Karmanos Opens Free Fitness Class for Female Cancer Survivors, Those with Family History of Cancer in Dearborn Heights

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University (WSU) School of Medicine continue to provide free Cross-Training and Physical Activity: A Better Life Experience (CAPABLE) classes to cancer survivors. Registration is now open for a new session in September held in Dearborn Heights. “We’re excited to offer CAPABLE to women in the Dearborn Heights area,” said Jennifer Beebe-Dimmer, Ph.D., MPH, principal investigator of the CAPABLE study, 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 program's popularity has grown, with many previous participants telling their fellow cancer thrivers about the program. Physicians also refer their patients to sign up for CAPABLE.” Classes in Dearborn Heights are only open to female cancer survivors and women over 40 who are overweight or have a family history of cancer. This fall’s session will be held at HYPE Athletics Center. The instructor is a woman who will assist participants through physical activity in the women's-only portion of the gym. What is CAPABLE and Why Should I Participate? CAPABLE is a 12-week physical education program that contains three sessions a week. In the sessions, cancer survivors are introduced to the sport of CrossFit. The American Cancer Society recommends cancer survivors avoid inactivity and resume their regular physical activities after a diagnosis as soon as their doctor deems it safe. They also recommend survivors exercise for 150-300 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. The strength and conditioning workouts are simple movements performed at scalable levels for each participant. “I believe in the impact of this exercise method on physical and mental wellness. We have seen tremendous success with many cancer survivors participating in CAPABLE. Participants learn and experience how physical activity can benefit their health after a cancer diagnosis and how to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. For people who have a family history of cancer, this type of physical activity can assist in preventing disease,” explained Dr. Beebe-Dimmer. The CAPABLE Study In June 2023, Dr. Beebe-Dimmer and her research team published “The Impact of High Intensity Interval Training in a Diverse Group of Cancer Survivors: CAPABLE, A Pilot Study,” in Preventative Medicine. This study featured 48 metro Detroit cancer survivors who participated in CAPABLE. Participants were mostly breast and prostate cancer survivors, which are two of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in metro Detroit. Karmanos and WSU researchers found that participants tolerated the CAPABLE format of physical education and strength training well during the 12 weeks. Benefits included weight loss, a better quality of life and improved HbA1c levels among participants. Plus, this study emphasizes community building and social support among cancer survivors, and strengthening the ability to do functional movements required for everyday living. As part of the program, researchers will continue to examine the benefits of this CrossFit training on cancer survivors, including how it impacts functional performance, cardiovascular endurance, metabolic health, and “everything from physical fitness and body composition, sleep health, and quality of life,” said Dr. Beebe-Dimmer. Sign Up Today Participants do not need previous exercise experience to participate. To register for CAPABLE, fill out the form at karmanos.org/CAPABLE. A member of the CAPABLE team will reach out to you. For questions, contact the CAPABLE team at 313-578-4246 or email [email protected]. View the flyer in Arabic here.