Healthy Living Resources

Livestrong At The Y

is a FREE 12-week YMCA-funded and YMCA-managed program for adult cancer survivors. Our program is about saying ‘goodbye’ to being a patient and saying ‘hello’ to being a healthy, whole person again. Contributions to our annual Partner of Youth campaign fund this free community program. $250 funds LIVESTRONG at the YMCA for one cancer survivor. Donate today and help rebuild someone’s spirit, mind, and body.

Purpose

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. Program participants receive a FREE 3-month YMCA family membership to help further their wellness journey.

Program

This research-based program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person.
Participants work with YMCA staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem.

In addition to physical benefits, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. The program is available year-round at the South Wood County YMCA. Classes are twice weekly for 75-minutes per class over a 12 week period.
Check your local Y branch for schedules and times.
Participants will be invited to participate in several components of the program, including:

• Group exercise classes
• Individualized training and exercise development sessions
• Social engagement activities, and
• Educational seminars and guest speakers

This program is recommended for survivors who have recently finished their cancer treatment. Enrollment will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits

Medical studies show that moderate levels of exercise help cancer survivors physically and mentally, increasing their overall quality of life. The YMCA’s goal is to support survivors through a program that provides them with a positive way to learn how to increase their physical activity.

Additional benefits will include reducing the severity of therapy and treatment side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes, and improving energy levels and self-esteem.

A final goal of the program will be to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle.

Certified Instructors

Certified YMCA fitness instructors will deliver the physical activity portions of the program. Instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post-rehab exercise, and supportive cancer care.