Healing Through Movement: Exercise Videos for Breast Cancer Patients
Support your recovery with safe, guided movement — designed just for you.
At MyMichigan Health, we’ve created a free series of at-home exercise videos tailored for individuals living with or beyond breast cancer. These gentle, supportive workouts are backed by strong research showing that physical activity can reduce cancer risk, recurrence, and improve overall well-being.
Why Exercise Matters
Regular exercise during and after cancer treatment offers significant benefits, including:
- Reduced fatigue and inflammation
- Pain relief and improved mobility
- Better sleep and emotional well-being
- Increased oxygen flow and muscle strength
- Decreased risk of anxiety, depression, and falls
About the Video Series
- Our video series includes:
- Aerobic exercises to boost heart health
- Resistance training to maintain strength and bone density
- Yoga-inspired movements to enhance balance, flexibility, and mindfulness
Each session is 20–30 minutes long and features instructors demonstrating three levels of intensity, so you can choose what’s right for your energy and ability.
Start Moving Toward Better Health
Whether you’re in treatment or navigating survivorship, these videos are here to support your journey. Move at your own pace, in the comfort of your home — and take a positive step toward healing, strength, and confidence.
Watch the videos and take the first step toward a healthier tomorrow.
Strength Training
This workout focuses on strengthening all major muscle groups using light weights to support recovery and build resilience. Targeted areas include the shoulders, biceps, triceps, chest, upper back, core, hips, knees, and ankles. Each session also includes light stretching to improve flexibility and aid recovery.
The workout includes:
- Exercise sets of 8 to 12 repetitions
- Rest periods between each set for safety and effectiveness
- Three demonstrated fitness levels, so you can progress at your own pace
Recommendation:
Incorporate resistance training 2–3 times per week to help maintain muscle mass, enhance mobility, and support long-term wellness during and after cancer treatment.
Balance & Flexibility
This gentle video guides participants through a calming movement routine that combines focused breathing with slow, intentional motion. Designed to enhance range of motion and promote relaxation, the routine helps support both physical recovery and emotional well-being.
Movements are performed both seated and standing, with three fitness levels demonstrated so participants can choose the pace and intensity that works best for them.
Benefits include:
- Improved flexibility and mobility
- Reduced stress and tension
- Enhanced mind-body connection
Whether you’re in treatment, recovery, or survivorship, this session offers a grounding practice to help you reconnect with your body and restore balance.
Cardiovascular Training
This 20-minute aerobic session is designed to get your body moving through continuous, rhythmic motions using large muscle groups. The workout includes a gentle warm-up, an energizing low-impact cardio routine featuring fun kickboxing and simple dance steps, and a cool-down to wrap things up.
Perfect for all fitness levels, this heart-healthy workout helps improve cardiovascular endurance, boost energy, and lift your mood—without putting stress on your joints.
Why try this workout?
- Supports heart health and stamina
- Fun, easy-to-follow movements
- Encourages consistency with exercise
- Recommended 3 times per week for optimal benefits
Get moving, have fun, and take a step toward better health—right from home.
Movement & Nutrition After Cancer Treatment
In this video, you'll learn how exercise and good nutrition can make a big difference if you or someone you love has cancer. We’ll show you how staying active and eating healthy foods can help lower your risk, give you more energy, keep your body strong, and help you feel better during treatment and recovery.
Video: Movement & Nurrition After Cancer Treatment
The videos were developed by a licensed physical therapist and exercise physiologist certified in cancer rehabilitation. They are led by a fitness instructor with over five decades of group fitness leadership skills. All participants in the video are breast cancer survivors. Before starting an exercise routine, please consult your healthcare provider to determine what exercises are suitable.
