Prostate Cancer: Exercise

Decreased physical activity, which may be the result of the cancer itself or the treatment, can lead to tiredness and lack of energy. Regular, moderate exercise can decrease these feelings, help you stay active, and increase your energy. Even during cancer therapy, it is often possible to continue exercising.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

• Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
  
• A good exercise program starts slowly, allowing your body time to adjust.
  
• Keep a regular exercise schedule. Exercise at least three times a week.
  
• The right kind of exercise never makes you feel sore, stiff, or exhausted. If you experience soreness, stiffness, exhaustion, or feel out of breath as a result of your exercise, you are overdoing it.
  
• Most exercises are safe, as long as you exercise with caution and don't overdo it. The safest and most productive activities are:
  
  • Swimming
  • brisk walking
  • indoor stationary cycling
  • low-impact aerobics (taught by a certified instructor).

These activities carry little risk of injury and benefit your entire body.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Urological Institute.