Physical Activity through the Livestrong Program

Article contributed by Cancer Education Center staff, Tammy Adams, R.N.

The LIVESTRONG Foundation has partnered with many local YMCA's throughout the nation to provide a structured, supportive, research-based physical activity and well-being program to help cancer survivors move beyond cancer in mind, body and spirit.

The program includes:

• Free 12-week YMCA membership for survivor and primary caregiver
• Two 75-minute classes per week
• Individual instruction and group activities
• Cardiovascular exercise, strength training, stretching and balance workouts

The goals are:

• Improve energy levels
• Reduce the severity of treatment side effects
• Reduce stress levels
• Support positive self esteem
• Incorporate physical activity that is safe for each survivor
• Help build muscle strength
• Increase flexibility and endurance
• Restore balance

What to expect during the 12 weeks, 24 sessions of LIVESTRONG

(Adapted from Partners in Recovery LIVESTRONG at the YMCA)

Mind:

-Become part of a small group of people with similar life experiences.

-Sharing and forming friendships that will last beyond the LIVESTRONG session dates.

Body:

-Learn to trust your body again- learn a new normal

-Become familiar with cardio and strength machines in the fitness Center

-Experience different types of class offerings at the YMCA

Spirit:

-Devotion, meditation and yoga classes will be offered during the session dates

-Building trusting with the other LIVESTRONG participants and learning how to supporting each other through good as well as hard times.

Fitness instructors receive specialty training in the elements of cancer, post rehabilitation exercises and supportive cancer care. To learn more or find a program near you, visit the LIVESTRONG website.

The program in Rochester, Minnesota is recruiting patients now for its program starting

February 4-April 23, 2020, 1:30-2:45pm, sessions every Tuesday and Thursday

or March 2-May 20, 2020, 5:30-7:30pm, every Monday and Wednesday

Please call 507-287-2260 or visit www.ymcamn.org/rochester

If you'd like to talk to others who have been diagnosed with cancer about working on physical activity and general well being, join in discussions in the Cancer: Managing Symptoms group. Research shows sharing fitness goals with friends helps you stick to your program and reach your goals big and small.