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Exercise for blood cancer patients

By Naheed Ali, MD, PhD, ScD on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | March 20, 2025

Table of contents:​​

A blood cancer diagnosis can feel staggering. From the point of diagnosis, your life may feel completely different. And it can be hard to motivate yourself to do things that used to be a part of your everyday life.  

Here’s the thing: doing those things (things like physical activity or daily chores) can have a positive impact. Although circumstances vary from person to person, medical experts often suggest that gentle, consistent movement can offer measurable advantages. Many people find that incorporating an appropriate exercise program helps them feel more grounded, fosters a sense of normalcy, and may enhance well-being in day-to-day life (Schwartz 2004). 

Why is being physically active important for blood cancer patients? 

Staying active can play a supportive role during treatment or recovery. Here are some key ways in which exercise for cancer patients may be advantageous. 

  • Helps preserve muscle mass and strength: Extended hospital stays or feeling unwell during treatment can sometimes lead to muscle weakness. Incorporating basic bodyweight exercises—like modified squats or push-ups against a wall—may help preserve muscle tone. 
  • Promotes heart and lung fitness: When you move and elevate your heart rate, your body calls on your lungs and cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. Over time, this might help improve endurance and make ordinary tasks—such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries—feel more doable. 
  • Elevates energy and stamina: Feeling tired is common for people with blood cancer. Paradoxically, moving your body can boost vitality over time. Activities such as slow-paced cycling, gentle yoga, or a stroll around the block can prompt your muscles and cardiovascular system to adapt, possibly improving overall stamina. 
  • Supports positive mood and mental wellness: Physical exercise and cancer discussions often focus on strength, but don’t overlook the emotional side. Exercise releases endorphins—naturally occurring chemicals in your body linked to positive feelings. Even a brief session of stretching or dancing can uplift your spirits and help clear your mind. 
  • Encourages better sleep: Restful sleep can be elusive when dealing with stress, discomfort, or treatment side effects. Gentle activity in the daytime signals to your body that it has exerted energy, which might promote better sleep patterns. Just remember not to exercise right before bedtime, as it can sometimes be too stimulating. 
  • Contributes to overall well-being: Feeling a sense of empowerment is crucial. Engaging in enjoyable, age-appropriate, and health-approved activities could contribute to improved morale and confidence, offering a brighter outlook on everyday life. 

Goals of an exercise program 

Exercise and cancer considerations differ at various phases of treatment and recovery. The goals you set for yourself might shift depending on your current health status and doctor’s guidance. 

  • Before treatment: When possible, continuing your current exercise routine to maintain your fitness base or working to build a reasonable fitness base before starting treatment may help you handle therapy with fewer complications. Light to moderate activities—like leisurely biking, easy stretching, or slow-paced swimming—could bolster overall wellness. The goal here is not to push yourself too hard but to establish a habit of consistent movement. 
  • During treatment: Can you exercise while going through chemo or other therapies? Many people can, but adjustments in intensity and type of movement may be necessary. Communicate with your doctor about your desire to exercise. Ask about your current blood count levels and adjust your exercise routine as needed. This may include avoiding gyms or public pools if your white blood cell counts are low to minimize risk of infection. Low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin may require you to lessen your overall exertion. Gentle exercises, such as restorative yoga or walking, can be beneficial. If you’re too fatigued, consider smaller bursts of activity—like ten-minute sessions—rather than one long workout. Be flexible and listen to your body, resting when needed. 
  • Recovering from treatment: As you emerge from treatment, you will gradually rebuild strength, endurance, and confidence. Keep goals realistic, celebrate every milestone, and remember that your body may feel different than before. Ease back into routines, incorporating a blend of light cardio, gentle stretching, and possibly supervised resistance training to help regain muscle tone. 

Tips to help you stick to your exercise program 

Staying motivated can be challenging, but there are strategies to keep yourself on track: 

  • Identify short-term and long-term objectives: Begin with achievable daily or weekly objectives, such as walking an extra block or doing a few additional stretches. Over time, you can work up to more ambitious goals like increasing your walking distance or adding light weight training. 
  • Keep things fun and enjoyable: Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore. Choose activities you genuinely enjoy, whether that’s dancing around your living room, joining a gentle group workout, or practicing mindful yoga. 
  • Mix up your routine: Variety prevents boredom. Experiment with tai chi, slow-paced dance routines, or an age-appropriate yoga class. Consider water-based exercises if you enjoy a low-impact environment. 
  • Track your progress: Documenting your activities, no matter how small, can be incredibly motivating. You’ll see progress unfold, which can spur you to continue. 
  • Celebrate your accomplishments: If you meet a weekly exercise goal, treat yourself to something you find uplifting—like a favorite healthy snack or time spent outdoors. 

Adding exercise to your daily routine 

If scheduling formal workouts feels too strenuous or intimidating, consider weaving simple activities into your everyday life: 

  • Take a relaxed stroll around your block after a healthy meal. 
  • Use your bike to run quick errands. 
  • Get active with your kids by playing freeze tag or jumping rope. 
  • Tackle garden tasks like weeding—it doubles as a workout! 
  • Grab a friend for a night of dancing or turn on some music and groove at home. 
  • Hop on a treadmill or do arm curls, squats, or lunges while catching up on TV. 
  • Park a bit farther from your destination and walk the extra distance. 
  • Choose the stairs instead of the elevator. 
  • Set phone alerts to remind you to stand up and move around periodically. 

When to avoid certain types of physical activity 

Although moderate activity can be beneficial, some circumstances call for extra caution. Always follow your healthcare team’s guidance if any of these conditions apply:
 

  • Cancer spread to bones (metastasis): Bone weakness or lesions mean high-impact activities might lead to fractures. Low-impact exercises and professional guidance are particularly important. 
  • Peripheral neuropathy: If you experience numbness or tingling in your feet, stability and balance can be an issue. Activities that minimize fall risk and focus on safe movement might be better options. 
  • After certain types of surgery: Recovery from surgery often calls for a specific rest period or a tailored exercise plan. Working with a physical therapist or asking for detailed post-surgery guidelines can help ensure you heal properly. 
  • Low blood cell count: If your blood cell count is low, intense physical activity may be dangerous. While light activities like moderate stretching or using resistance bands can help, straining during strength training and endurance activities should be avoided. 

 
LLS blood cancer impact 

Through research, patient support, and education, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) helps individuals and families facing leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. 

  • Funding research: LLS is the largest nonprofit funder of cutting-edge research for every type of blood cancer. We invest strategically in a broad range of research initiatives to drive scientific breakthroughs that improve and save the lives of patients. 
  • Providing support: LLS provides assistance when you need it most, from connection to financial assistance and finding clinical trials to discussing your diagnosis and treatment choices. 
  • Policy and advocacy: The goal of the policy agenda supported by LLS's Office of Public Policy (OPP) is to expedite the discovery of novel cancer treatments and remove the obstacles that patients frequently face in accessing care. 
  • Raising awareness: LLS spreads knowledge about blood cancers to empower patients and families. 

Your support for LLS fuels this life-saving work. Every dollar brings us closer to cures for leukemia and lymphoma. 

Conclusion 

Physical exercise and cancer treatments can coexist in carefully curated ways that prioritize safety and comfort. You may discover improvements in mood, resilience, and overall quality of life by tailoring activities to your personal abilities. There are numerous strategies to stay active—from enjoying brief, relaxed walks to engaging in gentle resistance exercises—all while respecting your body’s limits. Remember that every bit of movement counts and celebrating small victories can help you stay motivated on the path toward enhanced well-being. 

Above all, know that you don’t have to navigate these decisions alone—support, information, and resources are available to help you make informed choices about exercise for cancer patients. 

About the author: Dr. Ali is a medical journalist and copywriter. 


 
Sources 

Schwartz, Anna L. 2004. Cancer Fitness: Exercise Programs for Patients and Survivors. Simon and Schuster.