Exercises to Help Reduce Mantle Cell Lymphoma Fatigue

Types of Exercise for MCL Fatigue

Some types of exercise may be easier — or more accessible — than others. In general, though, you may want to opt for light to moderate physical activity, depending on your goals, interests, and abilities.

1. Walking

2. Yoga

3. Light Strength Training

How to Start an Exercise Routine

Here are a few things worth considering as you get ready to start a new workout routine.

Choosing Your Workout

When selecting an exercise plan, keep in mind that what works for someone else may not work for you, and that’s perfectly okay.

“No two patients are alike,” says Dr. Ibanez. “They all come with their unique background of prior health issues, comorbidities, past injuries, exercise behavior, cancer stage, and treatment experience.”

• Personal Preferences Choose activities you enjoy and can stick with over time, whether that means walking outdoors, joining an online class, or exercising with a family member.
• Cancer-Specific Factors Consider factors like your blood counts, heart health, and whether your cancer affects your bones or spleen. All of these may influence what activity is safe for you.
• Other Health Conditions If you have another condition — such as arthritis, diabetes, or neuropathy — you may need to adjust your exercise plan to stay comfortable and prevent unnecessary pain.
• Professional Guidance A physical therapist or certified cancer exercise specialist can help you build a plan tailored to your needs. Look for trainers with a Cancer Exercise Specialist certification.

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Getting Started

Getting started may be easier than you think. "It doesn't mean joining a gym or hitting 30 minutes of exercise every day," says Carrier. "A few minutes of movement each day is enough to begin, and you can build at your own pace from there.”

• Start small and build gradually. Begin with 5 to 10 minutes of movement each day, then add a few minutes as your stamina improves. If a longer session feels overwhelming, break it into two or three 10‑minute sessions throughout the day.

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• Prioritize consistency over intensity. Showing up regularly matters more than how hard your workout feels. Keep sessions short and matched to your fitness level.
• Use the “talk test” to guide your pace. You should be able to talk comfortably while exercising. If you become breathless as you talk, slow your pace until it feels manageable.

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• Track your movement. A pedometer or phone app can help you see how much you move each day and keep you motivated.

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Modifications

If you have certain health complications, you may need to adjust your exercise routine. Here are some modifications you can make to stay safe, based on which symptoms you may be experiencing.

• Neuropathy Nerve damage can affect your balance and increase your risk of falling. Choose activities like a stationary bike or water exercise and use resistance machines rather than free weights for strength training.

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• Bone Involvement When your cancer affects the bones, your risk of fractures is higher. Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping and opt for gentler options like swimming, using an elliptical machine, or doing light strength training.

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• Low Blood Cell Count When your red blood cell count is low, your heart has to work harder to move oxygen throughout your body. This can make you feel tired, weak, or short of breath. When your platelet count is low, you may also bruise or bleed more easily. Keep exercise light and avoid contact sports or heavy lifting. Hold off on activity if you feel dizzy or unwell, and check with your care team before you start again.

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When to Push, When to Stop

Sticking to an exercise routine is important, even on days when your energy is low. On those days, try decreasing the amount of time you exercise or scale back on the intensity. That said, “not all fatigue is okay to push through,” says Carrier. “If minimal physical activity tanks you for the rest of the day and prevents you from doing basic daily tasks, it is not the time to push through.”

• Feeling out of breath
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Extreme fatigue that does not improve within 60 minutes of finishing your workout
• Racing or irregular heartbeat
• Pain or pressure in your chest, arms, jaw, neck, shoulders, or back
• New or worsening joint or muscle pain

Once your care team has evaluated your symptoms and given you the okay, you can slowly ease back into exercise.