Excercise & Activity

Why Movement Matters

Exercise & Activity

Being active during and after cancer treatment can make a real difference to how you feel both physically and mentally

When you’re living with or recovering from cancer, it’s normal for your energy, strength, and motivation to fluctuate. But even small amounts of regular movement can have a big impact. Staying active helps your body cope better with treatment, speeds up recovery, and supports your mental health. It’s not about pushing yourself to the limit – it’s about moderation. It’s about taking back control, feeling more like yourself, and building resilience for the future.

Why Moving Matters – Moving Medicine

Exercise can help you:

  • Improve strength, fitness, and energy levels.
  • Reduce treatment related side effects like fatigue and joint pain.
  • Support mental wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and boost mood.
  • Regain independence and confidence in your body.
  • Build healthy habits that last into the future.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What’s right for you will depend on your diagnosis, treatment, and how you’re feeling day to day. But that’s why physiotherapists are here – to help you safely increase your activity levels in a way that works for you.

Staying Safe While Being Active

Getting moving is a great step – but doing it safely is just as important. Always consult with your physiotherapist or primary healthcare providers before starting any exercise programme.

Here are some general tips to help you stay safe while exercising or increasing your activity:

Listen to your body

Some days you’ll feel more up for exercise and activity than others and that’s okay. Progress is not linear. Pay attention to how you’re feeling before, during, and after activity and rest when you need to. Rest days allow your body to recover and prevent overtraining.

Start slow and build up gradually

Begin with light activity, especially if you’ve been inactive for a while. Short walks, gentle stretching, or seated exercises are great places to start. You can always do more as your energy and confidence grow, and your physiotherapist can help you to adapt, progress or change your activity based on how you’re feeling.

Consistency is the aim

We’re aiming for regular activity most days of the week. The goal is to reach 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, combined with movement to strengthen twice a week. It does not have to be all in one go. Little and often is the key.

A well-rounded approach to activity

A well-rounded approach to activity combines strength, cardio, flexibility, and rest to support both your body and mind. Balancing different types of movement helps improve fitness, reduce injury risk, and maintain long-term progress.

  • Aerobic Exercise: Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming help improve cardiovascular health and stamina.
  • Strength Training: Use light weights or resistance bands to rebuild muscle strength. Focus on all major muscle groups, and start with low resistance, gradually increasing from there.
  • Flexibility and Balance: Completing stretching, yoga, or tai chi can improve flexibility and balance which in turn can help to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

Stay hydrated and fuel your body

Drink water before, during, and after being active. Make sure you’re eating enough to support your activity, especially if you’re in or recovering from treatment.

Watch out for warning signs

Stop and rest if you feel dizzy, short of breath (more than expected), have chest pain, blurred vision, or feel faint. If any of these happen, let your healthcare providers know.

Wear the right clothing and footwear

Supportive trainers and comfortable clothing can help prevent injury and make movement feel easier and more enjoyable.

Avoid high risk activities if your immunity or bone health is affected

If your treatment affects your immune system, platelets, or bone strength, some activities may need adjusting. Always check with your physiotherapist or primary healthcare providers before starting something new.

Make it Fun

Movement doesn’t have to mean the gym. Dance in your room, go for a walk with a friend, try an online yoga video – anything that gets you moving and lifts your mood counts towards your activity.

Thomas Reading
Clinical Lead Physiotherapist
Staying updated on other areas of exercise & activity

Useful Links

Living with cancer | CCLG – The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association

Useful links | CCLG – The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association

Why Moving Matters – Moving Medicine