The YMCA of Austin (Austin, TX)
Photo provided by the Eugene Family YMCA
The YMCA of Austin Livestrong program provides lowcost or free classes with discounted membership at the Y for enrollees. Those who are 18 and older are welcome to enroll, as well as those in treatment with physician approval. With a 1:6 instructor to student ratio, the 12-week long program ensures a personalized experience and covers a variety of important topics from mental health and nutrition to survivorship. Run twice a week for 75 minutes, the evening class creates a welcoming environment for survivors. In one instance, the students closed the curtains and took off their wigs because everyone felt comfortable with one another.
The program notes that one hurdle many people don’t think about overcoming is difficulties in balance posttreatment. To address this concern, the classes include a pre and post program assessment to help students improve on areas of concern, including balance. The well-paced classes provide an opportunity to improve at your own pace and make friends along the way!
Students also celebrate birthdays and enjoy lunch together. The program provides a continuous place of support for anyone willing to participate.
Eugene Family YMCA (Eugene, OR)
This 12-week long program encourages students to “start low and go slow.” Students work with trained staff members who help guide students towards their fitness goals. The programs help improve not only physical wellbeing, but mental and personal health as well. However because of the program’s popularity, the wait list often holds as many as 40 people at once. To provide access to more people, the Eugene Family YMCA provides a 6-video series, Reclaim, that teaches people cardio, balance, meditation and more, all available on their website. Because of COVID, the program hasn’t been in person, but they plan on coming back by the end of February 2022.
The Takeaway?
The Livestrong program is one of many free/low cost classes that provide a great opportunity to meet new people and improve your physical condition. Contact your local Y and ask about programs available to cancer survivors. Though this first step may be difficult, it is an important and necessary one. Take your time making these baby steps as each step, no matter how small, is still a step made towards a stronger you.
The Boston Y’s Livestrong program creates a group setting that brings students direct and indirect support. The 12-week long program meets twice a week, (Mondays and Wednesdays 1:30 to 3:00 pm) and is free of cost. Classes are open to both adults and children, and for anyone currently undergoing treatment. A doctor’s approval is required to participate. Workouts are socially distanced in reserved rooms, and trainers wear masks at all times. Cleaning is done continuously before and after sessions to ensure the safety of students. The workouts follow the Queenax pre-core regime which helps students slowly build up cardio, and with a yoga style class, students can make improvements without overstraining their bodies.
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Photo provided by the Eugene Family YMCA
YMCA of Greater Boston (Boston, MA)
Special thanks to everyone at The Livestrong Foundation, the Eugene Family YMCA in Oregon, the YMCA of Austin, the YMCA of Greater Boston and the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas for their time and willingness to share more about this wonderful program with us. www.brightermagazine.com
