Exercise is probably the last thing on your mind when you're going through chemotherapy. But gentle movement — and yoga in particular — can make a real difference to how you feel during treatment, both physically and emotionally.
That's not just anecdotal. There's good research behind it. Studies have found that gentle yoga during cancer treatment can reduce fatigue, improve sleep and help with anxiety. And unlike many things during this period, it's something you can control.
What gentle yoga can do for you during treatment
It helps with fatigue
Counterintuitive as it sounds, gentle movement can actually reduce the tiredness that chemotherapy causes. When you rest completely, fatigue tends to build. When you move gently, even for just 20 minutes, your body responds by circulating oxygen more efficiently, which can leave you feeling more energised rather than more depleted.
It supports your emotional wellbeing
Treatment is stressful. The uncertainty, the appointments, the side effects, the way your body changes — it adds up. Yoga works directly on the nervous system through breathwork and slow, deliberate movement, and this has a measurable effect on anxiety and low mood. A lot of people find that an hour in a yoga class is one of the few times in the week when their mind quietens down.
It helps you sleep
Sleep disruption is really common during chemotherapy. Pain, discomfort, anxiety and the drugs themselves can all interfere with it. Regular gentle yoga (particularly the breathing and relaxation components) can help regulate your sleep patterns over time.
It keeps your body moving
Muscle weakness and stiffness can develop during treatment, particularly if you're less active than usual. Gentle yoga helps maintain the range of movement in your joints and keeps muscles from weakening unnecessarily. The key word is gentle — yoga for cancer patients looks very different from a standard yoga class.
It connects you with other people
Going through chemo can be an isolating experience. A yoga class — even online — puts you in a room (virtual or physical) with other people who understand what you're going through. That connection matters more than it might sound.
What to be careful of
Yoga is generally very safe for cancer patients, but there are a few things worth knowing before you start.
- Talk to your oncology team first. They'll be able to tell you if there are any specific reasons why yoga might not be suitable for you right now.
- Your yoga teacher will ask about your blood counts. Your platelet count needs to be high enough to exercise safely, and any surgical incisions need to be properly healed before you start.
- Listen to your body, every single session. Treatment affects you differently day to day. On the hard days, simply showing up and focusing on your breathing is enough.
- Hygiene matters during treatment. If attending an in-person class, use your own mat and props. Online classes sidestep this entirely.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water before and after your session.
Where to start: a free online class with Mo
Mo is an experienced yoga teacher who has trained specifically in teaching yoga for cancer patients. She isn't teaching a watered-down version of a standard class — she's teaching something built from the ground up for people in your situation.
Mo runs free online yoga classes for cancer patients every Tuesday from 11am to 12pm. They're gentle, welcoming and a wonderful hour in the week.
To join or find out more, email Mo directly: mo@yogaforcancernewforest.co.uk
You don't need any previous yoga experience. You just need to show up.
