Building Strength and Community

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to reclaim their health and well being. YMCA of the Suncoast is honored to offer this program to residents of Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA has served more than 45,000 people affected by cancer at nearly 600 YMCA locations throughout the country.

"LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA will allow us to more effectively involve cancer survivors – and their families - in the YMCA through programs that focus on their specific health and well-being," said G. Scott Goyer, President and CEO, YMCA of the Suncoast.

"Our goal is to provide the most supportive environment we can during their treatment and beyond."

Cancer takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected and their families. Studies show that physical activity helps people affected by cancer. It can reduce fatigue, boost self-esteem and improve strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment.

One of the best aspects of the program is the special social connection with their peers. Participants often form friendships and enjoy going to the Y to exercise and chat on non-program days.

In addition, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA helps participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. Pete Morris (in loving memory) believed in the program and shared his story about participating in LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA.

The program also helps reduce the severity of therapy side effects, prevent unwanted weight changes, and improve energy level. Ultimately, the participants learn and develop their own physical fitness program so they can continue practicing a healthy lifestyle – as part of recovery and as a way of life.

Certified YMCA LIVESTRONG® instructors give personal, individualized instruction to participants in a small group. Find the LIVESTRONG® program at the following branches. Please note: pre-registration is required for all programs. Please call your local Y to sign up. 

About the LIVESTRONG® Program 

In addition to physical benefits, the program also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

In 2008, the Y and LIVESTRONG® partnered to create a well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. The research-based program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person.

Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem.