As experts suggest prescribing exercise to people with cancer, here are four activities that may help Posted on November 12, 2019 (March 11, 2020) by Patrick A global panel concluded that keeping fit can have a positive impact during treatment and recovery. Every two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. Traditionally, a diagnosis would come with the advice to rest as much as possible, but now experts are now calling for exercise to be prescribed to patients, after reviewing evidence of its benefits. A global panel of cancer organisations found that working out was positive in terms of prevention, treatment, recovery and improved survival, and recommended that cancer patients incorporate exercise to help improve survival after a diagnosis of breast, colon and prostate cancer. According to cancer charity Macmillan, some of the benefits of keeping fit, both during and after treatment, include improving your mood, helping to fight depression and anxiety, reducing tiredness, and strengthening your muscles, joints and bones. When you have a long term health condition, being active is about finding your own ways to move more, like walking the dog, or dancing in the kitchen. We're proud to partner with @Sport_England for their exciting new campaign #WeAreUndefeatable, launching today. pic.twitter.com/80YX62CPQF— Macmillan Cancer Support (@macmillancancer) August 29, 2019 While there are currently no official guidelines regarding exercising after and during cancer treatment, there is increasing evidence and studies that suggest it’s largely safe and helpful. However, you should always check with your doctor before starting any type of exercise if you have cancer, as it may not always be safe for you in particular. For instance, if you have stomach or other digestive system cancers, or cancer that has spread to the bone, you’re advised not to lift heavy weights, and some treatments can make it unsafe to swim. That being said, here are a few exercise ideas that you might want to run past your doctor, if you’re keen to give exercise a try… 1. Gentle walking View this post on Instagram Autumn is the best eh. . . . . . #fwis #autumn #fall #autumnwalk #pumpkin #petitejoys #dayoff #mondaymotivation #afternoon #livethelittlethings #autumn? #cosy #thatsdarling #love #amazing #leaves? #scotland #photooftheday #photography #life #darlingescapes #flashesofdelight #adventure #nothingisordinary #basic #thehappynow #pictureoftheday #liveauthentic #pursuepretty #exploretocreate A post shared by Louise (@pennyxxlane) on Oct 15, 2019 at 11:03am PDT Macmillan say cancer patients should opt for low-to moderate-intensity exercise rather than trying to lift heavy, or sprint hard, in the gym. Going for a daily, gentle walk is a great way to boost your mood and achieve your daily recommended target of 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week. A walk in the autumn sun could also boost your vitamin D levels, which is important for increasing energy levels and fighting the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 2. Yoga View this post on Instagram Friday mornings at @rclc3121 – energising, grounding, opening and calming… join our 9am yoga class!! ?♀️ ??♂️ #iyengaryoga #communityyoga #richmond #rclc A post shared by Oh My Yoga (@ohmyyoga_au) on Oct 16, 2019 at 1:31am PDT It might not be intensely aerobic, but yoga is an incredibly therapeutic activity that can help calm the mind in the midst of a cancer battle. It can help you relax by encouraging deep breathing, while improving strength and flexibility, and boosting a sense of wellbeing. In general, it’s advised to find a qualified teacher who can make adjustments if you need them, but there are lots of follow-along yoga videos, specifically created for cancer patients, on YouTube too. 3. Gardening View this post on Instagram I’ve got a couple cucumbers that are growing fast ?? #cucumber #garden#gardens#gardening#gardensofinstagram A post shared by Lynn (@lynns_lovely_garden) on Oct 16, 2019 at 3:52am PDT Getting out into the garden is a great way to do some aerobic exercise that will work your heart and lungs. All that squatting, raking, mowing and forking gives your major muscle groups a workout, without you really realising you’re getting a sweat on. At the end of your efforts, you’ll also have a lovely patch of greenery to gaze out upon too. 4. Sit stand exercises Building muscular strength doesn’t necessarily mean picking up a heavy barbell in the gym or throwing sandbags over your shoulder. Simple ‘sit to stand’ exercises – where you spend 10 minutes a day doing just that on a chair – is a really easy muscle building exercise that has benefits for bones and joints too. It’s a light exercise you can do at home while building up your strength. Remember: The best advice is to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your fitness for any particular sport or activity. Everyone is different, and your GP can take into account your overall fitness, diagnosis, and other factors that could affect safety, before advising you on what types of exercise to do. Next article Related Posts:7 ways to help people who may be suffering with lonelinessHere’s why drinking enough water might be even more…Five symptoms of kidney cancer everyone should be aware of