Maf training with cancer

by Tom
(England )

Hi Nicole, your articles are very interesting. I have recently had a left lower lobe removed due to a spread of bowel cancer. I have started to try the Maf training and I'm wondering will it still work for me even without full lung function?

Nicole's reply
Hi Tom, thanks for the question. It sounds like you have been through a rough time and I do hope that things are getting better.

There is no reason why MAF training shouldn't work for you, assuming your doctor has given the go ahead. The main thing is to take it slowly and to set yourself the right MAF heart rate target range.

This is taken from the Maffetone website:

Subtract your age from 180, then modify from one of the categories below:

If you have or are recovering from a major illness (heart disease, any operation or hospital stay, etc.), are in rehabilitation, are on any regular medication, or are in Stage 3 (chronic) overtraining (burnout), subtract an additional 10.

You also might need to subtract more beats too, if you fall into any of the other categories as listed here.

If you are unsure whether to take off beats, err on the side of caution and take them off to start with. Start off nice and slow and listen to your body. Better to be cautious rather than over do it. I hope that helps and do let us know how you get on.