Exercising Our ABC's (African- American Breast Cancer Survivors)

Resistance exercise will be performed 2 days per week for 18 weeks. The resistance training protocol will follow the Resistance Training Strategies for Individuals With Cancer (RTSFIC). The goals will be to keep intensity levels low at the outset (having lighter weights and more reps) and progress slowly and safely. Training prescriptions will be modified based on the training level of the patients and their progress.

A 20-week aerobic walking exercise program will be developed for each participant based on results of initial exercise testing and prescribed to be done 5 or more days per week designed to progress from moderate exercise intensity, (50-70% maximum heart rate), to vigorous exercise intensity (75-85% maximum heart rate). Maximum heart rate (HR max) will be determined as the peak heart rate achieved during initial cardiopulmonary exercise screening. Heart rate during exercise will be monitored by participants using wrist monitors, already available through TREC Program. Patient progress will also be evaluated using a six minute walk test (6MWT), which will be conducted at TGP at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 weeks and, after completion of the intervention.

The psychosocial component of the 20-week exercise program includes a 1 ½ hour support group offered prior to one of the weekly exercise classes.