.
What to Know Before and During Treatment
Once you’re ready to begin an exercise program, talk to your physician about what’s safe for you. When developing an exercise regimen, it’s important to know what treatments you will receive and their potential side effects. When in doubt, reach out to your cancer care team. All of us at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute are here to support you.
Here are some general recommendations:
- Avoid inactivity. Everyone’s reaction to treatment is different. There are some days when you feel better than others. Base your exercise intensity on how you feel. If you can, take small walks and perform light stretches. Don’t overexert yourself but try to be active whenever possible.
- Be active during the time of day that you have the most energy. Balance periods of activity and rest.
- Don’t exercise if you’re anemic.
- If you’re currently receiving radiation therapy, avoid using pools. The chlorine can irritate your skin.
- If you have a low white blood cell count or are on immunosuppressive therapy, avoid exercising in public gyms. Do not exercise if you have an active infection.
- If you have a port or PICC line, avoid swimming. Swimming may raise your risk for developing an infection. It’s also best to avoid strength-training exercises involving the muscles around the port. Exercise may dislodge it. Your physical therapist or exercise physiologist can offer advice.
- If you haven’t exercised in a while or are experiencing fatigue, it’s best to start with small goals. Gradually increase how long and how often you do the activity
After treatment
When exercising after treatment, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Start by asking your cancer care team about the treatments you received and how they might impact your exercise program.
- Then, set a few goals. For example: Would you like to improve your strength or balance? Or maybe you want to start swimming again.
- Pick an activity that you enjoy and set realistic expectations. For example, if you enjoy walking outdoors, set a goal to walk three days a week for 20 minutes a day.
- Remember that it all adds up. If you’re pressed for time or want to gradually build your endurance, break up exercise sessions throughout the day. For example, take three 10-minute walks instead of one 30-minute walk.
- Take advantage of the programs and classes offered through Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. We’re here to guide you. Our physiologists are happy to work with your physician team to develop an exercise plan that’s right for you.
