LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week, small group program designed for adult cancer survivors. This program fulfills the important need of supporting the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their normal life or their "new normal.” The program is conducted outside of medical facilities to emphasize that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is about health, not disease.

The goal of the program is to help participants build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability. Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self esteem. Participants also receive the assistance needed to develop their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants a supportive environment and a feeling of community with their fellow survivors, YMCA staff and members.

YMCA fitness instructors work with each participant to fit the program to their individual needs. The instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise and supportive cancer care. Through the 2011 Community Impact Project LIVESTRONG will fund the expansion of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program in two new regions, with each region receiving $35,000 to divide equally between participating YMCA locations. The application process for a YMCA to apply for this opportunity is being done through our partners at the YMCA of the USA.