Physical activity and fatigue

If you don’t have much energy, it can be hard to keep active. But taking up regular physical activity during and after your treatment can help to reduce fatigue.

It can also improve your:

• energy levels
• sleep
• appetite
• general health
• mood
• strength
• weight
• sex drive (libido).

How to get started with physical activity

Lots of people find it hard to be more active. You might be worried that you’re not fit enough or feel frustrated that you’re not as fit as you used to be. Some treatments for prostate cancer can cause urinary incontinence, so some men worry about leaking urine when they exercise. You might also be worried about hurting yourself. If you have any of these worries, speak to your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist. They can give you advice on the best type of activity for you. 

Remember, any activity is better than none. Start doing what you can and build up slowly. There is lots of support and information available to help you get started, including the ideas below. You can also speak to your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist.

Light to moderate exercise can make you feel more awake. You could try:

• standing up and sitting down
• walking to the shops
• climbing stairs
• cycling
• fixing things around the house
• mowing the lawn
• vacuuming
• washing the car
• swimming.

If you do light to moderate exercise along with strength or resistance training, such as lifting light weights or using elastic resistance bands, this may be even more effective. You can even exercise from your chair or bed. Try lifting your arms and legs or bending and straightening them. This can help improve your movement and muscle strength.

If you’re on hormone therapy or have cancer that has spread to the bones, you may be at risk of weak bones. This can increase your risk of broken bones (fractures). It’s important to speak to your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist before you start a new activity or increase the amount of physical activity you do. They can talk to you about exercising safely and explain the types of exercise that are suitable for you.

Read more about physical activity and prostate cancer. 

Exercise referral schemes

These are special exercise programmes for people with health problems, including prostate cancer and fatigue. They’re run by health professionals or fitness trainers who have experience of working with people who have health problems. Ask your GP about schemes in your area.

Walking

Walking can reduce fatigue in men with prostate cancer. Joining a walking group can be an enjoyable and sociable way to start doing gentle physical activity. It's also great for your general health and can help you stay a healthy weight.

Finding a walk

The following organisations can help you find walks in your local area.

• The National Trust has information about walks in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• The Ramblers has information about walks across the UK.
• Walking Britain has information about walks across the UK.
• Walking Scotland has information about walks across Scotland.
• Walk NI had information about walks across Norther Ireland.

Finding a walking group

Joining a walking group can be an enjoyable, sociable way to start doing some gentle physical activity. The following organisations can help you find walking groups near you.

• Walking for health can help you find local walking groups in England.
• Ramblers Cymru is a walking programme for people in Wales who want to improve their health and well-being. They have weekly walking groups in towns, cities and villages across Wales.
• The Ramblers have group walks as well as walking maps and routes across the UK. You can try out the walks for free and buy membership if you want to go on regular walks.

Walking for Prostate Cancer UK

If you’re interested in walking to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, you can join one of our organised walks or set up your own walk. Find out more.

Finding places to exercise

You might prefer to use a gym, go to a swimming pool or join an exercise class.

These organisations can help you find a sports centre, gym or swimming pool near you:

• Sport England
• Sport Scotland
• Sport Wales
• Sport Northern Ireland.

References and reviewers

Updated: September 2025 | Due for Review: September 2028