MY EXERCISE ROUTINE

By CommunityMember123

1 min read

Exercise Routine For Prostate Cancer

Since my treatment plan was completed about three years ago, I developed an exercise routine. I have no doubt about the importance of exercise. Every morning, I lift a 15-pound dumbbell in each hand 12 times. I then walk a mile on my treadmill then repeat lifting my dumbbells 12 times again. In the evening, I repeat the same exercise routine. While exercising, I watch YouTube videos on my Apple IPad which occupies my mind and time while exercising. I highly recommend that anyone going through prostate cancer treatment thereafter develop an exercise routine that you are comfortable with. As always, get your proposed exercise routine approved by your medical care providers.

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Sue Franke Moderator & Contributor
Good for you in developing and keeping an exercise plan. I agree, and I think almost every medical professional will agree as well, that exercise is important in so many ways, not just physical. As you said, though, it's important to get doctor's clearance before beginning any exercise routine to make sure it's safe for you.
Jim Early Moderator & Contributor
The hardest thing about an exercise routine is getting started and sustaining the effort. For me, a lifelong commitment to walking has been a blessing. If I hadn't had that habit in place I'm sure I would have gained a lot more than 5 lbs. during my first six months on ADT. Trying to maintain weight with little or no testosterone helps me understand how hard it may be for some women my age and younger to lose weight and maintain it! Even though I have continued to walk 5-7 miles daily, starting any additional exercise still is a challenge. One helpful hint, however, is to set a short term goal and enlist the help of a partner in the effort. Often promises to ourselves are good but making yourself accountable to a trusted friend may really reinforce success launching a fledgling habit!
Dan Franke Moderator & Contributor
Guess that's one thing my wife and I do well-is to keep moving. I go to the gym six days a week. Push, Pull, Legs and repeat with core and floor work. Best thing I've done to stay ahead of this disease and keep my attitude right. DanFranke, team member, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>prostatecancer.net</a>.
OldBuddies Member
I started a comprehensive wellness plan about a year ago. Includes walking, nutrition, swimming, Tia Chi, stretchy bands for resistance training, meditation, and lots of self-compassion. Keep moving.
has1947 Member
Yes, I found the value of exercise early on in my struggle. I now have stage III cancer . I have had surgery (2015), radiation (2016), eligard (2017), targeted radiation based on a PSMA scan (2022), immunotherapy (2023), and now eligard + xtandi. My cancer has not yet metastasized but I still have it. I began taking group strength classes at my local Y in 2017 at the age of 70. These classes not only halted the decline I was experiencing from the eligard , but I also began to get stronger. In 2022 I started taking the yoga classes also, as well as a HIIT cycle class. I liked the cycle class so much I actually became a certified instructor last year. The treatments in 2022 and 2023 have challenged my fitness and at times I’ve struggled with maintaining my exercise routine, but persistence has paid off. I’m still teaching my cycle class, in spite of the side effects of the xtandi, but I’m down on strength at the current time but working on recovering it now that I’ve been on the extandi for a few months. I absolutely feel the focus on physical conditioning is one way to maintain some control over my life and the ability to live the life I want to live. Having a loving and supportive wife and family and close friends from our church and the Y has also been very important in the struggle. 
1. JillBrodie Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="has1947" user-id="4267982"/> that is amazing, I am so glad you are able to do this and it is helping you live the life you want. Thanks for sharing. Jill, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>prostatecancer.net</a> team
Don H Member
At the point of diagnosis I knew whatever lay ahead would likely be the most challenging thing I'd ever undertaken physically and emotionally - no matter what treatment option became my path. I interviewed with a personal trainer system with the goal to be more ready physically and mental for a season of what would surely be attacking my strength. The lead trainer took me under his wing. He has coached other cancer patients so has a good grasp of what we face. Now, 18months on the far side of radiation, meds, etc., I continue two times a week with him and one session on my own. It has changed my world. My recovery, strength, reductions in fatigue effects, etc., is ahead of the curve with my peers in the program I am in. It has also done so much to help my emotions and the reinforce the sense of "I can do hard things and fight my way through." I am fortunate enough to be able to engage with a trainer - but at this point I would sacrifice much to be able to keep his guidance, encouragement, and help. I would recommend all to find a path, use local community resources, literally anything you can find to help you keep strong! Stay the course brothers. You got this. 
1. JillBrodie Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Don H" user-id="6719384"/> this is awesome! I am so glad to hear not only does your trainer help you physically but also mentally. It is great that you have this support. Great words of advice. Jill, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>prostatecancer.net</a> team