LIVESTRONG at the Downtown YMCA is a twelve-week, small group program designed for adult cancer survivors. 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". The program is conducted outside of medical facilities to emphasize that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is about health, not disease. Our goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability. Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self esteem. A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants a supportive environment and a feeling of community with their fellow survivors, YMCA staff and members.exercise and supportive cancer care. Ga***rd Downtown YMCA has been offering this program since March of
2013, with a total of over 60 cancer survivors served in the Oklahoma City
Association at this point. Each participant’s particular health concerns are considered throughout the program, and outcomes are carefully measured. These outcomes include cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, flexibility, agility, self efficacy for exercise, depressive symptoms and activities of daily living. In conjunction with YMCA of the USA and the University of Central Oklahoma, standard testing norms have been established and are carefully monitored. Participants have experienced yoga, cycle, Tai Chi, water aerobics and low-impact
land classes. In addition, they’ve learned from a life coach, taken grocery store
tours, and gotten chair massages – all while under the supervision of certified
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA trainers and instructors.
