Exercise reduces fatigue in people fighting breast cancer

by Kritsti Rambo

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women (and 1 in 833 men) will battle breast cancer in their lifetime. At Riverside, we know and love people who have fought breast cancer and the odds are that you do to. With this in mind, we want to share that recent studies show that exercise can reduce symptoms of fatigue and other side effects in breast cancer patients and survivors (National Center for Biotechnology Information).
 
Cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy take a toll physically and mentally, but working out can counteract some of that exhaustion. One study states that exercise can “improve quality of life, cardio-respiratory fitness, physical functioning and fatigue in breast cancer patients and survivors” (NCBI).
 
Karen Mustian of the University of Rochester Medical Center advises that, “rather than looking for extra cups of coffee, a nap, or a pharmaceutical solution, consider a 15-minute walk” (NBC News). If you’re in treatment for or recovery from breast cancer, talk to your doctor and consider finding a way to add some activity to your day.
 
Research supports trying out “aerobic exercise, resistance training, a combination of both, and mindfulness forms of exercise such as yoga and Tai Chi Chuan” (NCBI), but find what works for you. Again, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting an exercise routine. If you’re a cancer survivor or currently undergoing treatment, this is especially important because there are special considerations you’ll want to discuss.
 
Riverside Health Club exists because of our firm belief that physical fitness can improve overall quality of life. We know exercise can help you battle cancer and also reduce your risk of developing it (NCBI, Susan G. Komen). We’re here to support you on your health and fitness journey, whatever that looks like.
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The American Cancer Society has a great list of “Ways regular exercise may help you during cancer treatment,” if you’d like to read more.

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To honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we invite you to join us on October 22 to take a group fitness class at either of our locations! Entry to the club will be free on that day, and we will be donating $5 for anyone wearing PINK that day to the Cancer Care Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. 

*Must be 13+ | 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult | Must show I.D.