Exercise During Cancer

Do you work out during your cancer treatment? What do you do? How does it help you?

During my treatment, I continued to go to spin class multiple times per week. Many days, I could barely ride but I was so happy to be there. To listen to the music and to peddle at whatever speed felt ok to me. It just felt good to be in the room and to feel like myself.

A new study featured in The New York Times (June 2025) offers some of the strongest evidence yet that exercise isn’t just helpful during cancer treatment—it may be life-saving. I felt like it saved my life!

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into survivorship, integrating gentle movement into your routine could make all the difference. Here are some of our favorite videos and tools to help you on your fitness journey.

Some Free, Favorite At-Home Video Workouts

10 minute exercise routine that uses only body weight and simple movements. No equipment needed!

We love a dance party! And this video turns dance into exercise! It is a good gentle energy boost with chemo in mind.

Grounding, balancing, and cancer-friendly. This mat-based yoga practice is good for the days you want a little more movement.

Sometimes getting to a class or on the floor is too much. This video has some nice stretches you can do in bed or lying on the couch.

This 10 minute yoga class uses a chair for support during its guided movements and breathing sequences.

This yoga class is specifically designed for breast cancer patients and is a combination of sitting & standing poses.

Products That Support Your Fitness Journey

Yoga knee pads can help make yoga more comfortable when your joints feel achy from treatment.

Thick, non-toxic yoga mat is perfect if you are on a cancer journey and want to use yoga to stay active.

Cold therapy socks can help ease chemo-induced foot pain so you can stay active longer.

Build strength without bulky, heavy weights using these resistance bands for at-home workouts.

Non-profits Supporting Exercise & Movement

Master directory of over 2,000 exercise programs for people & caregivers on a Cancer journey.

Yoga classes developed for Cancer and its side effects – fatigue, lymphedema, neurophatay, etc.

LIVESTRONG Foundation has partnered with YMCA’s CancerFit program for online classes. Only $5.

Personalized fitness designed for after-cancer treatment. Focused on the Sacramento, CA area.