The New Canaan YMCA held its first session of the national program Livestrong this past fall. The 12-week program for adult cancer survivors within our community came to an end on Dec. 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,” according to a release. “The Livestrong program 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. They 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 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, said, “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.”
Many of the participants also said 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.
“It’s about knowing what your body can do … not what it can’t,” Deb Kozar, one of the trainers, said. “There’s also a mind-body connection — the more you do, the more you can do.”
The small-group program is offered at no cost to any cancer survivors in the community. It fulfills the 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.”
“We are so pleased to be able to help in the battle and support cancer survivors in our community through this program,” Bridget Philipp, senior director of Healthy Living and Medical Fitness, said. “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 program is available in more than 145 Y’s throughout the country and has helped more than 13,000 cancer survivors. The next session will begin in February.
More info: bphilipp@newcanaanymca.org
Eva Saint, left, Frieda Newton, Deb Kozar, Jean Bothwell, Beth Meyers, and Ann Marie Carney at the graduation event for the YMCA’s first session of the national program Livestrong, designed specifically for cancer survivors.