How Much Should You Walk During Chemotherapy? 9 Gentle Exercises You Can Do in Bed or While Sitting

October 9, 2026

During chemotherapy, your body may not feel the way it used to.

A short walk down the hallway that felt manageable yesterday might suddenly feel overwhelming today.

You may find yourself wondering:

"I know exercise is supposed to be good for me, but what should I do on days when even 10 minutes feels impossible?"

When it comes to walking and exercising during chemotherapy, finding the right balance between movement and rest can be challenging.

The good news is that even on days when walking feels too difficult, there are gentle ways to keep your body moving.

Based on educational resources from Asan Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital Cancer Hospital, and the National Cancer Information Center in South Korea, we've put together nine simple exercises you can try while lying in bed or sitting in a chair.

Remember, everyone's condition and treatment experience are different. Always consult your healthcare team before starting an exercise routine and adjust your activities according to your individual needs.

1. Five Gentle Exercises You Can Do While Lying Down

When getting out of bed feels exhausting, gentle movements may be a more manageable option.

According to educational materials from the National Cancer Information Center, the following five exercises can be performed while lying on a bed or the floor.

① Ankle Flexes

Slowly pull your toes toward your body and hold for 5–10 seconds.
Then point your toes away from your body and hold for another 5–10 seconds.
Alternate between these two movements at a comfortable pace.

This simple exercise helps keep your ankles moving without requiring you to stand up.

② Knee Bends

Lie comfortably on your back.
Slowly bend one knee, bringing it toward your body.
Hold for approximately 5 seconds before lowering your leg.
Repeat with the opposite leg.

Move gently and avoid forcing your knee beyond a comfortable range of motion.

③ Hip Lifts (Glute Bridges)

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet supported.
Gently engage your leg and hip muscles.
Slowly lift your hips off the bed or floor.
If comfortable, hold for 10–15 seconds before lowering your hips.

Only attempt this movement if your healthcare team has confirmed it is appropriate for your condition.

④ Leg Open-and-Close Exercise

Lie on your back and position both legs against a wall for support.
Slowly bring your legs together.
Gently move them apart, staying within a comfortable range.
Return to the starting position.

If this position feels uncomfortable or difficult, skip the exercise.

⑤ Side-to-Side Knee Drops

Lie on your back with both knees bent.
Slowly lower your bent knees from side to side.
Keep your lower back as stable as possible.
Move gently without twisting or forcing your body.

Focus on slow, controlled movement rather than how far your knees can go.

2. Four Simple Exercises You Can Do While Sitting

If you feel comfortable sitting on the edge of your bed or in a sturdy chair, you can try these four additional exercises.

They require very little space and can be performed without standing.

① Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing)

Sit in a relaxed, comfortable position.
Breathe in slowly, allowing your abdomen to expand.
As you exhale, gently draw your abdominal muscles inward.
Repeat 3–5 times.

Take your time and maintain a natural, comfortable breathing rhythm.

② Shoulder Rolls

Sit upright while keeping your torso still.
Slowly roll your shoulders forward in a circular motion.
Repeat 5 times.
Then roll your shoulders backward 5 times.

Keep your movements gentle and relaxed.

③ Hand and Finger Exercises

Slowly make a fist, then open your hand.
Bend and straighten your fingers one at a time.
You can also gently tap your fingers as if you were playing the piano.

These small movements can be done while sitting comfortably or resting in bed.

④ Ankle Circles

Sit comfortably with your knees in a stable position.
Slowly rotate one ankle in a circular motion.
Complete 5 circles in one direction, then reverse.
Repeat with the other ankle.

Move slowly and stay within a comfortable range of motion.

3. How Much Exercise Should You Do Each Day During Chemotherapy?

One of the most common questions during cancer treatment is:

"How much exercise is enough when I'm undergoing chemotherapy?"

According to guidance from Asan Medical Center, exercise can be adjusted based on your energy levels and physical condition.

On Days When You're Extremely Tired

Even 10 minutes of gentle stretching may be a reasonable goal if your healthcare team considers it safe.

You don't have to push yourself to complete a long workout.

And if your body needs rest, it's okay to rest.

On Days When You Have More Energy

Consider breaking your activity into shorter sessions.

For example:

10 minutes in the morning + 10 minutes in the afternoon + 10 minutes in the evening = 30 minutes of daily activity

Accumulating activity in shorter sessions can provide meaningful benefits without requiring you to exercise for 30 consecutive minutes.

For Flexibility Exercises

Asan Medical Center's educational guidance describes a routine of:

10 repetitions per movement
Slow, controlled motions without bouncing
Up to 3 sessions per day, when appropriate

These are general examples, not mandatory targets. Your healthcare team may recommend fewer repetitions or a different routine depending on your treatment and physical condition.

How Intense Should Your Exercise Be?

A useful guideline is to aim for movement that feels slightly challenging but still manageable.

You should generally be able to hold a short conversation while exercising.

If speaking becomes difficult because you're out of breath, reduce your intensity or stop.

The goal isn't to push your limits.

It's to find a level of movement that supports your well-being without overwhelming your body.

4. Warning Signs: When Should You Skip Exercise?

While gentle physical activity can be helpful during chemotherapy, there are times when rest and medical guidance should take priority.

Educational materials from Asan Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital Cancer Hospital highlight several warning signs.

Avoid exercising and contact your healthcare team for advice if you experience:

A temperature above 37.8°C (100°F), or a temperature that meets your oncology team's fever threshold
Unusual shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Vomiting or diarrhea
Pain or swelling in your legs or calves
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
Low hemoglobin levels or anemia that may make exercise unsafe

Some hospital exercise guidance uses a hemoglobin level below 10 g/dL as a precaution. However, whether exercise is appropriate depends on your symptoms, blood counts, treatment, and medical team's recommendations.

Important: During chemotherapy, fever can be a sign of infection and may require urgent medical evaluation. Do not simply rest and wait for it to pass. Follow your oncology team's instructions for fever, including any lower temperature threshold they have provided. Sudden breathing difficulties or new one-sided leg pain and swelling also require prompt medical attention.

What If Your Immune System Is Weakened?

During periods of low immune cell counts, Seoul National University Hospital Cancer Hospital advises taking precautions with exercise in public facilities.

When appropriate, exercising at home may help reduce exposure to crowded environments.

Before starting or continuing an exercise routine, check with your medical team about your current blood counts, symptoms, and any activity restrictions.

5. Remember: A Little Movement Still Counts

Some days during chemotherapy, walking simply isn't possible.

And that's okay.

You don't have to force yourself to reach a certain step count or complete a workout just because you planned one.

On difficult days, even gently moving your fingers or rotating your ankles can be a way to stay connected with your body, if those movements are safe for you.

Exercise during chemotherapy isn't about meeting a number. It's about doing what your body can comfortably manage today.

Some days, that might mean taking a short walk.

Other days, it might mean a few gentle movements while sitting in a chair.

And sometimes, it means giving yourself permission to rest.

Every day can look different, and your routine can change with it.

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