Meet the Team
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About the BfitBwell Exercise Program
BfitBwell is a 3-month long individualized exercise program for individuals diagnosed with cancer who are currently going through treatment at the University of Colorado Cancer Center or no more than post 6 months treatment. An extensive pre- and post-assessment is conducted providing insight into diet and nutrition, sleep, stress, fatigue and depression, quality of life, self-efficacy, muscular strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Participants will be working one-on-one and in semi-private settings completing an exercise program designed by a Cancer Exercise Specialist.
All training sessions are individualized and tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Participants will have full access to the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center Fitness Center. Supervised exercise sessions are typically scheduled Monday-Friday, 8AM-4PM.
Mission
To provide excellent and inclusive fitness and wellness services to individuals living with and beyond cancer at the University of Colorado Cancer Center and surrounding communities.
We Are Enrolling New Patients!
Participant Eligibility:
- Currently undergoing treatment OR no more than 6 months post-treatment. (Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, etc)
Program Details:
Cost for the patient:
$177.00 Total (Can be broken down to $59.00 per month for the 3 months)
3 months in length
- We start all new patients on month start. For example, we enroll for a September start, October start, November start, etc.
What the program includes:
- In-depth Pre and Post assessment including various measures of physical fitness and physical function, as well as surveys to assess fatigue, depression, quality of life, stress, sleep, nutrition/diet, and self-efficacy. Typically this assessment, and membership set up is done within the month prior to your start date.
- Individualized training sessions designed by a Cancer Exercise Specialist based on information from your initial assessment, medical history, medications, and physician clearance.
- Two training sessions per week (one in-person and one virtual)
- Access to the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center
Telehealth (Virtual Resources):
- Virtual exercise training is provided by the TrueCoach personal training application
- Additional telehealth services are provided on an as needed basis (e.g. for patients living in rural areas or with transportation difficulties).
We know that any given day, things may change, based on how you feel, energy level, etc. so we are able and often adapt as necessary. Incorporating exercise into your routine is often new and can awaken new muscles, so it is our job to find a balance of what is appropriate for you based on how you are feeling and reacting to exercise.
Exercise in cancer patients has been proven to:
- Decrease depression
- Reduce fatigue
- Increase muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance
- Create and promote healthy lifestyle choices
- Improve overall quality of life
Exercise is recommended and beneficial to almost every person and population. People young and old, well and ill, can often safely participate in exercise and experience improvements in physical fitness, physical function, and overall quality of life. Cancer survivors are no exception.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has issued exercise recommendations for cancer survivors. The recommendations state that cancer survivors should participate in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise 3 times per week and 30-minute strength training sessions 2-3 times per week. It has been shown that it is safe for cancer survivors to participate in exercise, both during and after treatment. Previous research has shown that cancer survivors participating in exercise programs experience improvements in physical fitness, physical function, fatigue, and quality of life. In addition to these benefits, there is also evidence that increased physical activity and exercise may lead to decreased risks of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality.
The safety and benefits of exercise can vary based on cancer diagnosis, stage, or treatment, so it is important to speak with your doctor prior to starting an exercise program. Here at the BfitBwell Program, we incorporate the latest recommendations to make sure your exercise program is safe and appropriate for you during each visit.
Here at the BfitBwell Program, we are working to perform research that will help us improve the exercise programs that we, and others, provide to cancer survivors. Below are our active studies. Please inquire about potential research opportunities if you are interested when you start the program.
Current Studies
- Creation of a Comprehensive Database of Cancer Survivors Participating in an Exercise Program (COMIRB #16-0692, PI: Purcell)
Published Studies
Participant Resources
BfitBwell Location
Contact Us
Email: AHWC.BfitBwell@ucdenver.edu
Phone: 303-724-9202