THOSE INVOLVED IN THE YMCA LIVESTRONG PROGRAM include front row from left: Sheila Tighe, Mary Boyle, Rebecca “Becca” Thorpe, Diane DeVivo and Judy Gray. Back row, from left: Jeff Dodds, trainer; Liz Solomon; Joanie Angelosanto; Mike Perrino; Marilyn Ward, mentor; Marty Stanton, mentor; Eileen Lyle, mentor and Courtney Vernadakis, trainer. (Courtesy Photo)
By GAIL LOWE
MELROSE—Applications are now being accepted for the YMCA’s LiveSTRONG program summer session, set to begin on Monday, July 10 and continuing through Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The program is free of charge to those 18 years and older who have recently been diagnosed with cancer, are undergoing treatment or have already had treatment.
Applications for the fall sessions—October through December—are also being accepted.
YMCA officials are grateful for past and current LiveSTRONG supporters, including the Melrose Cooperative Bank Foundation, Melrose Bank (currently Cambridge Savings Bank), the Massachusetts Alliance of YMCAs and donors who support the Stay Fit and Connected Program, which include LiveSTRONG Medford Surgery Center LLC and Fallon Health. Generous grants and donors through the YMCA’s Annual Fund have made this program possible.
YMCA membership is not a requirement to participate nor are applicants required to live in Melrose.
LiveSTRONG focuses on physical activity and includes customized exercises specific to individual needs over a 12-week period. The exercises are overseen by certified fitness instructors who have been trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise and supportive cancer care. Exercises are geared to cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises.
Vernadakis, who runs the 12-week sessions four times each year (winter, spring, summer and fall), knows firsthand how important it is to stay active after a cancer diagnosis as she is a survivor, herself.
“Physical activity is vital and this program allows us to help you find a way to incorporate extra movement into your day,” said Vernadakis. “Not only do we help you with your strength, endurance and mobility, the social aspects of the program are just as important because participants are with people who understand the effects of cancer treatments.” (See Page 5 for LiveSTRONG participant Rebecca “Becca” Thorpe’s story.)
Each 90-minute session focuses on 30 minutes of cardio training on a machine of a participant’s choice—treadmill, elliptical, rower or stationary bike—and trainers explain in detail proper form and benefits derived from using the machines. In addition, participants spend 30 minutes in strength training or using weight machines. The final 30 minutes are concentrated on a mix of balance and flexibility exercises.
Pre- and post-participation evaluations include functional and quality of life assessments.
As an added bonus, participants and a caregiver receive a membership at the YMCA for the duration of the program.
Vernadakis said LiveSTRONG focuses on the whole person, not just the disease.
“LiveSTRONG is definitely meant to help with cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility and more, but the mental aspect is equally important,” she said.
“Having something to belong to and having a goal that you are working toward, especially during treatment, lifts people’s spirits and gives them a purpose.”
The 12 weeks not only focuses on cardio and strength but on improving an individual’s mental health. In addition to the workouts, participants also attend a nutrition seminar and group fitness classes with their LiveSTRONG group.
Contact Courtney Vernadakis at cvernadakis@metronorthYMCA.org or call 781-665-4360 for further information.