LIFT

chemotherapy

There are two studies that have documented that an exercise program that includes resistance exercise (LIFT) and aerobic exercise (MOVE)  improve the capacity of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy to receive the originally prescribed dose of chemotherapy, which may have a survival benefit.  As a result, we recommend that you do both types of exercise during chemotherapy.  The number of sets and repetitions recommended during chemotherapy is less than during prehabilitation or post treatment programs, in acknowledgment that you are already dealing with a lot.

This is one of 2 pages at this website that describe the exercise program we recommend for you to do as you train during chemotherapy.   This page focuses on RESISTANCE EXERCISE. 

The general LIFT page has information to get you started with resistance exercise.  This page is specific to the program for the period of time during chemotherapy.

During Chemotherapy, the recommended dose of Resistance Exercise is as follows:

Frequency:  Twice Weekly

Intensity: you should feel that it is difficult to complete the last repetitions and sets in each session.  If it is not difficult, you should increase the resistance. 

Time: the program may take between 20-30 minutes per session

Type:  Resistance exercises

Sets:  2

Repetitions:  10

Start with light weights and keep increasing the resistance until you feel that the last few repetitions of the second set are difficult to complete. 

Here is a handout of the exercises we recommend

Here is a video to teach you to do these exercises

Here is a video to follow along in doing the exercises

The general LIFT page also has information about buying weights, finding a trainer, and other useful resources.