Types of Exercise for MCL Fatigue
Some types of exercise may be easier — or more accessible — than others. In general, though, you may want to opt for light to moderate physical activity, depending on your goals, interests, and abilities.
1. Walking
Walking is one of the easiest ways to begin an exercise routine. “[You] can begin by simply walking in [your] hallway, walking through store aisles, or parking further away from an entrance,” says Katarzyna Ibanez, MD, a rehabilitation medicine specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Just 10 minutes a day can help you feel more energized.
And you don’t need prior experience with exercise to feel improvements. Research shows that walking reduces fatigue even for those who were not active before their diagnosis.
2. Yoga
Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that combines slow movements with focused breathing, which helps relax your body and mind.
Regular practice can build strength, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve your balance.
Yoga can also improve your emotional health by reducing stress and feelings of anxiety or depression.
When your mind feels calmer, sleep often improves, which can leave you with more energy the next day.
3. Light Strength Training
Strength training is any exercise that uses resistance to help your muscles stay strong — and it’s important because cancer and its treatments can lead to muscle loss over time.
When your muscles weaken, fatigue can get worse and make daily tasks harder than they need to be.
You don’t need a gym, special equipment, or a tough workout to see results. Light hand weights, resistance bands, or even your own body weight can do the job.
“Simple movements, like sitting down and standing up from a chair, are enough to help maintain strength,” says Michael Carrier, a physical therapist and the program manager of the health and wellness program at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
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