Our next session begins April 4th!
Applications accepted through March 31, 2023.
Benefit Statement
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA fosters an environment that supports the cancer survivor's health and well-being journey. The Decatur Family YMCA accomplishes support through individual and community based donors. Participants work with our certified YMCA staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance and improving confidence and self-esteem. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps survivors and their caregivers move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.
What is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a health and wellness program designed to support cancer survivors. This program focuses on you—the whole person. The free, 12-week program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help you maintain a healthy weight.
You’ll focus on: building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. Plus, learn about wellness, stress reduction techniques and how to continue healthful habits after the program has ended. Just as important, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA encourages a warm spirit of community—a safe, comfortable place for you to build companionship with others affected by cancer and share stories and inspiration.
Taking It At Your Own Pace
No one experiences cancer in the same way. Participants come to the program with different physical challenges and lifestyle goals.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA provides you with individualized attention and an approach to recovery that targets the areas you need to rebuild. There’s no competition here—the physical activities are tailored to match only what you’re able to accomplish.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA staff have been specially trained to work with cancer survivors and patients and follow American College of Sports Medicine and American Cancer Society exercise guidelines. They’re exercise experts who can understand your unique physical needs and concerns and help you address them safely. They’re also relationship builders with the empathy and ability to connect with and develop relationships with and among cancer survivors and their families.
Impacting The Lives Of Many
YMCA 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. Cancer survivors themselves are increasingly aware of the positive impact that moderate physical activity, supportive relationships and stress reduction techniques can have on their quality of life. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has helped thousands of cancer survivors move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.
Who Can Participate
Any adult who is currently going through cancer treatment or has gone through some form of cancer treatment (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.) and wants to regain their health and well-being.
For more information about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, contact Austin Klaus at 217-872-9622 ext. 146 or email austin.klaus@decaturymca.org, or stop by the front desk and pick up an information packet.
MEETING TIMES:
The LIVESTRONG program meets Tuesday & Thursdays at the following time:
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Next class begins January 10, 2023. Applications accepted through December 31, 2022.
UPCOMING SESSIONS:
January 10, 2023 - March 30, 2023
April 4, 2023 - June 22, 2023
August 22, 2023 - November 9, 2023
Decatur Family YMCA member and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participant Kathleen Bell shares her story.
