Exercise

Many people with cancer and caregivers find they feel better, have more energy and are less stressed when they take part in physical activity.

If you have cancer and have always been active, try to continue exercising – providing you feel up to it and your healthcare team says it’s okay. If you don’t usually exercise and want to start now, talk to your healthcare team about the activity you want to try first.

Many people living with cancer find that yoga or Tai Chi are gentle but effective forms of exercise that help relieve tension.

Yoga

Yoga combines exercise for the body with breathing exercises and focus for the mind. There are many different types of yoga. Some are slower and more meditative while others are more athletic and faster-paced. Most types of yoga can be modified for people at all levels, ages or stages of health, and it can be done anywhere. You can take classes at gyms, community centres or local yoga studios, or practise at home.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is the ancient Chinese art of “moving meditation”, like slow dancing or swimming in air. When you practise Tai Chi, you move slowly and rhythmically through a set of continuous movements. Tai Chi can bring a sense of physical control to the body and stillness and balance to the mind. Many gyms, community centres and Tai Chi centres offer classes. Once you know Tai Chi, you can also do it at home.

Last modified on: 10 December 2009