New Ulm Gym Helps Breast Cancer Survivors Rebuild Strength

Beating breast cancer is a triumph, but rebuilding your body and confidence afterward can feel like another mountain to climb.

That's why Brandy Toomer started Survival Fitness in New Ulm, Minnesota. The program gives breast cancer survivors a space to regain strength through functional exercises that mirror everyday life.

"The women already know how to survive, now I just want to teach them how to live," Toomer said.

The classes focus on movements survivors use daily. Deadlifts mimic picking up laundry baskets. Overhead presses mirror reaching for shelves or lifting grandchildren. Squats help with simply sitting and standing.

Dr. Cori Jordan, a breast surgeon at New Ulm Medical Center, approached Toomer in 2021 with the idea. She knew exercise could serve as medicine for survivors, both physically and mentally.

Toomer collaborated with B the Light, a local nonprofit supporting breast cancer survivors, to launch the program. The organization covers all costs so survivors can attend free.

The classes run four weeks in fall and four weeks in spring. Each session addresses specific needs like bone loss from chemotherapy, muscle weakness, and hormonal imbalances from premature menopause caused by treatments.

But the physical benefits tell only part of the story. Survivors gather to share laughs, swap stories, and support each other through different stages of recovery.

"I have participated in a few different sessions and saw firsthand how it helps women not only physically but also mentally as they connect with other survivors," said Amber Melby, founder of B the Light.

The Ripple Effect

Survival Fitness has become one of B the Light's most popular programs. Women at any point in their cancer journey can join with clearance from their medical team, and trainers modify exercises for individual needs.

The next fall session starts September 9, with registration open until September 7. Survivors can sign up through the B the Light website, joining a growing community of women reclaiming their strength together.