Is it normal to feel different after lifting through cancer treatment?

TL;DR: Feeling frustrated with my lifting progress after cancer treatment; is this normal?

I'm a 45-year-old mom who started lifting a few years ago as a way to cope with stress. After surviving cancer last year, I returned to the gym, but I've noticed some changes in my strength and overall body composition. Before my diagnosis, I was hitting a 1RM of 150 lbs on my deadlifts, but now I'm struggling to reach 120 lbs, and it's been almost 8 months since I got the all-clear. It's frustrating because lifting used to be my escape, and now it feels like a reminder of my struggles.

My body feels different, too. I used to feel strong and capable, but now I'm more aware of my limits. I know my muscle mass may have decreased during treatment, and I'm trying to work back up, but I wonder if anyone else has gone through this. I've tried to focus on progressive overload, but I feel like my progress has stalled. Are there things I should be doing differently?

Has anyone else lifted through a similar experience? I could really use some advice or maybe just a boost of encouragement. How long did it take for you to regain your strength and confidence after treatment? I'm committed to making this a part of my self-care, but I want to know if these feelings are common or if I should be concerned about my progress.

6 comments

Comments

u/late_night_lifter·10 days ago

Skill issue, just saying! But fr, lifting is a mental game too. If you're stressed, that can totally affect your lifts. Maybe try focusing on lifting lighter weights for the feel-good factor. Who knows, you might surprise yourself when you least expect it! Also, caffeine can be your friend if you lift in the morning.

u/tired_and_toned·4 days ago

I can relate to what you're going through. After my own health struggles, I found that returning to the gym was a mix of joy and frustration. I used to have these amazing lifting sessions where I felt invincible, but after treatment, it felt like I was starting from scratch. It's completely normal to feel a shift in your strength and body composition after such a big experience. It took me a while to adjust my expectations and focus more on the process than the numbers on the bar. I had to remind myself that progress isn't always linear, especially when rebuilding from something as challenging as cancer. Just be kind to yourself, and celebrate the small victories. They add up, I promise

u/powerlifting_panda·10 days ago

I think it's super common to feel weaker after major health challenges, especially when muscle mass can decrease significantly during treatment. Your body has been through so much, and it's going to take time to rebuild. When I had my recovery phase, I focused on lower weights with higher reps to help rebuild my endurance and stability. It's all about finding a new baseline and gradually increasing intensity. Have you tried incorporating accessory movements or varying your training splits? Something like a push/pull/legs routine can help balance your workload and manage fatigue.

u/bodypositive_bro·10 days ago

100% facts right here! Sometimes we forget that our bodies have been through a lot and need time to recover. The pressure to hit those old PRs can be intense, but remember that progress isn't just about lifting more. It's about how you feel and your overall health! Focus on enjoying the process again, and don't hesitate to mix up your workouts. You might find something new you love, like yoga or Pilates. It can be a nice change and still provide strength benefits.

u/runningfrommyproblems·10 days ago

Your journey sounds incredibly tough, but it's so inspiring that you're still committed to lifting. When I went through my own setbacks, I realized that it's about finding joy in movement again rather than fixating on PRs. I remember a time I was training for a marathon and had to scale back due to an injury. I learned to cherish every step and not just the finish line. What if you tried different workouts or even cross-training for a while? It could help u regain confidence in your body without the pressure of lifting heavy right away.

u/grandma_gains·5 days ago

I admire your strength in sharing your journey! Returning to lifting after health struggles can be daunting, but it's important to focus on the progress you've made. I remember when I took a break due to health reasons, and I had to learn to listen to my body all over again. I would encourage you to track your workouts in a journal or an app. This can help you see your progress, even when it feels slow. Plus, don't hesitate to reach out for support. There are many communities that can provide encouragement, and sometimes, just having others who understand makes a world of difference.