We have a quick question regarding the use of an at-home rowing machine for weight bearing training for my dad. Last scan showed no detectable mets, PSA is undetectable and he's on his Zytiga+Lupron+Avodart, etc. regimen. Problem is at this point after 4.5 years of ADT, he's got serious muscle loss (has difficulty walking up steps, etc.). MO told him about weight bearing exercises and my dad's wants to buy a rowing machine and start using it for this purpose.
Would a rowing machine do the job in his case?
Thanks for your thoughts,
Arthur
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I think a rowing machine is great exercise and easy on the body. I use mine and love it. Not the same as hard core weight bearing exercise but it is great overall exercise.
Weight bearing is using just that, weights. In my very humble opinion your better off buying some dumbbells/barbells and use those to do bicep curls or over head presses. They don’t have to be super heavy any kind of weight is consider good. If you can afford a rowing machine, you might be better off investing in some of those weights and hire a personal trainer who is knowledgeable about our cancer and can help you and your dad develop a program. Again, just my humble opinion. What a great advocate for your dad!! My two girls are quite young, but I suspect they would be doing the same for me. I use weights myself... good luck! Peace.
Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are the best for your bones. Weight-bearing exercises force you to work against gravity. They include walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing. Resistance exercises – such as lifting weights – can also strengthen bones. Other exercises such as swimming and bicycling can help build and maintain strong muscles and have excellent cardiovascular benefits, but they are not the best way to exercise your bones."
I bought a fan bike 2 months back and I am very impressed with the increase in the size and strength of my biceps and leg muscles. Fighting that Lupron Fatigue!!
He still has to lift weights. Lifting weights prevents muscle loss and maintains bone density. The rowing machine is good for preventing fat accumulation.
Yup, we'll have him work the dumbbells as well. Quick question about that (speaking out of ignorance): Other than squats with the dumbbells are there any other exercises he can do to build leg muscles? Problem is he can't do much in the way of squats with weights on in his present condition.
Do you live near a YMCA? They have something called the LiveStrong program. Call the local Y and inquire. It’s a great first step for your dad. I did it and it started my fitness journey. Good luck.
Thanks, problem is my dad's tolerated the ADT really well, except for the muscle loss, so he's probably not gonna stop it (as long as it is working). But, if he continues to have the undetectable, we're thinking of asking his MO in the fall whether he could stop the ADT (or at least the Zytiga and the Lupron).
He's 78, will turn 79 later this year. I think he's been undetectable for about 24 months. Initial Gleason was 7 (3+4) determined via biopsy, he still has his prostate, so we're not sure if the biopsy didn't miss some aggressive cells.
He was in remission from his initial radiation therapy in 2001 till about 2011, and in 2014 they found a number of bone mets + lymph node involvement. So, he's been on ADT since December 2014.
Indeed, MO who is Dr. Drake suggested we stay on course, because "if it ain't broken don't fix it". Plus, we're doing the best with keeping internal inflammation low, cholesterol low, metformin, statins, aspirin, exercise, good diet, etc. All that's left is to hope for the best and live life.
Best wishes to you as well this holiday weekend.
Arthur
I have a rowing machine at home. I also have problems with stiffness and a bit of arthritis. In addition to improving 'core' strength I believe that it also lubricates the spine by putting it through the motions. You can also google "weight bearing exercise at home". Here's one hit that I got:
My healthcare plan includes gym membership and I go regularly. Make sure whatever your dad does he establishes a routine and sticks to it. He'll find after a while it will become a habit and that will make it easier.
Remember attitude is everything; a real advantage of working out in a gym is getting to know others there - your 'gym buds". They also help keep you going.
See if they have the Livestrong program there. It's a good way to get back into regular exercise. Gives a good introduction to the equipment and programs available at the Y. And the price is right.
Just a quick update on the rowing machine front: we got one last week, my dad's been hitting it hard everyday, rowing in the morning, then 40 minutes on the stationary bike in the afternoon, then a short simple workout with light dumbbells. I'm amazed at his self-discipline, even after all the side effects of four-years of ADT, he's still not giving up on trying to feel better. He says he already feels more energetic after a week of regular exercising with these machines. Thanks to everyone for their help, each day counts!
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