Managing Fatigue and Speeding Up Recovery through Exercise by: Megan Tull

Breast cancer recovery is a delicate time, there are many physical and emotional complexities that may arise. As a women recovering from breast cancer you face many challenges; overcoming fatigue, getting your strength back and building your self confidence. Exercise is vital at this time, however, due to fatigue, limited range of motion and fear for moving sore areas, many will shy away from exercise.

One of the best things about exercise is that it can be relaxing and energizing at the same time. Women in recovery are often fighting stress and fatigue. Increasing energy levels and reducing stress are very important. A proper exercise routine can allow women to gain independence and allow for emotional empowerment.

It is not unreasonable that fatigue can continue for months, if not years, after treatment. Doctors have found that for some women particularly if they're symptomatic from Taxol (chemical name- palitaxel) they've received and if they have muscle aches and joint pain many of those tensions can contribute to the feeling of fatigue. Ironically, most women find the more you rest the more fatigued you get.

We know that physical activity after treatment can not only improve fatigue, but it definately has significant pyschological benefits. Women with breast cancer or who are recovering from breast cancer who engage in physical activity feel better, feel more resilient and are less depressed. There is a definate link between physical energy and psychological resilience.

Success Tips to Overcome Fatigue and Speed Up Recovery 

1. Create a Workout Program. It is very important to commit to a workout plan as soon as possible. Put on your schedule some form of physical activity 5 days a week for at least 20-30 minutes a day minimum. You can walk, run, bike, or take a fitness class at your local gym. Pilates is also one of the most effective ways to strengthen your muscles, increase mobility and increase stamina after surgery.

2. Focus on your Breathing. Deep breathing from your diaphragm is essential for women in recovery. It is enlivening, stress reducing and works the core muscles.

3. Get Moving. A great benefit to exercise is that moving muscles also moves lymph fluids. This helps keep lymph from building up and possibly causing lymphedema, one of the significant risk of breast cancer surgery. Here is a special gift from me to you; my "Clarity and Inspirational" Exercise Video. Watching this video is a great way to start your day!  Enjoy! Watch Video

4. Hire a Professional. For some, motivation is the issue. In this case, hiring a personal trainer or working with a fitness expert can be the perfect solution. Working with a professional one on one can ensure you are not only "safely" challenged, but also guided and motivated. It is also very important that you have the accountability aspect. If you are unable to hire a professional, due to the expense involved, get a friend or an "exercise buddy" to workout with to be your cheerleader and motivator. Having someone there physically with you supporting you and cheering you on could be a great motivator.

5. Journal Your Results.   It is important to keep track of your progress on a daily basis. Be sure to keep an exercise log or journal that documents day and length of time of exercise, what type of exercise and where/with whom you exercised. Be sure to reward yourself for your hard work!  

I wish you much success on your exercise program. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way. Megan's email

*Disclaimer: Always check with your medical doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Find out how you can have Megan create a Customized Pilates at Home Workout just for you; based on your posture, body type and physical needs. Click Here 

About the Author:

Megan Tull "The Transformation Coach"

Life and Wellness Coach/Pilates and Fitness Expert

 Megan is a wife, a mother, entrepreneur, public speaker and author. She owns two companies, Silverlining Concepts, LLC and Ultimate Bodies Pilates. She is a Life and Wellness Coach and Certified Peak Pilates Instructor/Fitness Expert. She customizes personalized packages to assist women in transforming their mind and bodies. Her specialty and her passion is to empower women with individual and group Life and Wellness Coaching to live authentic, joyful lives focusing on selfcare life balance and life purpose. Megan's website