Prior to my cancer diagnosis at 48, I had always exercised.
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I had 4 children in 5 years in my early thirties, so life was busy but I found a way. For years a like-minded friend and I would meet at the pool with our gaggle of seven, and take turns doing laps a few times a week.
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But after I lost my breast to cancer I felt understandably fragile. I gave my body time to heal. Eighteen months later my 20 years marriage ended and once again I felt fragile and in need of emotional healing.
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I spent a total of 8 months overseas in a remote village on the Thia/Myanmar border healing my broken heart and finding my inner strength. However a year after I had returned to Australia I had still not resumed any consistent exercise.
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Then I was given an opportunity to work with a personal trainer for a few months. Twice a week for 45 minutes and I began to build up my strength again. However this came to an end and I was determined to carry on, on my own!
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The environment was perfect. I was house-sitting a for a whole year, so I set myself up for success. I had all the gear and I put it in the lounge room so I continually had a visual reminder. It didn’t work. I can count on my fingers (no toes necessary!) how many times I worked out that year. This surprised me because I am a self-motivated person. I needed accountability.
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At the beginning of 2018 I joined a small gym that has classes with an instructor. This has been amazing for accountability and increased strength – I love it!
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Exercise is like the icing on the nutritional cake and sleep is the cherry on top! We need all 3 for optimal health especially when regaining our health after cancer.
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Exercise benefits EVERY aspect of our health helping to reduce:
• estrogen
• insulin
• inflammation
• growth hormones
• fat to muscle ratio and
• ALL chronic diseases
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Plus the bonus positive psychological benefits!
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Studies show that of all lifestyle factors, physical activity has the most robust effect on breast cancer outcomes.
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Do you feel like a failure because you just can’t get a consistent exercise routine in place? I am reminded that some of the most successful people have coaches in many areas of their lives. They have a coach for business, finances, diet, exercise, etc so they remain accountable.
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So what makes us think we can do it on our own? You may not have the financial resources to afford a physical trainer but it’s worth trying to find an exercise buddy.
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If you would like to learn more about how to achieve optimal health after your cancer diagnosis download my FREE e-book ‘3 Simple Shifts to Optimise Your Health After Cancer’.
