LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA

picture of Livestrong participant TommiAnn

In partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the YMCA has developed a small-group cancer survivorship program for those who are living with, through or beyond cancer. We know how important physical activity can be while recovering from cancer.

According to research from the Yale Cancer Center and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute, participants in our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program experience improved fitness and quality of life, as well as significant decreases in cancer-related fatigue.

Program Goals:

  •  Reclaim health and well-being through safe physical activity
  •  Build supportive relationships and reduce stress 

What to Expect:

  • Two 75- to 90-minute sessions per week
  • Cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises
  • Fitness and quality of life assessment before and after participation
  • 12-week program
  • YMCA-certified instructors helping you every step of the way

Who Can Participate?

  •  Adults 18+ living with or beyond cancer treatment; referral and clearance from physician required

Testimonial

"A picture can tell the story. Cancer takes; it doesn't give. It continues to take even when treatments are finished. Weakness, fatigue, soreness, battle scars, and just plain blahs are now my everyday fights.  

I was a triathlete, marathoner, and a teacher. Cancer took that from me. The war is finished, but the battle continues.

Livestrong gave my life back, literally! I did not want to move; it hurt too much. I was always too tired. I registered for Livestrong to get me out of my pity party. I wanted to begin fighting to get "me" back. Livestrong gave me the spark to begin again. The workouts were tailored to my strengths and weaknesses.

The group helped me be accountable to show up.  It provided me someplace to go and work on getting me out of my pity party. It wasn't easy; it was a challenge every time to keep moving forward. Now , I'm training for a 5k in November (YMCA Turkey Trot). If it wasn't for Livestrong, I would still be in my pity party.

THANK YOU for your encouragement, compassion and the willingness to make me stronger and be better. A new version of me."
--Tommiann H. (at right in photo)

 

These NC YMCAs offer Livestrong at the YMCA: