Is strength training helpful?

[arsenal0]

Hi Everyone,

I have just joined and also recently diagnosed with cll. I have learned that diet and exercise is very helpful with controlling cll. I just wondered if strength/weight training was also helpful?

Thanks

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi aresenal0,

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The general rule of thumb for all things in CLL is moderation. Regular exercise of any type that is consistent and mildly challenging is recommended. A balanced diet and good body mass/weight control, and good hygiene to avoid infections will likely extend your life and enjoyment of life.

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If you want to read some past discussions on exercise and weight training, there are some in the box on this page labeled:

Related Posts

Time to build strength healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

imbruvica and weight training healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Has anybody found that regular running helps with CLL? healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

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There are more past postings here: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

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Len

[arsenal0 in reply to lankisterguy]

Thanks Len for the reply, I will have a good read of the posts.

[LeoPa]

Check my profile, posts and comments to learn more about all this. It's complicated. If any questions pop up during the learning process just private message me.

[arsenal0 in reply to LeoPa]

Will do, thanks for the reply.

[bennevisplace]

I'm not convinced that physical conditioning slows the progression of CLL. But I am convinced it helps in weathering its later stages, treatment and recovery. To that end I believe in maintaining good nutrition and aerobic fitness. Keeping muscles and joints in working order is integral to any form of aerobic training, and I guess that's where strength training comes in. Plenty of repeats rather than risky, big lifts.

[arsenal0 in reply to bennevisplace]

Thanks bennevisplace,that makes sense,as I am in early stages I will continue with my aerobic and light weights that I have done for many years.I know my wbc has been slightly high for over two years, so I may well have had cll for at least that time maybe longer? It has kept it around 15,000 in all that time so hopefully it stays there for years to come 🤞

[Phil4-13]

Welcome, arsenal0, exercise is great! We must keep up healthy habits no matter what diagnoses our doctors give us. I'm not able to do what exercises I practiced before because I've gotten out of shape. So I'm starting back slowly with a positive attitude. I can gradually improve to get where I was or at least closer to that goal. Ask your questions, you will receive much info here from the many who have gone through experiences. Sandra🙂💪

[arsenal0 in reply to Phil4-13]

Hi SandraThanks for your reply.I shall certainly keep exercising as long as possible. I think as well it is great for mental health as well.Good luck for the future,

Regards

David

Ps, This website has been a godsend to me 👍

[SofiaDeo]

I would think anything that stabilizes, if not increases muscle mass, is an overall good thing for our health. I know I lost a lot of muscle mass when really sick, but due to my former life as an extremely athletic person, I still have more muscle mass than the "average" for my age, and my doctor is pleased. A good workout makes me feel great!

As others have noted, slow & steady is better. If you aren't used to doing resistance training, get some advice/guidance. Getting hemorrhoids on top of everything else would be uncomfortable. Certain types of lifts put a strain on that area, but going slow and doing things correctly minimizes the risk.

[arsenal0 in reply to SofiaDeo]

Hi SofiaDeo,

Thanks for the advice,I am used to training and have been active all my life.

I am 63 now ,so had already scaled down to moderate exercise even before my diagnosis.

So yes,I have a daily session be it aerobic or strength training,I won’t overdo things, maybe a forty minute walk or 20 minute run on the treadmill combined with 3 x supersets but not too heavy.

I don’t know the effect on my cll but I do know it improves my mental health!

Take care and keep safe.

Regards

David

[janvog]

The strength exercise for muscle maintenance, PLUS cardiovascular stimulation plus oxygenation through movement exercise. The big muscles are in the thigh: My favorite is stair-climbing. Muscle and its exercise seem to be important as complements to our targeted therapies. I sometimes lift hand weights randomly and on a whim to crank up the system and redraw the muscles and ligaments. I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated after exercise and often engage for a spurt when I feel especially sluggish.

[Hidden]

I started a “12 minute Core Strength” Yoga with Adriene” (Mischler) on YouTube a few months ago and have seen a huge decrease in lower back pain, and pain in general. This is what they send you to Physical Therapy for, to learn the exercises. It works extraordinarily well.

[John_EDN]

Dr. David Bartlett presented on the effect of nutritional guidance and exercise (strength and aerobic) in an interesting CLL Support Association webinar last week. His group has completed a pilot study on the subject reported in a pre-print available here:

medrxiv.org/content/10.1101...

There were some positive impacts noted, particularly on NK cells. Dr. Bartlett's group is at the University of Surrey and is recruiting for more a comprehensive study of this effect. They are looking for CLL patients on W&W or non-chemo treatment and their programmes are suitable both for people near the University and also for those who live further afield.

(There is a Duke University email address for Dr. Bartlett in the pre-print, and he provided a surrey.ac.uk email in his webinar for those interested in participating.)

The CLL Support Association will be posting a recording of the webinar shortly.

Dr. Bartlett was at pains to note that those patients who are contemplating a significant change of diet or exercise regime should consult their GP!

All the best, aresenal0 (you're probably either a Spurs supporter or an ironic Arsenal fan and I'm guessing the latter, which is definitely not good for one's health!)

[arsenal0 in reply to John_EDN]

Hi John,Thanks for the detailed reply and I am going to have a good read later tonight when I get home from work.

I am in Essex ,so not that far from Surrey and would love to get involved with something like this.

Yes, a gooner ! couldn't think of a better name for on here.

Our friends further afield on here are now probably scratching their heads about what we are talking about.

Good luck for the future.

Regards

Dave

[Sojomama13]

I have been told that I should hang up my running shoes due to arthritis. I do strength training, walking, biking, Pilates and yoga. I would highly recommend adding yoga to keep up with your flexibility and keeping your muscles stretched and limber. I initially thought that I would not like yoga at all. Surprisingly, my body feels it when I don’t do yoga.

I think being active has helped me immeasurably before and during treatment. I’m in active treatment. It has improved my well being both physically and mentally. I wish I had started earlier. I thought that maybe it would have been too hippie dippie for me. Completely not the case.

Sandy

[arsenal0 in reply to Sojomama13]

Hi Sandy,Thanks for your reply.Firstly,I read your profile,your diagnosis and having to take that all in especially with a young family.You are doing fantastically well and I hope your treatment keeps you fit and healthy.

I currently walk and a treadmill run occasionally,I also do light weights.I keep talking with my wife about starting yoga but need to motivate myself to start,I have heard so many good things about it,so watch this space!

Take care and good luck going forward.

Regards

David

[YelvertonDevon in reply to Sojomama13]

Certainly not hippie dippie 😊 rather it’s on the very sensible spectrum. Balance is also a very important plus especially as one gets older - yoga and Pilates certainly improve this. I certainly enjoy my classes.

[Sojomama13]

David, Yoga was a game changer. At first I truly felt I was as flexible as granite. Little by little, the flexibility comes. I find that I really do feel better afterward. At this point, I do not need the yoga blocks and I’m very amazed at the range of motion since starting.

Namaste

[John_EDN]

Hi again David, I completely agree with what Sandy and YelvertonDevon have said about yoga. It takes time to get used to it, especially if you're not particularly flexible, and it's important to take it fairly carefully at first. But the benefits are real and tangible and some sequences can utilise a surprising amount of muscle strength in the core and limbs - it's not just an extended stretch session!

There are plenty of online classes which have sprung up since last year's lockdown and you should give it a go, but if you're a beginner you need a beginner's class! Anything else will be demoralising and there's a risk of injury if you push too hard too soon on joints that aren't ready for it.

But find the right class and you won't look back!

Good luck,

John

[arsenal0 in reply to John_EDN]

Thanks John for the advice,I will certainly start with the yoga soon and will let you know how it goes, regards.