Exercise and Prostate Cancer
We all know how important it can be to stay active through a prostate cancer journey.
What do you do for exercise? How has your exercise changed through your prostate cancer journey?
I’ve always been active. As a younger person I used to run. About ten years ago we bought a nice upright exercise bike because my wife was having knee surgery. I found that I enjoyed it much more than her. At my peak I was doing an 80 minute hill program at a pretty high resistance level and burning about 1000 calories every other day. Just before I was diagnosed last April, I was still doing 64 minutes at a slightly lower level. Then I got my diagnosis, went through all my appointments, scans, TURP, radiation and LUPRON injections. I basically did nothing for 6 months. The effects of Lupron are pretty severe. But I have managed to work my way back up 32 minutes so far every other day which is just enough to release some endorphins. My goal is to get back up to 48 minutes. I also do a dumbbell workout. There’s no doubt this routine is helping me cope a bit with the effects of Lupron but I really have to monitor my exercise on a daily basis. It’s very easy to overdo it and then be ruined for a day. I don’t recover like I once did. I’m 62 now.
wow, that is a lot of exercise and calories that you were burning off. I am so glad to hear that you are back up to 32 mins every other day. I need to exercise to feel good, so I understand how important endorphins are. I am glad you have this outlet to help you cope with the side effects of Lupron. Jill, prostatecancer.net team
My two favorite things are biking and hiking with my dog. When I was diagnosed with PC and had SpaceOar put in I was told no biking for three months. That expired a week ago and I went out in 90 degree weather and didn't care it felt so good to be back on my bike. Took the dog for a hike this morning, but it was already a bit too warm. The good thing is it tired us both out. She's still napping but I'm up and about.
I started weight training in January of this year. Made some quick gains but since being on ADT I've stayed the same, which I suppose is a small win.
If it rains, I will exercise indoors but much prefer to be outside since outdoors is good for the spirit in addition to the body.I've been on Xtandi and Lupron for about 3 years for Stage 4 prostate. Most side effects are hot flashes, fatigue, and weight gain. The weight gain is quite serious. When asked about these side effects to the urologist, he told me to try to exercise. I live in FL and I go in my yard to cut tree branches and vines a few days per week. The heat is 100+ degrees in the summer. I do this for 1 hr. to 1.5 hr. and I am soaked from head to toe from sweat. After I go in a pool, dry off and rest. The weight gain is more concerning to me because of the extra weight on my limbs and the bone depletion caused by the meds.
When I was on Lupron I had to watch what I ate - I followed the Mediterranean diet, eliminated sweets, and all but eliminated adult beverages. Just saying it all helped me. Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
About a week after my last radiation treatment, I started Krav Maga classes three times a week. At the 7 month mark, 6 days x 30 minutes on a stationary bike. At about a year, I swapped in 3 kettlebell sessions for bike sessions. I've lost 90 pounds since my highest weight after hormone and before the side effects of radiation. Three Krav Maga belts later, I'm about 17 pounds from my goal weight. I'm working on reducing body fat and increasing muscle, in part to replace what I lost. I'm also working on my blood sugar and reducing my diabetes medication needs.
I need to work on my hydration. It's next on the list of things to improve.
