As a cancer survivor, you know the tremendous toll the disease and its treatment can take on your spirit, mind and body. You want to begin to heal and reclaim your health. But where do you start? LIVESTRONG at the YMCA can help. In 2008, the YMCA partnered with the LIVESTRONG® Foundation to help cancer survivors begin the journey toward recovery with the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. Part of the Y’s commitment to strengthening community through healthy living, the program offers adults affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person.
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 offer this program to the survivor at no cost; it includes a free YMCA membership for the participant and their family. Participating YMCAs create a welcoming area where survivors can improve their strength and physical fitness, lessen the harshness of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships, and improve their quality of life.
How Does the Program Work?
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA focuses on you - the whole person - not the disease. The free, 12-week program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back in-to fitness and help you maintain a healthy weight. You'll focus on:
- 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.
- 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 at your own page. There’s no competition here—physical activities are tailored to match only what you’re able to accomplish. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA allows you to work at your own pace through the guidance of our staff who have specifically trained for this program. We also offer a safe, comfortable place for you to work with others who have been affected by cancer that you can share stories and inspiration with.
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. 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.
Ready to Get Started?
Williamsport Branch YMCA
641 Walnut St., Williamsport
Contact: Nikki Fiel
Call 570-323-7134 ext. 174
Email Nikki
Eastern Lycoming Branch YMCA
50 Fitness Dr., Muncy
Contact: Elisa Allen
Call 570-546-8822 ext. 407
Email Elisa
Bradford County Branch YMCA
9 College Ave., Towanda
Contact: Rachel Trent
570-268-9622 ext. 602
Email Rachel
Tioga County Branch YMCA
40-42 Besanceney Dr., Mansfield
Contact: Tasha Pratt
Call 570-662-2999 ext. 503
Email Tasha
Lock Haven Branch YMCA
145 East Water St., Lock Haven
Contact: Sara Phillips
Call 570-748-6727 ext. 805
Email Sara
Jersey Shore Branch YMCA
826 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore
Contact: Christine Kinney
Call 570-398-2150 ext. 304
Email Christine