HOWLIVESTRONGATTHEYMCAWORKS:
203.754.9622 | 136 WEST MAIN STREET, WATERBURY, CT
BUILDING STRONG SURVIVORS INTWELVEWEEKS
Classes include both a structured strength and cardio program with opportunities for meditation
and sharing. Each individual is evaluated at a personal in-take session prior to the beginning of
the program to learn of limitations, treatments, surgeries, and past exercise experience in order
to help each participant meet their personal goals.
The first day of each session is a “Meet and Greet,” where survivors share their personal
experience with their cancer and share their background/hobbies/family etc. The second day
of each session is “Functional Assessment Day,” where basic fitness tests are conducted to
measure flexibility, cardio endurance, range of motion, balance, and strength. The last week of
the program, the same tests are administered so that progress is measured accurately in each
area. The participants pledge to attend 20 out of the 24 classes, thus motivating people to
continue throughout the program, and allowing them to get the best results. The survivors get a
free 3 month YMCA membership during the class time, and come into the Y at any time during
those 12 weeks. They are even allowed to bring a caretaker, family member or friend with them
as a guest every time they come.
The survivors take a variety of different classes so they see all that the Y has to offer, in hopes
that they find something they love, and will continue coming to the Y after the program ends.
During the 12-week session, the survivors do Zumba, Tai Chi, Step Class, “Chair Chisel,” Yoga,
Spinning, “Aerobics Plus” and Water Aerobics.
The entire group, instructors included, are so supportive of each other and spend their workout
sessions chatting, laughing, and encouraging one another. The real beauty of the program is that
when someone isn’t feeling well, the others can relate to those feelings.
They become more
than just “classmates” by exchanging contact info and checking in with one another
throughout each week.
AT THE CONCLUSIONOF THE PROGRAM, EACH PARTICIPANT IS OFFERED
A SPECIAL GRADUATE REDUCEDMEMBERSHIP RATE; TOGETHERWITH
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IF NEEDED, TO ENCOURAGE CONTINUED EXERCISE.
There is a joyous graduation and potluck celebration at the conclusion of every session. The
positive outcomes of LiveSTRONG at the YMCA are plentiful! The main goal of the program is to
enable survivors to get their “pre-cancer” lives back, and we do just that. Survivors say everyday
tasks like walking up the stairs is easier, and balance and range of motion greatly improves.
Their overall mood improves as they overcome depression and anxiety. Progressive training
increases endurance, helps reduce fatigue levels, makes them stronger, more flexible, and just
generally feel better and healthier. LiveSTRONG at the YMCA gives them hope that life goes on
and can be better than ever.
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