Lifting weights helping with rebuilding muscle and increasing energy level

scottied
scottied Member Posts: 36 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
A little over a year after treatment and everything is going really well. Saliva, taste and weight are pretty much back to normal except for my energy level. Although i could go to work all day and come home, if i layed on the couch come 7 or 8pm and i was out like a light! Before treatment I generally stayed up until 11 or 12pm. Even though I gained almost all my weight back hardly any was muscle (not that i was a muscle man to start out with lol) but Ive always been in pretty good shape. About a month or so ago I started lifting weights for about 30 minutes a day 3 days a weak and not only has it helped me build muscle tone back it has greatly increased my energy level (almost back to normal). Just wanted to let everyone know that the exercise has really helped me and maybe would help some others out here also. I didn't feel like doing it at first but i am really glad that I did. Hoping this might help someone out.

Comments

  • dennis318
    dennis318 Member Posts: 349 Member
    #2
    Deja Vue
    Wow, I was coming here today and ask about this, Thanks Scott, I wanted to Join my gym again after out a year, I have gained 26 lbs back, to 166, I lost all muscle tone, I have 1/2 a larnx, but can walk and do everything at moderation, my hours of sleep have increased from 6- 11 hours, and getting up is nearly impossible without 2 hours to get myself reved up for the day. Hard phlem in throat seems to thicken and drinking water all ight and going to the bathroom could be the reason behind sleep problem..please let e know what you are able to tolerate on weight machines, and what should i stay away from to start. I am only going to join for a month to see. Thanks for any advice. Dennis
  • DrMary
    DrMary Member Posts: 531 Member
    #3
    dennis318 said:

    Deja Vue
    Wow, I was coming here today and ask about this, Thanks Scott, I wanted to Join my gym again after out a year, I have gained 26 lbs back, to 166, I lost all muscle tone, I have 1/2 a larnx, but can walk and do everything at moderation, my hours of sleep have increased from 6- 11 hours, and getting up is nearly impossible without 2 hours to get myself reved up for the day. Hard phlem in throat seems to thicken and drinking water all ight and going to the bathroom could be the reason behind sleep problem..please let e know what you are able to tolerate on weight machines, and what should i stay away from to start. I am only going to join for a month to see. Thanks for any advice. Dennis

    Wet Blanket
    Doug calls me the perpetual wet blanket because I always seem to put a damper on things with my "be careful about" messages (what a fun-sucker I am).

    Working with weights to build muscle is good. However, I strongly recommend working with a trainer for the first month or so - if you can find one who does rehab, even better.

    Here's the reason - when you begin to build muscle back, you might build the muscle strength ahead of your tendons/ligaments capabilities and end up with injuries that will set you back (like torn/abraded rotator cuffs). If you have been underactive for a time, all of your connective tissue might have tightened up - building back flexibility takes time.

    A good trainer will help you work on flexibility as you build muscle (which both helps protect tendons and keeps you from being one of those muscle-bound people who can't scratch their own backs). He or she will also help you make sure you build muscle evenly, which helps support and protect tendons. (Even trainers consult other trainers for this, as you need a set of unbiased eyes to keep you from working your favorite set of muscles too much.)

    A good trainer will also help you stay honest with your form - many people move up the weights too fast and are able to do it by sacrificing form. This leads to damage.

    Doug's been back at the gym about a month or so. I'm already seeing the difference, especially in his legs. It does seem to help his appetite and his sleep - hope it helps you too.
  • scottied
    scottied Member Posts: 36 Member
    #4
    dennis318 said:

    Deja Vue
    Wow, I was coming here today and ask about this, Thanks Scott, I wanted to Join my gym again after out a year, I have gained 26 lbs back, to 166, I lost all muscle tone, I have 1/2 a larnx, but can walk and do everything at moderation, my hours of sleep have increased from 6- 11 hours, and getting up is nearly impossible without 2 hours to get myself reved up for the day. Hard phlem in throat seems to thicken and drinking water all ight and going to the bathroom could be the reason behind sleep problem..please let e know what you are able to tolerate on weight machines, and what should i stay away from to start. I am only going to join for a month to see. Thanks for any advice. Dennis

    go at your own pace
    I have a set of adjustable dumbbells (up to 50lbs a piece) and an incline bench. Its easier for me to motivate myself to do if its right there at the house. Like I said before I lift for about 30 minutes 3 times a week and it has made a world of difference in my energy level and i notice some of my muscle coming back.I don't really do any cardio as im not trying to lose weight and i get some exercise at work. Im not a Dr or trainer so I really cant say what someone should do, just letting you know of my personal experience and how its helped me. I wish I had started sooner. Good luck with whatever route you choose to take.
    Scott
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #5
    scottied said:

    go at your own pace
    I have a set of adjustable dumbbells (up to 50lbs a piece) and an incline bench. Its easier for me to motivate myself to do if its right there at the house. Like I said before I lift for about 30 minutes 3 times a week and it has made a world of difference in my energy level and i notice some of my muscle coming back.I don't really do any cardio as im not trying to lose weight and i get some exercise at work. Im not a Dr or trainer so I really cant say what someone should do, just letting you know of my personal experience and how its helped me. I wish I had started sooner. Good luck with whatever route you choose to take.
    Scott

    Hi Scott
    Thanks for the info, I just started going to a gym but all I been doing is watching. After 5 years I think it is time this old boy start doing a little work out but like you said I will start out slow very slow and build my way back up.

    Thanks
    Hondo
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #6
    Hondo said:

    Hi Scott
    Thanks for the info, I just started going to a gym but all I been doing is watching. After 5 years I think it is time this old boy start doing a little work out but like you said I will start out slow very slow and build my way back up.

    Thanks
    Hondo

    House vs. Gym
    I think Dr. Mary gives good advice and backs it up with good reasonning but there is a population of folks who have worked out in the past and are knowledgable in exercise form and function. I am one of those work out at home people and would be totally out of shape if I had to go to a gym everyday. I do some lifting as well as yoga, pilates and occasionally some Tai Chi. It's amazing what can be done with a DVD player and a TV. I also have a treadmill that serves me well during the winter. A trainer is nice but a lot can be done at home where you are comfortable with common sense and moderation.
  • DrMary
    DrMary Member Posts: 531 Member
    #7
    ratface said:

    House vs. Gym
    I think Dr. Mary gives good advice and backs it up with good reasonning but there is a population of folks who have worked out in the past and are knowledgable in exercise form and function. I am one of those work out at home people and would be totally out of shape if I had to go to a gym everyday. I do some lifting as well as yoga, pilates and occasionally some Tai Chi. It's amazing what can be done with a DVD player and a TV. I also have a treadmill that serves me well during the winter. A trainer is nice but a lot can be done at home where you are comfortable with common sense and moderation.

    At home is good
    I did not mean to emphasize the gym or even a permanent trainer - I know one trainer who teachers you to work with what you have at home, even if you don't have much equipment.

    You make an excellent case for moderation and diversity in exercise. Do you have DVD suggestions?

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