A single session of THIS exercise can suppress cancer cells

This one’s a tried, tested, and proven truth - regular workout is a key element to a healthier and longer life. Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life. Working out not only reduces your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, but also lowers your risk of early death by up to 30%, hence boosting longevity.

However, for the ones who are getting started with working out, one question pops up quite often - which kind of workout to adhere to?

As there’s a plethora of exercises to take your pick from, each one of them has its separate set of benefits.

Like, there’s a specific workout regimen that can help with cancer!


Know what it is?


The gem of a workout!

Studies suggest that HIIT exercise can trigger the release of factors from skeletal muscle that can inhibit cancer cell growth and promote cell death (apoptosis).


According to a study on prostate cancer patients, published by Medical News Today, a single session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) aerobic exercise can enhance the body's ability to suppress the growth of cancer cells. As per the study, a single bout of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic training may suppress cancer cells , including circulating tumor cells , and promote beneficial changes in circulating factors.

What are circulating tumor cells?

Circulating tumor cells are cancer cells that have broken away from a primary tumor and are circulating in the bloodstream. They are often an early indicator of metastasis, where cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

The study found that serum collected immediately after HIIT exercise showed a greater ability to suppress tumor cell growth compared to before exercise. This suggests that even a single session of HIIT can have a significant impact on cancer cell behavior.


What did the study say?


The study, published in Cell Metabolism, focused on prostate cancer and the effects of exercise-conditioned serum on cancer cells. The researchers collected serum from trained prostate cancer patients before and after a single session of HIIT. They then tested this serum on prostate cancer cells in a lab setting. The results showed that the serum collected after the HIIT exercise had a greater ability to suppress the growth of the cancer cells compared to the serum collected before exercise. This indicates that a single session of HIIT can alter the body's chemistry in a way that helps to suppress cancer cell growth.


Key points about the study:

Focus: The study specifically looked at HIIT exercise and its impact on prostate cancer cell growth.

Methodology: Researchers collected serum from patients before and after a single HIIT session and then tested it on cancer cells in vitro.

Findings: The study found that serum collected after HIIT had a greater ability to suppress cancer cell growth.

Implications: This suggests that even a single session of HIIT can have a positive impact on cancer cell behavior.

However, further research is needed to confirm these findings in other types of cancer and to fully understand the mechanisms by which exercise can suppress cancer cell growth.


What is HIIT?

High-intensity interval training is a training protocol alternating short periods of intense or explosive anaerobic exercise with brief recovery periods until the point of exhaustion.


HIIT consists of short bursts of intense work that typically last between 15 seconds to 4 minutes. These are followed by a quick recovery period and then right back to the tough work.


HIITing the cancer away!

Examples of HITT workouts include bodyweight exercises like burpees, jumping jacks, and mountain climbers, as well as equipment-based exercises like sprints on a treadmill or kettlebell swings. These workouts are effective for burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness in a short amount of time.



Bodyweight HIIT:

Burpees: A full-body exercise combining a squat, push-up, and jump.

Jumping Jacks: A classic exercise that gets the heart rate up quickly.

Mountain Climbers: An exercise that engages the core and increases heart rate.

Push-ups: A great way to build upper body strength and burn calories.

Squat Jumps: A variation of squats that adds an explosive element.

High Knees: An exercise that works the legs and improves coordination.

Jumping Lunges: A full-body exercise that works the legs and improves cardiovascular fitness.

Plank: A core-strengthening exercise that can be incorporated into HIIT.


Equipment-Based HIIT:

Sprint Intervals: Short bursts of running on a treadmill or track, followed by recovery periods.

Kettlebell Swings: A powerful exercise that works the entire body.

Box Jumps: An exercise that builds explosive power and leg strength.

Dumbbell Thrusters: A full-body exercise that combines a squat and an overhead press.

Rowing Sprints: An intense workout that uses the rowing machine.

Ski-Erg Sprints: An exercise that uses the ski-erg machine, mimicking cross-country skiing.

Jumping Rope: A great way to get a full-body workout.