Can You Exercise During Chemotherapy?

If you’re going through chemo right now, you might be exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering whether exercise could possibly help — or whether it’s even safe to try. The short answer is: yes, exercise is safe during chemotherapy for most people — and the evidence shows it can meaningfully improve how you feel throughout treatment. You just need the right guidance on how to do it. Here’s what I want you to know as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

Tamika Hassum, 29 Apr 26

Accredited Exercise Physiologist

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What you may have heard — and what's actually true

"Rest as much as possible — your body needs it."

The evidence says Complete rest actually worsens fatigue over time. Gentle movement — even short walks — is one of the most effective ways to manage chemo-related tiredness.^1,2

"Exercise will weaken your immune system when you're already vulnerable."

The evidence says Moderate exercise actually supports immune function. Research shows it mobilises natural killer cells that have anti-tumour activity. Intense, unsupervised exercise is the concern — not gentle, tailored movement.³

"Exercise is only for people who were already fit before cancer."

The evidence says Research including patients with compromised fitness and lung function found that personalised exercise programmes still produced significant improvements — it's always tailored to where you're starting from.⁴

In 2022, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) reviewed more than 100 clinical trials and released its first-ever exercise guidelines for people in active cancer treatment. The finding was clear: staying active reduces fatigue, anxiety, and depression while improving quality of life and physical function.

A few things to keep in mind

Exercise during chemo looks different from your normal routine. It's not about pushing hard — it's about keeping your body moving in a way that works with your treatment, not against it.

Always check with your oncology team if you have

Low blood counts (we adjust your programme around your treatment schedule)
Bone pain or known bone metastases
A fever above 38°C — stop and seek medical attention
An indwelling port or catheter (certain exercises need modification)

On the harder days — usually the first few days after an infusion — light activity like a short walk around the block is plenty. The week before your next cycle is often when people have more energy, and that's a great window to do a little more.

What working with an Exercise Physiologist looks like

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with oncology experience will design a programme around your specific treatment, blood counts, energy levels, and any side effects you're managing — whether that's nausea, neuropathy in your hands and feet, or muscle loss. We liaise with your oncology team so everything is coordinated.

You don't need to have exercised before. You don't need to feel ready. You just need somewhere to start — and we'll meet you exactly where you are.