Cancer survivors encouraged to sign up before classes fill
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is partnering with Wayne State University (WSU) School of Medicine and RepEaters CrossFit in Commerce Township to offer cancer survivors 12 weeks of physical activity classes. These free classes are provided as part of an exercise program called Cross-Training and Physical Activity: A Better Life Experience (CAPABLE), which introduces CrossFit to cancer survivors. The CAPABLE team is looking for 20 cancer survivors to participate in the program. Previous exercise experience is not necessary to participate.
“I created CAPABLE because I believe in the impact that exercise has on wellness, both physically and mentally,” said Jennifer Beebe-Dimmer, Ph.D., MPH, leader of the Population Studies and Disparities Research (PSDR) Program, scientific director of the Epidemiology Research Core at Karmanos and professor of Oncology at WSU.
The American Cancer Society recommends cancer survivors avoid inactivity and resume their normal physical activities after a diagnosis as soon as their doctor deems it safe. They also recommend survivors exercise for at least 150 minutes weekly, including strength training.
“CAPABLE was designed to help survivors learn how to meet these exercise and strength-training recommendations and to teach fitness skills they can use well beyond the classes,” explained Dr. Beebe-Dimmer.
CAPABLE classes include interval training and strength and conditioning workouts of simple movements performed at scalable levels for each participant. Classes begin Monday, April 8, 2024, and occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. The course will run for 12 weeks. The exercise classes will be held at the RepEaters CrossFit at 3202 Old Farm Lane in Commerce Township. To sign up, visit karmanos.org/capable.
For questions, contact the CAPABLE team at 313-578-4246, email CAPABLE@wayne.edu, or visit the teamcapable.org.