Manisha Koirala's Cancer Comeback: Fitness Secrets Revealed

Bollywood actor Manisha Koirala, who is a survivor of stage 4 ovarian cancer, recently showcased her gym fitness routine on social media, emphasizing teamwork. Her workout video featured exercises like leg extensions, seated leg-presses, and weightlifting, demonstrating a commitment to physical recovery.

Consultant Physiotherapist Dr. Supriya Patil explains that for cancer survivors, fitness rebuilding is multifaceted. It aims to restore strength, enhance endurance, boost confidence, and promote independence in daily life. Resistance training, involving working muscles against external forces, is vital for addressing muscle weakness and deconditioning that can arise from cancer treatments.

Cancer and its treatments can significantly impact muscle strength and physical endurance. Dr. Patil notes that surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can lead to deconditioning. Resistance training, when prescribed appropriately, can challenge muscles, improve physical function, and help survivors manage cancer-related fatigue, thereby enhancing their quality of life. It is considered supportive care, not a cancer treatment.

Before starting any workout, cancer survivors must get an individualized assessment. Recommendations should be based on their medical status, not just age or treatment completion. Starting lightly and progressing gradually is key, paying close attention to symptoms and recovery. Survivors should also be mindful of bone health and lymphedema risk, adapting exercises as needed.