Exercise During and After Treatment? Here’s Why You Need to Start Moving Now

Many people consider exercise to be an extra burden when they’re fighting fatigue, pain or depression. That’s understandable. Yet research at Henry Ford has shown that exercise can help fight tiredness and reduce some of the side effects of treatment.

Eleanor Walker, M.D., radiation oncologist and medical director for Henry Ford’s Center for Integrative Medicine, worked with cardiologists to create the Exercise and Cancer Integrative Therapy Education (ExCITE) Program.

The ExCITE Program with Preventive Cardiology provides individualized exercise programs for any cancer patient or survivor, and it has been shown to offer several benefits:

• Increased blood flow to the heart
• Improved fitness, strength, flexibility and endurance
• Better weight control and body composition
• Improved mood and energy
• Improved cognition and immune system functioning

Still, some people wonder if it’s better to rest while recovering. “I tell patients to rest and exercise,” Dr. Walker says. “Most people can immediately start exercising by walking around the house.”

Feel-Good Motivation

Do something physical that made you happy in the past, whether that’s dancing, biking, gardening or yoga.

“When you’re happy, you’re triggering endorphins, and you tend to do things more often,” says Dr. Walker, who enjoys salsa dancing. If you need a partner for dance or exercise, consider your caregiver.

Start with Snippets

Exercise 15 minutes a day, for six days each week.

You’ll tally up the recommended 90 minutes of weekly cardio exercise. “Just increase your heart rate and break a little sweat,” Dr. Walker says. “Be patient. You should notice improvements in two or three weeks.”

Don’t forget about deep breathing, listening to music and sitting in the sun. Before starting any exercise program, talk to your doctor.

Get ExCITE-ed

Exercise and Cancer Integrative Therapy Education (ExCITE) is a unique program in Michigan for cancer patients.

How ExCITE works: An exercise physiologist creates a customized plan, adjusted at different stages of treatment and survivorship. Program participants socialize and exercise together, providing encouragement and support. There is a low introductory fee.