Life after cancer exists in seasons. Here’s why I haven’t been to the gym in 3 months

I have a confession to make after cancer. Even though it’s my job and I ‘know better’

I have a confession to make.

I haven’t been to a gym or lifted weights for the last three months.

And that’s ok.

The reality of summer with two small people is that there really isn’t much me time. Every day is a juggling act, squeezing in work, family, and any semblance of personal care. Some days, it’s barely possible to find a quiet five minutes to breathe, let alone lift a barbell. And that’s ok too.

As cancer survivors ,we all want to do our very best to stay healthy and make the right choices. But sometimes we’re up against it and other priorities take over

As a cancer survivor, I’ve learned that life doesn’t magically reset after treatment ends. Fatigue, lingering side effects, and the mental load of survivorship don’t just vanish. Trying to do it all, be everywhere, and be everything to everyone is exhausting — and often impossible.

So, for the last few months, lifting weights — as much as I know it’s essential for future-proofing my body, my bones, and my overall health — hasn’t been top of the priority list. Right now, I’m focusing on triathlon training for an event I’ve wanted to do for over a decade. It’s long. It’s going to be hard. And it’s in just two weeks. Every single spare moment I’ve had has been dedicated to swim, bike, run.

And that’s ok.

Making memories and seeing my kids grow up is my number 1 priority

Cancer teaches you to give yourself grace, whether you like it or not. There’s no shame in doing what you can rather than what you think you should. Time and energy are finite resources — especially after cancer. Something has to give. Right now, lifting weights has been the thing that gives, and that doesn’t make me any less strong, any less capable, or any less committed to my health.

I’ve also learnt that my body is amazing. Yes, there are some creaks, whinges, and weaknesses creeping in, but I know I will bounce back. Once this event is over, I’ll return to the gym and focus on strength, which is essential for endurance, injury prevention, and long-term health. That’s what athletes do. It’s called periodised training. You cannot, realistically, be at the top of your game in all areas — endurance, strength, speed, flexibility, work, family life — all year round. Trying to do so is exhausting, and frankly, unnecessary.

Spending time in nature with my family has become even more important to me than exercise - which is a shift

For me, autumn and winter are about fun, recovery, strength, and injury prevention. Spring is when I shift to speed, building on a strong base. Summer is all about endurance and being outdoors. Along the way, I may lose some muscle or strength, because maintaining it year-round while balancing everything else isn’t realistic. And that’s completely fine — my body knows how to handle it. This pattern has worked for decades, and it continues to serve me.

If you’re struggling to fit it all in, don’t beat yourself up. You don’t need to be perfect. Life after cancer can be unpredictable. Energy levels fluctuate, appointments crop up, and there are days when even brushing your hair feels like too much. Spreading your training focus over months — rather than cramming it all into a week — might work for you too. Prioritise what matters in the moment, and trust that you will get back to the things you’ve temporarily set aside.

Being kind to yourself is part of survivorship. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re smart. It means you’ve survived one of the hardest experiences life can throw at you and you know your limits — and your body’s resilience. Missing a few months in the gym, skipping sessions, or taking extra rest days doesn’t erase your progress. It’s part of the journey.

Juggling to make 'me' time and fit in exercise after cancer

Remember: your health and well-being are about more than just hitting numbers on a machine or minutes on a treadmill. Mental health, family time, recovery, sleep, joy — these are equally, if not more, important. After cancer, the balance shifts. What matters is sustainable, achievable fitness and health that honours your energy, your body, and your life.

As a cancer survivor and mama, you have to grab the moments, even when it's raining.

If you’d like some guidance on how to periodise your training around treatment, work, and life, feel free to get in touch. We can talk about what to prioritise now, what to focus on next, and how to get back to being your strongest, fittest you — without guilt, without pressure, and without trying to do it all at once.

You’ve survived cancer. You don’t need to survive every gym session too.

Drop me a DM and let’s chat! X

Yes, i do sometimes eat sweets when I'm exercising

Finding the balance as a working mum, cancer survivor and athlete is hard. It’s even harder as a cancer survivor.

Even as a cancer survivor who works in fitness, I haven’t been to the gym in 3 months. And that’s ok. I’ve done other stuff instead, which has worked with my life and given me joy.