Moving Free®
with Mirabai
by Mirabai Holland, MFA
©2007
Mirabai Holland M.F.A. is one of the leading authorities in the Health & Fitness
industry, and public health
activist who
specializing in preventive and rehabilitative exercise for women.
Her Moving Free™ approach to exercise is
designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn’t feel like work.
Q I am recovering from
breast cancer. I finished my chemotherapy a few weeks ago and though I still
feel weak, I was wondering if I should start exercising again?
A. If your
doctor says you're up to it, you can get started. Easy aerobic exercise for
cancer patients, has been shown to increase hemoglobin levels, reduce
inflammation, lessen fatigue, keep muscles in shape for better every day
activities, increase self confidence, reduce depression and aid in recovery of
surgery.
Other
research has shown strength and flexibility exercises have helped patients
return to a normal activity level sooner.
Exercise
and social support seem to increase the life expectancy of breast cancer
survivors, preventing recurrence.
At the
beginning, gentle move a few minutes at a time, and build up at your own pace.
Try walking, light aerobics or swimming. As you get stronger, add a couple of
days a week of light resistance training. On days you feel more tired, try doing
a few stretches.
Personal
Note: In 2005, my mother Bernadine, after
a long arduous battle died of Ovarian Cancer. Since then, it has been my
privilege and joy to use my skill as a Health and Fitness Specialist to help
many women manage their cancer with the healing properties of movement and
exercise. It is from my own experience that exercising on a regular basis,
eating healthy food and reducing your stress can help prevent and/or manage
cancer and many other life threatening diseases.
Send your Moving Free®
with Mirabai questions to:
exercise@movingfree.com
