LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a twelve-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.

Our goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle 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. A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing 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.

To learn more about the program and the positive impact it has on participants, watch the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA video.

To find a YMCA that offers the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA location near you, view the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Map.

How can you get involved?
You can help further the work of LIVESTRONG and YMCA of the USA by:

• Promoting this resource to cancer survivors and caregivers.
• You can bring LIVESTRONG at the YMCA to your local Y:
  • In order to establish the program, Ys must first apply to participate in an extensive training to ensure that the staff has the understanding, knowledge and skills to support cancer survivor participants in the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. To encourage your Y, speak to the Y’s Director, Associate Director or Health and Wellness Director at your local Y and recommend that they inquire about upcoming opportunities to apply for the program.
    
    For more information, your local Y can contact LIVESTRONG at YMCA@LIVESTRONG.org or YMCA of the USA at 1.800.872.9622, extension 8897, or email Maureen.Pike@YMCA.net.