Exercise plays a crucial role in supporting men with prostate cancer, both during and after treatment. Staying physically active can help manage side effects such as fatigue and incontinence, strengthen muscles, and improve overall well-being. Research suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition, may even reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, particularly for those with early-stage prostate cancer.
Choosing the Right Exercise Routine
Empower yourself by choosing the right exercise routine there is no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise for men with prostate cancer. While doctors often recommend staying active, many men are unsure where to start. Choosing activities, you like and plan to stick with committing to them long-term is essential. You have the power to create a well-rounded exercise plan that incorporates both aerobic and strength-training exercises.
Typical forms of exercise for men with prostate cancer include:
Strength training – Lifting weights or resistance exercises to maintain muscle mass.
Aerobic activities – Walking, running, swimming, or cycling to boost heart health and manage weight.
Low-impact options – Yoga, Pilates, or tai chi to improve flexibility and balance while reducing stress.
Getting Started: Consult Your Doctor First
Always consult with your oncologist before beginning an exercise routine. This step ensures that the activities you choose are safe and appropriate for your specific treatment stage. Even working with a physical therapist may be recommended by your doctor. They can develop a personalized exercise regimen suited just to your needs and goals.
After surgery – If you’ve had a prostatectomy, you may need to avoid specific exercises, such as cycling or intense pelvic floor exercises, until you’ve healed. A physical therapist can also help guide you on strengthening the pelvic floor to regain bladder control safely.
During radiation therapy – Most men can continue to exercise but should listen to their bodies and adjust the intensity as needed.
If undergoing hormone therapy – Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may result in muscle loss and weight gain, making resistance training particularly beneficial.
Pelvic Floor Exercises for Better Bladder Control
Pelvic floor training, also known as Kegel exercises, strengthens the muscles that control bladder and bowel function. These exercises can be beneficial for men recovering from prostate surgery.Knowing how to engage the pelvic floor muscles correctly is vital. A physical therapist can help with this. Biofeedback techniques, using a small monitor device, can ensure you’re contracting the correct muscles. Over time, consistently performing pelvic floor exercises can lead to improved urinary control and reduced leakage.
Managing the Side Effects of Hormone Therapy Through Exercise
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to counteract these effects. Strength training helps preserve muscle mass, while weight-bearing exercises like walking or stair climbing support bone health. Cardiovascular activities improve heart health and help manage weight, which is especially important since excess body fat is a known risk factor of prostate cancer recurrence.
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
It’s recommended by the American Cancer Society to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, which is about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. However, even small amounts of movement can make a difference, particularly on days when energy levels are low.
An effective exercise plan should include:
Cardio exercise – Walking, swimming, or cycling to maintain heart health and stamina.
Weight-bearing activities – Lifting weights or resistance band exercises to strengthen bones and muscles.
Flexibility and balance training – Yoga or tai chi are perfect for improving mobility and reducing the risk of falls.
On days when fatigue sets in, even light movement—such as a short walk or a few minutes on a stationary bike—can help improve energy levels. Practicing consistency is a must. It’s important to find ways to stay active regularly will contribute to better long-term health outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Never forget that your healthcare provider is your go-to person helping guide and support you. Always consult with them before starting a new routine, and remember that even small steps toward physical activity can lead to significant benefits.Dr. David Samadiis the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, and Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Treatment, Diagnosis, and Recovery, bothavailable online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
