TAKING ACTION, CHANGING ODDS

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an evidence-based program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis. We’re creating a welcoming community in which survivors can improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships, and improve their quality of life…at no cost to the participant.

The program offers a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the spirit, mind and body.

Livestrong

How Does the Program Work?

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on you—the whole person—not the disease. Open to any adult 18 years or older who is living with or beyond cancer treatment. This 12-week program meets twice a week for 90 minutes and uses traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help you maintain a healthy weight. Our trained, supportive Y staff will help you to achieve such goals as:

  • Building muscle mass and strength
  • Increasing Flexibility and endurance
  • Improving confidence and self-esteem

Plus, 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 for you to build companionship with others affected by cancer and share stories and inspiration.

Taking It at Your Own Pace

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 only what you’re able to accomplish.

Expert, Caring Staff

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA staff have been specially 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 your unique physical needs and concerns and help you address them safely. They’re also relationship builders with the empathy and ability to connect with and develop relationships with and among cancer survivors and their families.

How to Get Started or Learn More

  • Contact Tenille at the Kenosha YMCA at 262-564-6835
  • A LIVESTRONG at the YMCA professional will conduct an interview to determine if the program will meet your needs
  • Doctor Permission is required.

  • During weekly meetings, certified YMCA health and wellness instructors will give personal, individualized instruction to the participants. The instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise, and supportive cancer care. Participants, and their families, will have full-access to the Y with a three-month membership.
  • Your LIVESTRONG at the YMCA professional will develop a plan based on the needs of the survivor that incorporates cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, balance and flexibility.

Additional goals include reducing the severity of side effects, managing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

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 and stress reduction techniques can have on their quality of life. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has helped thousands of cancer survivors move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

PROGRAM IMPACT

Researchers from the Yale Cancer Center and the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute conducted a randomized control trial to demonstrate the impact of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. Based on this research, the program was proven to:

  • Help meet or exceed the recommended amount of physical activity
  • Help significantly increase their cardiovascular endurance
  • Improve their overall quality of life and decrease cancer-related fatigue