The Top 13 Most Harmful Workouts for Cancer Patients

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes some form of physical exercise, can be crucial for a patient’s overall well-being when undergoing cancer treatment. Not all activities are advisable; some can exacerbate discomfort or pose risks, especially during certain treatment phases. It is essential to discern which workouts are beneficial or potentially harmful.

Heavy Weight Lifting

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Weight lifting and strength training are often recommended for cancer patients to build muscle mass and maintain bone density during treatment. However, heavy weight lifting can put too much strain on the body and lead to injuries, especially for those with weakened immune systems.

High-Intensity Interval Training

women lifting dumbbells during HIIT training
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HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest periods. While this type of workout can improve cardiovascular health, it can also significantly strain the body, particularly for cancer patients.

Long-Distance Running

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Long-distance running can be highly taxing on the body and may lead to dehydration and fatigue. Cancer patients undergoing treatment often have weakened immune systems and should avoid overexertion to prevent further stress on the body.

Cross Fit

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CrossFit is a high-intensity workout that involves various exercises, including weightlifting, calisthenics, and cardio. While it can be an effective form of exercise for some individuals, cancer patients should avoid it as it may put too much strain on the body and increase the risk of injury.

Hot Yoga

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Hot yoga involves performing yoga poses in a heated room, which can reach temperatures up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of exercise can lead to dehydration and exhaustion, which can be dangerous for cancer patients who may already experience these symptoms.

Kickboxing

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Kickboxing is a high-impact workout that combines martial arts techniques with cardio exercises. While it can be a great form of exercise for some individuals, cancer patients may be at risk of injury due to its intensity and impact on the body.

Pilates Reformer

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Pilates reformer uses a machine with springs and straps to perform various exercises to improve flexibility and strength. While this workout can have numerous benefits, it may put too much strain on the body and increase the risk of injury for cancer patients.

Heavy Squats

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Squats are a popular exercise for building strength and muscle mass, but heavy squats can put significant pressure on the back and joints, which could be harmful to cancer patients with weakened immune systems or bone density.

Spinning

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Spinning classes involve high-intensity cycling workouts that can be strenuous for cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatment. The constant movement and strain on the body may exacerbate fatigue and cause discomfort or injury.

Zumba

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Zumba is a dance-based workout that involves high-energy movements to music. While it can be an enjoyable form of exercise, cancer patients should avoid it as the rapid movements and jumping could lead to injuries and put too much strain on the body.

Heavy Deadlifts

Deadlift
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Deadlifts are a weightlifting exercise that targets multiple muscle groups, including the back, legs, and core. While they can be beneficial for building strength, heavy deadlifts may put too much pressure on the body and lead to injuries or discomfort for cancer patients.

Swimming in Cold Water

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Swimming is often recommended for cancer patients as it is a low-impact form of exercise. However, swimming in cold water can be dangerous for those undergoing treatment due to their weakened immune systems and the potential risk of hypothermia. 

Burpees

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Burpees are a full-body exercise that involves jumping, squatting, and push-ups. While they can be an effective form of cardio and strength training for some individuals, cancer patients should avoid them as they require high levels of energy and may put too much strain on the body.

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This article was produced on Health Makes You.

Jude Uchella

Jude Uchella is a passionate research writer whose work has been published on many reputable platforms, including MSN, Wealth of Geeks, and more! He prioritizes research, writes comprehensively, and only shares factual and helpful content. He is a reader’s delight!

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