Getting Active Before Surgery: What You Need to Know

Being active before surgery helps your heart, lungs, and muscles work better. This makes is easier for your body to heal faster and with fewer problems. If your body is stronger before surgery, you are more likely to:

  • Avoid infections
  • Breathe easier after anesthesia
  • Spend less time in the hospital
  • Be independent at home

Even just a few weeks of regular activity can make a big difference!

What Are The Guidelines For Physical Activity?

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines and the World Health Organization suggest for adults:

  • At least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate activity per week (like brisk walking or cycling)
  • Plus 2 days per week of strength and balance activities

If you are not doing this yet, do not worry! Keep reading for tips and resources to get started.

What Can You Do Before Surgery?

Being on a wait list for surgery is the perfect time to get prepared! You do not have to join a gym or run a marathon - just move more, starting now. Below are some suggestions to get started.

Improving your strength and balance before surgery is especially helpful for your recovery after surgery. If your medical condition(s) or pain limits your ability to exercise, read on for additional support.

Strength and Balance Activities - 2 days per week

HealthlinkBC's Strength and Balancing Exercise (STABL) programs are a good place to start and are available as follow along videos or PDF handouts below. There are 3 levels - Sit, Stand, and Move. Choose the level that feels right for you and complete it 2 days per week.

STABL - Level 1 - Sit Handout

STABL - Level 2 - Stand Handout

STABL - Level 3 - Move Handout

Aerobic or Fitness Activies - Aim for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week

A brisk walk (where you can talk, but not sing) is the easiest way to get started or consider other activities like biking, gardening, dancing, swimming or pool walking, or using an elliptical machine or exercise bike.

Deep Breathing Exercises - Daily

It is important to do deep breathing exercises immediately after surgery and every hour while in hospital while you are awake. Practicing this ahead of surgery makes it easier to remember and strengthens your lungs for during and after surgery. This lowers your risk of pneumonia and speeds up recovery.

  1. Place your hand on the front of your stomach. Expand your stomach into your hand as you breathe in deeply for 3 seconds.
  2. Hold for 3 seconds.
  3. Breathe out slowly through pursed lips for 3 seconds. Do not force your breath out.
  4. Repeat 10 times. Rest if you become dizzy or lightheaded.

Options for Additional Support

Choose to Move

A free 3-month program to help you be more active in a way that works for you.As part of the program, you will:

  • Complete a one-on-one session with a trained activity coach to set goals and make a plan that fits your lifestyle and abilities.
  • Choose activities you enjoy and can do!
  • Participate in 8 group meetings to connect with others, share successes, talk about challenges, learn helpful tip about health and wellness, and support each other.

Go to choosetomove.ca/register to join. You will receive a registration package via email with the online and in-person options.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Clinical Exercise Physiologists are available for free through HealthlinkBC. They can help you with:

  • Personalized exercise advice
  • Pre-screening for fitness programs
  • Connecting you with exercise program or health professionals

Call *811 (*711 for hearing impaired) or connect by email 

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists can help you make a personal plan to safely build strength and stamina before surgery.

To connect with a Physiotherapist:

  • You do not need a referral
  • Visit bcphysio.org to find a physiotherapist near you.
  • Physiotherapy may be partially covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) Supplementary Benefits program. Check the BC Government website for more information.

Where to Learn More

HealthLink Strength and Balance for Life (STABL) Level 1 - Sit

HealthLink Strength and Balance for Life (STABL) Level 2 - Stand

HealthLink Strength and Balance for Life (STABL) Level 3 - Move

HealthLink Strength and Balance for Life (STABLE) Videos

Choose to Move - Activity Coaching

HealthlinkBC - Connect with a Certified Exercise Physiologist

BCPhysio.org - Find a Physiotherapist

Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines

First Nations Health Authority information on Being Active