Connect your body and mind
Many cancer patients may enjoy what are called mind-body exercises, like yoga, tai chi and qigong. These exercises combine mental focus with body movements and emphasize controlled breathing to improve flexibility, strength and balance. The mix of strength and endurance training has been found to be very effective. Plan out your exercises to increase your motivation.
Please, always coordinate your training program with your healthcare team before starting on your own!
Sample yoga poses:
Seated Meditation
- Sit cross-legged on the floor.
- Feel your sitting bones in contact with the floor.
- Lengthen your spine to sit up tall and gently lower your chin slightly so your neck is aligned with your spine.
- Breathe deeply and try to keep your mind from wandering.
Seated Spinal Twist
- Sit cross-legged on the floor.
- Inhale deeply.
- On the exhale, slowly twist your body to look over your right shoulder, placing your left hand on your right knee and your right hand behind your body.
- Continue to breathe deeply while holding the stretch.
