Weight lifting

jrow7

Any weight lifters out there? I don't CF. just free weights and run. Wondering how you got back to your lifting? Did you work with a trainer or increase in small increments (starting at a low weight)? How much time did you give yourself to step up

cliff

if you didnt have surgery and have a risk for lymph edema, it should be safe, check with your doctor first, of course

Hopeful82014

Hi, jrow - I started back slowly, with lower weights and resistance bands. I was seeing a PT/LE specialist at the time and she gave me excellent guidance. I pretty much just listen to my body as far as increasing weight or reps. I also went very slowly until after radiation, mostly relying on resistance bands until that was behind me.

I did continue lifting (and kettlebell workouts) during my neoadjuvant treatment without any issues.

It looks as though you're pretty early on in treatment. If you haven't seen a LE specialist for guidance, this would be a good time to do so.

Claire_in_Seattle

I went back to free weights as soon as my drains were out. I did ask my surgeon, and she said fine. I needed to do 5s until my strength came back about 2 weeks into chemo. Then I went back to my 10s as the 5s felt like feathers. Have been lifting ever since.

I need the upper body strength to be able to cycle and ski. I did about 11 miles of Nordic skiing today. My legs are talking to me, but arms are just fine.

Good luck, and congrats on staying fit. - Claire

jrow7

Surgery is scheduled for 3/1, partial mx left breast and mammoplasty right breast.

Glad to hear you ladies were able to return to an exercise regimen. I plan on doing what I can, when I can. I'll have to check on a LE expert. I'll be working with my Trainer as well.

Claire - WTG on the 11 miles!! That's awesome!

Hopeful - resistance bands, forgot all about those! That might be a good route to take.

Thanks again ladies

Egads007

I started with a trainer at 2 years out and now at year 3 I'm totally addicted! Between going Paleo and the weights I've managed to shed 46 lbs and gain 17 in muscle mass over the last year. This after not losing an ounce in year one....gotta love tamoxifen for that. Obviously started with just my bodyweight and slowly worked up to where I'm now deadlifting 150 lbs....not huge weight but it was a goal of mine i'm proud of. My frustration is with knowing there is a definite limit so as to not risk lymp probs. At the end of the day I couldn't recommend lifting more for not just strengthening and slimming, but for the absolute high of accomplishment as a woman in delving into the "guys area" of the gym and succeeding.

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