Why LIVESTRONG at the YMCA?
As a cancer survivor, you know the tremendous toll the disease and its treatment can take on your spirit, mind and body. You want to begin to heal and reclaim your health. But where do you start? LIVESTRONG at the YMCA can help.
In 2008, the YMCA partnered with the LIVESTRONG Foundation to help cancer survivors begin the journey toward recovery with the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. Part of the Y’s commitment to strengthening community through healthy living, the program offers adults affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person.
How does the program work?
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on you – the whole person – not the disease. The FREE 12-week program meets twice a week for 90 minutes. Traditional exercise methods ease you back into fitness and help you maintain a healthy weight.
You’ll focus on the following:
- Building muscle mass and strength
- Increasing flexibility and endurance
- Improving confidence and self-esteem
You’ll also learn about wellness, stress-reduction techniques and how to continue healthful habits after the program has ended. Just as important, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA encourages a warm spirit of community – a safe, comfortable place to build companionship with others affected by cancer and share stories and inspiration.
No one experiences cancer in the same way. Participants come to the program with different physical challenges and lifestyle goals. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA provides you with individualized attention and an approach to recovery that targets the areas you need to rebuild. There’s no competition here — physical activities are tailored to match your abilities.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA staff have been specifically trained to work with cancer survivors and patients and follow American College of Sports Medicine and American Cancer Society exercise guidelines. They’re exercise experts who can understand the unique physical needs and concerns of participants and help address them safely. They’re relationship builders with the empathy and ability to connect with and develop relationships with and among cancer survivors and their families.
The need for LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
Medical studies have shown that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity can reduce fatigue, boost self-esteem and improve muscle strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment. And cancer survivors themselves are increasingly aware of the positive impact that moderate physical activity, supportive relationships can have on their quality of life. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has helped thousand of cancer survivors move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is offered at no charge to participants and their families. Your tax-deductible contribution will sponsor cancer survivors in our immediate area.
We are grateful for any oncology medical professionals and dietitians who would volunteer for an hour or two for our 12-week sessions.