Jane Fonda shared a video of herself working out 3 weeks after starting chemo

Jane Fonda shared a video of herself working out 3 weeks after starting chemo

Jane Fonda isn't letting cancer treatment slow her down. Exercise and exercise help the 84-year-old, who recently went public with her non-Hodgkins lymphoma diagnosis, cope with fatigue, which can be a side effect of chemotherapy, she shared in a blog post on her website.

Fonda first announced her diagnosis on Instagram in early September 2022, noting that she will be completing six months of chemotherapy as treatment. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is "highly treatable" and has a high survival rate, Fonda added in the caption of her post.

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Now, just weeks after her chemo treatment, Fonda appears to be doing well. “About three weeks after my first round of chemotherapy, I have to tell you that I feel stronger than I have in years,” Fonda wrote in her last blog post. “The doctor told me that the best antidote to the fatigue that chemotherapy can cause is exercise.”

To do just that, Fonda ran and exercised (before the heat sets in), she shared on her website. To illustrate, Fonda posted a YouTube clip of herself working out in sunglasses. In the video, she does wall squats with her back against an exercise ball on the wall while holding a purple dumbbell in each hand.

Squat variations suitable for every fitness level and training need

It's no secret exercise that can give you energy, but experts confirm it can be especially helpful for those suffering from fatigue from cancer treatment. “Cancer-related fatigue is usually a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion due to cancer or its treatment, and it is not relieved by rest,” explains Tara Sanft, MD, associate professor of medicine (medical oncology) at Yale Cancer Center, who leads research into the effects of exercise on cancer treatment and outcomes. "It doesn't get better after a really good nap or a good night's sleep. So more rest is not a good treatment for cancer-related fatigue."

However, physical activity is a solid option to address this fatigue. Studies show that patients who exercise more during cancer and are less tired after cancer treatment than those who didn't, says Dr. Soft. Why this is so is not yet entirely clear, she adds.

The American Cancer Society also offers information on the connection between cancer and exercise on its website. “Research shows that exercise is safe and helpful for most people before, during and after cancer treatment,” the organization states. “It can help improve your quality of life as well as the energy you have to do the things you like.”

How patients can exercise to reap these benefits depends on the individual, as Fonda showed. “Any form of exercise that the patient enjoys is a good thing,” says Dr. Gentle, adding that walking is a great starting point for patients because it's affordable and relatively safe - even if you've never exercised before.

Fonda is no beginner when it comes to exercise. The Grace and Frankie star and climate activist is known for her fitness videotapes from the 1980s and continues to emphasize the importance of physical activity. Although she may be able to perform wall squats, most cancer patients should consult a professional before adding strength training to their routine, says Dr. Soft.

Overall, it seems like exercise is helping Fonda feel her best during her cancer treatment. Here’s to a speedy recovery and more training inspiration for her fans!