My time at the Livestrong program has been more than fulfilling. The Livestrong program is designed to encourage cancer patients and/or survivors to engage in exercise. It is a twelve-week program and during the program, participants will have a free, full access YMCA membership. It is my job to interact with participants as well as provide much needed encouragement. I am there to listen, observe my instructors, and be a friend to everyone involved. I also help participants with their exercises and help them adjust equipment when needed. I recently led my very first exercise session with the participants and it was an eye opening experience. I clean equipment as well as set up any exercise sessions when needed. This experience has taught me invaluable lessons on life, exercise, and what two hours of exercise each week can do for you. I have gained a deeply rooted passion for this program and, if I am lucky, I hope to continue working with Livestrong in the future. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to participate in this program and I will be sad for it to end in a few short weeks.
We have participants complete twenty to thirty minutes of cardio before each session. They can choose the eliptical, treadmill, bikes, or do a mix of all three.
When we do not have a specialized class or circuit, we spend time strength training on machines.
This is where we meet to have cool down sessions, open discussions, certain classes (yoga, bands, Zumba, etc.) and visitors.