After treatment and remission

Walking: the simplest movement

Walking needs no special equipment, gym or skills. You can walk along a hospital corridor, at home, in a yard or in a park, and it is easy to adjust to your strength. This topic explains how to start walking during and after treatment, how to build up gradually and which precautions matter.

Last updated: 7 October 2026~4 min read

On a dark navy background, a person seen from behind walks slowly along a park path in morning light, surrounded by trees and soft golden light. — **Figure 1.**A calm morning walk — the simplest movement during and after treatment.

01Short answer

Walking is one of the simplest and safest kinds of movement during and after treatment. Start with 5–10 minutes at a pace where you can talk, and add a few minutes each week. When you have more strength, a guide is about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week — but any amount helps. Wear comfortable shoes, take water, protect yourself from the sun and choose a flat, well-lit route. During neutropenia, walk at quiet times away from crowds; when platelets are low, guard against falls. Do not go for a walk on a day with fever, dizziness, chest pain or bleeding.

02Simple explanation

Walking works the heart, lungs and leg muscles at once, while putting little load on the joints.

For many people, a short walk reduces fatigue and lifts mood — surprisingly, movement can give energy.

Fresh air and daylight can support your sleep rhythm. But some medicines make the skin sensitive to the sun — covering up and sunscreen matter.

The talk test helps you choose a pace: if you can talk, the pace is moderate and safe.

Walking does not replace treatment, but it can help keep your strength and independence in daily life.

03Scientific explanation

General guidance: the WHO recommends 150–300 minutes of moderate activity a week for adults and stresses that some activity is better than none; people with chronic conditions should start at a level they can manage.

In cancer: according to the 2019 ACSM consensus, moderate aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) for about 30 minutes three times a week helps with fatigue, anxiety and physical function; the starting level should be individual.

Blood cancers: a Cochrane review (2019) shows that aerobic exercise in haematological cancers may slightly reduce fatigue and improve quality of life.

NHS: brisk walking — a pace where your breathing speeds up a little but you can still talk — counts as moderate activity.

04What happens in the body?

How to start

First ask your team whether there are any limits for you. Start with 5–10 minutes at a slow pace once or twice a day — on the ward, at home or in the yard. If you get tired, take a short break. On good days walk a little longer; on tired days, shorter.

On a dark navy background, a quiet, softly lit hospital corridor with a handrail along the wall and a drip stand to one side, no people. — **Figure 3.**Walking can start in the hospital corridor, next to a handrail.

How to build up

Add 2–5 minutes to your walk each week. Increase the time first, then the pace. As your strength grows, you can gradually move towards about 150 minutes a week, for example 30 minutes five times a week. This is a direction, not a rule.

What to take and wear

Comfortable non-slip shoes; layers suited to the weather; a hat and sunscreen; water; a phone. Some medicines make the skin sensitive to the sun — avoid the hottest hours. In the cold, gloves and a scarf.

On a dark navy background, comfortable trainers, a water bottle and a soft cap in warm light. — **Figure 2.**Comfortable shoes, water and a hat — getting ready for a safe walk.

Neutropenia and low platelets

During neutropenia, walk at quiet times, away from crowded streets, markets and building dust; your team may suggest a mask. When platelets are low, choose a flat, well-lit, non-slippery route, walk indoors when it is icy, and use a walking stick or walk with someone if needed.

Walking with someone

Walking with a relative or friend offers both safety and support. Talking as you walk naturally sets the pace. If you know someone is unwell, it is better to postpone meeting them during neutropenia.

Keeping track

A simple diary or the step counter on your phone helps you see progress. Pay attention to how you feel rather than to numbers. Tiredness after a walk should pass within a few hours; if it lasts into the next day, do a little less next time.

05Walking in four steps

Start small and build up gradually.

1Check yourselfNo fever, some energy.

2Get readyShoes, water, sun protection.

3Start slowly5–10 minutes, talk test.

4Build up graduallyA few minutes each week.

Heart and lungsStamina grows gradually.

Better moodFatigue may ease.

IndependenceDaily tasks may get easier.

06An example walking plan (simplified)

Stage	Time	Note
Starting out	5–10 minutes, 1–2 times a day	Slow pace, breaks are fine
Following weeks	+2–5 minutes each week	Time first, then pace
As strength grows	20–30 minutes a day	Moderate pace by the talk test
Long-term guide	About 150 minutes a week	Only if your strength allows
A tired day	A short walk or rest	That is normal
Fever, bleeding	No walk	Tell your team

* This is an example, not an individual plan. Talk to your team and a physiotherapist about a plan that suits you.

07Key terms

Moderate intensity: Breathing speeds up, but you can still talk.
Brisk walking: A pace a little faster than a stroll.
Talk test: Being able to speak while moving — a sign the pace is right.
Stamina: The ability to keep moving for a long time.
Photosensitivity: Skin sensitivity to the sun caused by medicines.
Step counter: A device or app that counts steps.
Neutropenia: Low neutrophils, the cells that fight infection.
Platelets: Cells that help blood clot.

08Key points

Walking is one of the simplest and safest movements.
Start with 5–10 minutes.
Add a few minutes each week.
Walk at a pace where you can talk.
Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection.
During neutropenia, walk away from crowds.
With low platelets, choose a flat, well-lit route.
Do not go for a walk on a day with fever.

09Frequently asked questions

How many steps a day should I do?

There is no universal number. Build up gradually from your own starting level. Step counts help motivation, but how you feel matters more.

Can I run?

During treatment, walking is usually safer. Once your blood counts are stable and your team agrees, you can move to running gradually.

Can I walk in hospital?

Usually yes; slow walks along the corridor are encouraged. Ask a nurse about walking with a drip stand.

Can I walk in the cold or heat?

Avoid extreme heat and cold. On hot days walk early in the morning or in the evening; on cold, icy days walk at home or in a quiet indoor place.

I get very tired after walking. Is that normal?

Tiredness that passes within a few hours is normal. If strong tiredness lasts into the next day, shorten the next walk. If fatigue keeps increasing, tell your team.

Does walking reduce the risk of relapse?

Physical activity is good for general health, but it has not been proven to prevent leukaemia from coming back. Walking helps strength, mood and everyday life.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

How many steps a day should I do?
Can I run?
Can I walk in hospital?
Can I walk in the cold or heat?
I get very tired after walking. Is that normal?
Does walking reduce the risk of relapse?

My questions

12Sources

NHS. Walking for health
NHS. Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64
World Health Organization (WHO). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
World Health Organization (WHO). Physical activity — fact sheet
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2019. Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable
Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2022. Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019. Aerobic physical exercise for adult patients with haematological malignancies
Cancer Research UK. Exercise guidelines for people with cancer
American Cancer Society. Physical Activity When You Have Cancer
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Physical Activity and Cancer
NHS. Falls

Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Last updated: 7 October 2026← Back to the list

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