LIVESTRONG

LIVESTRONG® AT THE FAMILY Y

Livestrong-image-header


Taking Action, Changing Lives

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is an evidence-based program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis. The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta creates 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.

Recent research from the Yale Cancer Center and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute confirmed that LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA participants experience improved fitness and quality of life as well as significant decreases in cancer-related fatigue. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, was developed and established in partnership with the LIVESTRONG® Foundation, assists those who are living with, through, or beyond cancer to strengthen their spirit, mind and body.

The program has served more than 52,000 cancer survivors in more than 600 communities across the nation.

PROGRAM IMPACT
Livestrong at the YMCA has been proven to:

  • Help survivors MEET OR EXCEED the recommended amount of physical activity.
  • Help survivors SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE their cardiovascular endurance.
  • IMPROVE cancer survivors’ overall quality of life and DECREASE their cancer-related fatigue.
For more information please contact Chase Day at 706-922-9638 or email [email protected].
 
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Participants Report

These are average improvements across all age levels, types of cancer and physical ability:

  • High levels of SATISFACTION
  • STRONG CONNECTIONS with other group members
  • PLANS TO CONTINUE EXERCISE after the program
  • 6 minute walk test (participants walk on an indoor track as quickly as possible for six minutes) – 16% improvement
  • Upper body strength – 49% improvement
  • Lower body strength – 39% improvement
  • Shoulder flexibility – 8% improvement
  • Functional balance (standing and reaching forward without losing balance) – 15% improvement
  • Standing balance (standing on one foot) – 11% improvement

Program Locations and Dates

To be notified of our next LIVESTRONG® session or to learn more, please contact Chase Day at 706-922-9638 or email [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

Through the 12-week program, certified LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA instructors help patients build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve energy levels and self-esteem. Instructors focus on the whole person, not the disease. They are trained in cancer survivorship, side effects of most cancer treatments, post-rehab exercises and supportive cancer care in addition to being personal trainers and group exercise instructors.

The program sessions generally begin in January/February, May (at a single location) and August/September at YMCAs throughout the Greater Augusta area. Classes meet twice weekly and last approximately 90 minutes. Sessions are limited to 12 participants.

Each participant is given an evaluation that includes Functional and Quality of Life assessments before and after participation. This allows the instructors to start each person at a level that is appropriate for them. Every class will include cardiovascular training to build endurance, strength training to help regain lost muscle tone and overall strength, stretching to aid in range of motion, especially in regards to cancer treatment side effects, and balance work. These areas will be addressed in a variety of ways, both on the wellness floor and through fitness classes.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is offered at no charge to participants thanks to support for the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. It includes a free, three-month Metro Membership to the family YMCA for the participant, and the option to add family members at a significantly reduced cost while the participant is in the program.