Exercise Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Patients: From Diagnosis Through Recovery

Pre-Exercise Safety Checklist

• Obtain clearance from your oncologist
• Monitor your PSA levels and bone health status
• Have appropriate exercise clothing and supportive footwear
• Keep water bottle handy for hydration

Recommended Exercise Types

1. Aerobic Exercise

• Walking: 15-30 minutes, 3-5 times weekly
• Swimming: Low-impact full-body workout
• Stationary cycling: Especially good during radiation therapy

2. Strength Training

• Pelvic floor exercises: 3 sets of 10 repetitions
• Lower body: Wall squats, seated leg raises
• Upper body: Modified push-ups, resistance bands

3. Flexibility Work

• Gentle stretching of major muscle groups
• Hold stretches for 15-30 seconds
• Focus on hip and lower back mobility

Exercise Intensity Guidelines

During Treatment

• Maintain 40-60% of max heart rate
• Use "talk test" - should be able to hold conversation
• Rest between exercise sets

Post-Treatment

• Gradually increase to 60-75% max heart rate
• Progressive resistance training
• Monitor fatigue levels

Warning Signs to Stop Exercise

• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Bone pain or sharp joint pain
• Dizziness or chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Special Considerations

• Modify exercises if on hormone therapy
• Extra care needed if bone metastases present
• Avoid high-impact activities if osteoporosis present