If you needed another reason to pull on your sneakers, then a new study that may explain just why exercise reduces your cancer risk might just do it!

A new paper published this year by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that lactate could actually be the key driver in the development and spread of cancer.  Fellow science nerds see below for more explanation on this!* 
 
The researchers believe that people who exercise regularly are better at processing lactate in the body (they’ve had more practice having to do this during exercise). Plus, if you’re a couch potato the combination of sedentary lifestyle and sugary diet may increase lactate in the body and lead to cancer development. The team believes their research could lead to new treatment options that include exercise and dietary recommendations.  Read more on this here.
 
Yip, one more nail in the “I’ve got to move my butt” exercise coffin.

You can now add this to the very long pro-exercise list (already on that list is reduced recurrence and chance of heart disease, plus improvements in survival, energy, weight loss, self-esteem, mood, bone and muscle mass..etc etc etc).2
 
Okay you get the message!
 
So why is exercise still easier said than done? 
 
In addition to the fact starting a new habit takes time, it’s that annoying f-word – fatigue!
 
Fatigue is frustrating as hell.  Unfortunately, it’s a very real effect of cancer treatment. And even when you hear of study after study telling you to get moving, it isn’t always easy to do so!
 
It seems illogical, but moving when you really don’t feel like it, has been proven to be one of the best ways to beat fatigue.3
 
So how to start?  The number one rule is to start slowly.  Build up gradually. 
 
If you currently don’t do anything, then pick something easy or fun. 
 
Go for a walk around the block. Visit your local pool. Try a dance class. Ride a bike. Jump on a trampoline. Chase a child around the garden. Do some yoga. Ask a friend to join you. You don’t need lycra – though for some that feels great!

There's no perfect exercise, find what suits you.  
 
On the flip side it can be easy to get over-enthusiastic, push yourself too hard and then be bedridden for the next week. Sometimes you won’t know until afterwards that you went too far. It’s a learning curve, its trial and error, it’s exploring to find your limits, and practicing learning to listen to your body. 
 
If this happens to you, take note for next time and then do less, but whatever you do, don’t stop! Don’t be afraid of moving your body - your body loves to move, its born to move. It breaks down slowly if you sit on your couch too much!
 
Enjoy being in that beautiful body of yours that’s alive and kicking!
 
Take it gently, take it slowly, but start taking it!
 
And remember to congratulate yourself for doing some positive for your health and your body.

If you like the sound of all this “doing something good for yourself”, then make sure you register for the next Life 2.0 course starting August!  Its filled with useful information in a positive environment to help you identify what small changes you could start making to take back some control over your health and life.
 
Nicky from the last course told me recently she got a pat on the back from her surgeon for how well she has recovered from her treatment.  She credited it all to her improved exercise and diet that was inspired by Life 2.0!  (really I know it was all her taking some positive action, but its still nice to hear!  - Thanks Nicky!)

Until next time, keep sweaty!!
Jan

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