Exercises to Avoid If You Have or Had Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a very serious illness, and exercise can sometimes make symptoms worse. However, gentle exercises are often recommended to breast cancer patients and thrivers as a way to cope with the side effects of treatment. Here are a few exercises to avoid if you have or had breast cancer.
1. Avoid Exercises that Put Too Much Pressure on Your Chest
If you have or had breast cancer, it’s important to avoid exercises that put too much pressure on your chest. This includes activities like chest presses, flys, and bench presses. These exercises can cause pain and discomfort, and they may also worsen lymphedema (swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid). Instead of these exercises, try doing some upper body exercises that don’t put pressure on your chest, such as shoulder presses and rows. ( our online studio at The Deep Center takes all of this into account, so you don’t have to)
2. Avoid Exercises that Routinely Cause Pain
Some people with breast cancer find that certain exercises routinely cause pain. If an exercise is causing you pain, it’s best to stop doing it. It’s possible that the pain is being caused by lymphedema or by the scar tissue from your surgery. Talk to your doctor about the best way to deal with the pain. They may recommend stretches or other exercises that can help.
3. Avoid Joint-Pounding Cardio Exercise
It’s important to get some aerobic exercise if you have or had breast cancer, but you should avoid any joint-pounding cardio exercise like running or jogging. These activities can be hard on your joints, and they may also cause pain in your chest. Instead, try some lower-impact activities like our Cardio, Strength, and Stretch classes. These classes were designed with you in mind. They will give you the cardio workout you need without putting too much strain on your body.
Exercise is an important part of coping with breast cancer, but there are some exercises that you should avoid if you have or had the disease. These exercises can cause pain or worsen symptoms. If you experience pain while exercising, stop immediately and talk to your doctor. They can recommend different exercises or stretches that may be more appropriate for you.