Guest post by David Haas

For decades women that have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer have been told to avoid lifting weights in order to reduce the chance of swelling in the lymph nodes, a common side effect of the illness. This piece of information began to spread throughout the health community until even sufferers of other cancers like lymphoma or mesothelioma were also avoiding strength training.

While cardiovascular exercise is certainly a great way to feel better throughout cancer treatment and afterwards in order to maintain a healthy weight, resistance training also plays a large role in creating a strong and healthy body for both men and women. Today research clearly shows that even breast cancer survivors should embrace lifting weight during recovery. Here are some of the ways that strength training can benefit those dealing with cancer:

Increased Mobility: Many men and women who reach the stage of recovery from cancer find that even the smallest tasks leave them exhausted. This is due in large part to the reduction of muscle from months of inactivity during treatment. Strength training is the obvious way to increase muscle mass over time. Although any kind of strength training will be effective it is recommended that patients start with very low weights and gradually build up over time. If strength training is a new activity then joining a weight lifting class or even hiring a personal trainer is ideal.

Increased Metabolism: With greater muscle mass comes increased metabolism. This is something that many men and women have issues with after periods of inactivity. A low metabolism can result in weight gain over time, lower sex drive, reduced appetites or even just general feelings of fatigue and malaise. In order to combat these symptoms it is recommended that cancer survivors use strength training as a way to increase muscle mass and therefore metabolism. In just a few months there should be a noticeable increase in appetite as well as overall body tone and weight.

Greater Self Esteem: Perhaps most important is the fact that lifting weights can increase self esteem and boost confidence in those who has struggled with cancer in the past. After many months of treatment, surgeries and recovery it can be hard to have a positive view of one’s body. By seeing what the human body can do in action by learning to lift progressively heavier weights and seeing muscle develop many patients begin to respect and admire their form rather than hate it.

Strength training does not need to be a challenging practice. It can be done a few times a week at home or in a gym and with weights, resistance machines, therapy bands or even with body weight in the privacy of your bedroom.

David Haas is an Awareness Program Advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Read more of his posts at The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog.