Fitness Case Study #83: Physical Activity Hastens Healing Have you ever known someone who was surprisingly diagnosed with a major medical condition ("surprisingly" because they seemed to be living a healthy lifestyle) and after surgeries and treatments, they simply seemed to waste away? Often, those who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for a medical condition (heart disease, cancer, etc.), have a tendency to cease physical activity because they feel like they can't find the energy or are concerned about experiencing pain. However, physicians will tell you that a safe form of physical activity is beneficial and aids in recovery. 59-year-old B.L. had been faithfully working out for nearly a year, had gained muscle mass and toned up his body, had regained energy and was looking much younger than his years when he was surprisingly diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus just before his 60th birthday. A partner in an engineering firm, B.L. was looking forward to retiring and doing some traveling with his wife (who, by the way, worked out with him)... his diagnosis was certainly not in his plans. After undergoing surgery and weeks of chemotherapy, B.L. was a shell of himself. Unable to keep any of his normal 5 day/week workout appointments for nearly 6 weeks during his surgery and treatment, he had lost much of the muscle mass that he had so diligently worked to gain, his energy level was depleted and he was more than 20 pounds underweight... having gone from a well-toned 218 lbs to a mere 196 lbs in just a month and a half. "We communicated regularly with his physicians," said Erica Williams, BS, ACSM-H/FI Founder of SIFT Personal Training Facility, "His doctors were pleased with the education and experience the trainers at our facility brought to their patient. Plus, we had a history of B.L.'s former workout regimen, so we were able to develop a safe and effective fitness regimen for him and not compromise his physicians' recovery plan." A common misconception for those of any age who are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or illness is that physical activity will prevent or prolong recovery... which is 180ø from the truth! Physical activity actually speeds up recovery and helps to maintain energy during treatments. B.L. continued the reduced workout regimen and gradually began working his way back up to his former fitness routine. After just 5 weeks, B.L. had begun to redevelop his muscle and regained 6 of the pounds he had lost! His doctors were astounded at how quickly he was healing and the rate at which his health was improving. After another few weeks, B.L. was thoroughly enjoying the retirement party thrown for him by his personal trainers. "I am truly blessed to have had such a wonderful support system," said B.L. through misty eyes and a big grin, "I never imagined that I would have such a challenge presented to me in my life... and I never imagined that I would have such wonderful people in my life to help me get through it so quickly. Thank you." If you or someone you know is faced with a medical condition, please be sure, with a physician's approval, that physical activity is not neglected. <<< Back to In The News