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Physical  Fitness For Mesothelioma

Traditional treatments can remove the cancerous tumors as well as the affected organs or a part of it. They extend the patients’ life expectancy and reduce the symptoms. However, the stress caused by these treatments leaves a deep impact on the patient’s mind. Thus, doctors suggest some exercise during the treatment to reduce fatigue, strengthen the muscles. Personal fitness and training also help people to adapt an improved attitude towards the treatment.
A few weeks of exercise prove to be of great help to mesothelioma patients. People who work out and have a nutritious, balanced diet are seen to handle the entire treatment better that those who don’t. It is recommended to work out for 30 minutes for 5 days a week. To start, 10 minutes for three times a day would also work to build up your endurance.
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How To Choose A Personal Trainer

There are many personal trainers who are specially trained to support people living with cancer. The most important part of this alternative treatment is to hire a personal trainer with the right background, certifications and experience. First, check if your personal trainer is certified by a company accredited by NCCA (Nation Commission for Agencies). There are top 4 certifying companies certifying personal trainers for people diagnosed with mesothelioma like NSCA, ACE, ACSM and NASM.

Before you hire, try to get a free session. It would help you to get the feel for the trainer. Ask if he had trained anyone with mesothelioma or any other cancer earlier. A bit of understanding, trust, and knowledge is very important when it comes to personal training.

Sometime mesothelioma patients don’t feel good enough to exercise. In such case, they must include mild activities regularly. As the body reacts to repetition, he persists to handle more activity.

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How Does Personal Fitness and Training Help People with Mesothelioma?

Taking bed rest is an outdated approach now. Bed rest weakens the body muscles, whereas; the body needs some amount of activity to aid the overall treatment procedure. People without cancer can reap so many benefits, then why not mesothelioma patients?

Personal fitness and training help people with mesothelioma in several ways like:

 

  1. Improves appetite.
  2. Increases energy levels.
  3. Enhances the overall physical movement.
  4. Reduces stress helps to improve the mood.
  5. Improves mental health and quality of life.
  6. Adds to body mass and strength.
  7. Decreases breathlessness.

Expected Cost of Hiring Personal Trainer

According to a survey conducted by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, it is seen that a single session may cost you around $15 to $100 per hour. The price varies depending on the region and the status of the trainer.  The price per hour tends to be higher in the metropolitan area.

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Side Effects & Final Thoughts

Mesothelioma patients often experience fatigue and breathlessness. It deters movement and causes self-doubt in ones’ physical capabilities. It increases the symptoms. Physical activity reduces them. The consequences of inactivity are worse than the getting injured while exercising. One can pick the right physical trainer, and begin with slow and gentle workouts. It is safer for mesothelioma patients to start with low-impact exercises like yoga, tai chi, brisk walking, and swimming. You can also do water aerobics, household chores, gardening, walking. The basic idea is not to be inactive. However, it is better not to do any high-intensity exercises or lift anything heavy. Do get a fitness assessment done from your doctor if you are still worried.

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Show Sources

Resources:

  1. http://www.acsm.org/
  2. https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/life_with_cancer/exercise.aspx
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543866/
  4. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/stayingactive/physical-activity-and-the-cancer-patient
  5. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/nutritionforpeoplewithcancer/nutrition-and-physical-activity-during-and-after-cancer-treatment-answers-to-common-questions
Last Modified: Apr 14, 2017 @ 12:05 am

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