Cancer Survivors Are Getting Stronger Through CrossFit—Here's What the Research Shows

Cancer survivors can regain physical strength and improve sleep quality through structured CrossFit training, according to a new initiative launching across Michigan. The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is partnering with Wayne State University School of Medicine to offer free 12-week CrossFit classes designed specifically for cancer survivors, with sessions beginning in March, April, and May 2026 across three counties.

Why Exercise Matters After Cancer Treatment

The American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors resume regular physical activity as soon as possible after diagnosis, aiming for 150 to 300 minutes of weekly exercise that includes strength training. Recent research validates this guidance. A study published in January 2026 in Cancer Medicine examined data from the CAPABLE intervention and found that cancer survivors who met these exercise recommendations reported significantly less insomnia and better overall sleep quality. Sleep health emerged as one of the most important predictors of quality of life for cancer survivors in this population.

"Exercising has a large impact on our physical, but also our mental well-being," said Jennifer Beebe-Dimmer, Ph.D., MPH, leader of the Population Studies Research Program and scientific director of the Epidemiology Research Core at Karmanos. "We have seen tremendous success with many cancer survivors participating in CAPABLE. Physical activity is so important to our health, but especially after a cancer diagnosis."

What Is CAPABLE and How Does It Work?

CAPABLE stands for CrossFit and Physical Activity: A Better Life Experience. The program introduces cancer survivors to CrossFit training through 12 weeks of classes held three times per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) at partner gyms. Since launching in 2019, more than 320 cancer survivors have completed CAPABLE, and the program has expanded to seven gym locations across Michigan.

The program combines high-intensity interval training with strength training, focusing on functional movements—exercises that mirror everyday activities like squatting, lifting, pulling, and pushing. What makes CAPABLE unique is its scalability. All participants perform the same exercises but at individualized intensity levels. Some participants might lift five-pound weights while others lift significantly more. Some walk during cardio portions while others jog. Each survivor works at their own ability level, with modifications outlined by their physician.

How to Get Started With CAPABLE Classes

• Eligibility Requirements: You must be 18 years or older, a cancer survivor (regardless of cancer type), and not currently participating in a regular exercise program. Medical clearance from your oncologist or primary care provider is required before enrollment.
• Program Duration and Schedule: Classes run for 12 weeks with sessions held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at partner gyms in Detroit, Farmington Hills, and Grand Blanc. Three separate cohorts begin on March 2, March 16, and April 27, 2026.
• Registration and Support: Registration is now open at karmanos.org/CAPABLE. For questions, contact the CAPABLE team at 313-578-4246 or email the program directly. No previous exercise experience is necessary to participate.
• Additional Resources: The program provides nutrition guidance consistent with current cancer survivor recommendations to help participants maximize their 12 weeks and build healthy habits that last beyond the program.

Real-World Benefits Beyond the Gym

Participants report meaningful improvements in daily functioning. Survivors describe being able to do activities they couldn't before taking CAPABLE classes, such as picking up their grandchildren and carrying groceries from the car without assistance. These functional gains reflect the program's focus on movements required for daily living rather than isolated muscle exercises.

Dr. Beebe-Dimmer explained the comprehensive approach: "The survivors will learn how to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives and build back some muscle they may have lost during their treatments. As we take cancer survivors through this training, we look at a host of outcomes—everything from physical fitness and body composition to sleep health, cognitive function and quality of life."

What Does the Research Show About Exercise and Cancer Survival?

The evidence supporting exercise for cancer survivors continues to grow. Beyond the sleep quality findings, additional research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting in 2025 examined structured exercise after adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer, with results published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2025. These studies reinforce that physical activity is not just safe for cancer survivors—it measurably improves multiple aspects of health and quality of life.

The CAPABLE program represents a practical application of this research, translating scientific recommendations into accessible, community-based fitness classes that meet cancer survivors where they are in their recovery journey. With registration now open and sessions beginning soon, cancer survivors in Michigan have an opportunity to rebuild strength, improve sleep, and regain confidence in their bodies.