The New Canaan YMCA held its first session of the national program Livestrong at the YMCA this past fall. The 12-week program for cancer survivors within our community came to an end on December 18 with a graduation event.

The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is a research-based program that offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. 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. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA seeks to address the limited availability of physical activity programs specifically for cancer survivors.

Seven cancer survivors from our community, ranging in age from 45 to 78 participated in the pilot program this fall. Participants met twice a week at the Y and worked with two LIVESTRONG at the YMCA certified Personal Trainers. The group enjoyed working out and interacting with each other in the Wellness Center, trying a variety of Y classes based on their interests, learning meditation and relaxation exercises, stretching, and more.

Just five weeks into the program, one participant, who is a breast cancer survivor shared, “I can see a difference in every person. I think everyone has gained something, whether physical or psychological.”
Another participant, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer added, “The instructors have been so welcoming, caring, and dedicated to helping each of us. They go above and
beyond.”

At the graduation event, one of the participants commented, “I love this class, we became family. In the future, I hope to continue these relationships.” Another participant wanted to let other cancer survivors know, “You can work and progress at your own pace. I felt very comfortable coming into the program because I knew that my friends were waiting for me.”

Many of the participants also shared that they have been able to implement tips and exercises they have learned from the program outside of the Y, whether exercising at home or remembering to stand up straight when at the grocery store.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Personal Trainer, Deb Kozar, shared some of her advice that she gives to the group, “It’s about knowing what your body can do… not what it can’t. There’s also a mind-body connection, the more you do, the more you can do.”

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a twelve-week, small-group program designed for adult cancer survivors. The program is offered at no cost to any cancer survivors in our community. This program fulfills the important need of supporting the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their normal life or their “new normal”. Specially trained and certified Y fitness instructors work with each participant to fit the program to their individual needs.

Bridget Philipp, Senior Director of Healthy Living and Medical Fitness at the Y commented, “We are so pleased to be able to help in the battle and support cancer survivors in our community through this program. Exercise is effective both in treatment and prevention for of all types of diseases including several types of cancer, particularly colon, and recurrent breast cancers. The Livestrong at the YMCA program provides a safe, effective way for someone to start on their path to more physical activity and healing.”

To date, the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is available in over 145 Y’s throughout the country and has helped more than 13,000 cancer survivors. The program is available to any cancer survivor within our community and is offered at no cost. The next session of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA will begin in February. To learn more about the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program at the New Canaan YMCA, contact Bridget Philipp at [email protected]