Many doctors recommend low impact and nonstrenuous exercise when going through breast cancer treatment. Read on for exercises you can do and tips on incorporating them into your routine from someone who’s been there.

I know what you’re thinking: “I have breast cancer. I’m trying to take care of my family and life in general. I’m trying to hold down a job through all of this. I’m sick. I’m in pain. I can barely get out of bed. And you want me to do WHAT? Exercise? Are you serious?” I’ve been there.

Luckily, there are different kinds of fun and moderate exercises you can do, such as:

Exercise and movement were vital for my sanity and recovery during my treatment. But don’t forget to communicate with your doctor to ensure you’re exercising at the appropriate exertion level for your condition.

Here are some exercise tips as you go through treatment.

Start gradually and build upon it each day.

On the days I was feeling extra spunky, I would park farther away at the hospital parking lot and enjoy a few extra steps on my way to and from treatment.

You’ll be surprised how even the smallest effort will help you both physically and emotionally.

Even during my worst days, when I was couch-bound, I still made an effort to do something. I would do a few leg lifts or slow air punches with my arms while lying on the couch. It helped me mentally more than anything.

If you’re unable to move around, do some very light movements to keep the blood flowing and lift your spirits.

Honor your body and what you’re going through.

A few months after my lumpectomy, I was at the playground with my stepson and decided to chase him across the monkey bars. This was a very normal activity before cancer.

At that moment, I completely forgot I was postsurgery and in the middle of treatment. As my entire body weight was hanging from the bars, I felt the scar tissue along my breast and side rip, and I was in excruciating pain. Oops.

With side effects like dizziness and vertigo, exercises that involve a lot of movement where your head is below your waist can be extremely dangerous. I also learned very quickly that burpees aren’t recommended when you have vertigo.

Even on your good days, don’t forget that you’re going through treatment.

One of the most important lessons I learned while exercising during treatment was not to worry about others.

I frequently worked out at the gym at my office for strength training and light jogging on the treadmill. I was bald from chemo. Wearing a wig or scarf during my workout was out of the question — they made me too hot. I’m sure I was a sight to behold.

I eventually got to the point where I didn’t care how I looked. I worked out sporting my bald head and lymphedema sleeve and sang along with the tunes on my iPod.

What I did not anticipate were the countless individuals who approached me to let me know how much I inspired them with my grit and strength to fight.

According to researchers, exercise triggers apoptosis, which is the death of cancer cells. It also helps improve your prognosis.

Exercise can also:

  • boost energy
  • reduce fatigue
  • prevent weight gain
  • manage stress and anxiety
  • improve bone health
  • improve heart health
  • improve sleep
  • prevent constipation

And don’t forget about the endorphins! Exercise produces endorphins in your body, and endorphins help make you feel happy. Feeling happy is much needed during cancer treatment.

Here are some things to keep in mind while exercising during treatment.

Always talk with your physicians, and especially a lymphedema specialist, before embarking on an exercise program. They may recommend for you to be fitted with a compression sleeve to help minimize the swelling in your arm.

The routine you used to do before cancer may not be appropriate during treatment. Your doctor can also help clear you on which exercises you can do on your own and which you may need help from a physical therapist.

When I was in a full-blown cancer funk, I would put on my favorite ’80s playlist and dance like I was a teenager again. Even if it was for one or two songs, dancing always lifted my spirits.

Here’s my playlist of upbeat, girl power, cancer-blasting music to work out to.

Honor yourself. Love yourself. You’re beautiful.

Holly Bertone, CNHP, PMP, is an author of six books, a blogger, healthy living advocate, and breast cancer and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis survivor. Not only is she the president and CEO of Pink Fortitude, LLC, but she also racks up an impressive resume with accolades as a public speaker and inspiration for women everywhere. Follow her on Twitter at @PinkFortitude.