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Rebuild Strength, Confidence, and Community with LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA

A cancer diagnosis changes your life, but it doesn’t have to define it. At the Summit Area YMCA, we believe in supporting survivors on their journey to renewed strength, confidence, and overall well-being. That’s why we’re proud to offer LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a free, 12-week wellness program designed to help cancer survivors regain physical and emotional strength in a supportive environment.

If you or a loved one is a cancer survivor, now is the time to take that next step toward recovery—together.

What is LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA?

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a research-based health and wellness program tailored to help adult cancer survivors increase strength, mobility, and overall quality of life after treatment. Through guided exercise sessions, small group support, and expert coaching, participants work on rebuilding their health in a way that is safe, effective, and uplifting.

The program provides:

  • Personalized fitness coaching by trained instructors specializing in cancer recovery
  • Two 90-minute small-group training sessions per week
  • A safe and welcoming community of fellow survivors
  • A holistic approach that focuses on physical, emotional, and mental well-being

And best of all, it’s completely free for participants.

The Science Behind Exercise and Cancer Recovery

The benefits of exercise for cancer survivors are well-documented. Studies show that:

  • Regular physical activity reduces cancer-related fatigue by up to 50% (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)
  • Cancer survivors who engage in exercise are 42% more likely to have longer survival rates (Source: National Cancer Institute)
  • Physical activity lowers the risk of cancer recurrence and improves mental well-being (Source: American Cancer Society)

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is designed with these benefits in mind, helping participants not only regain their strength but also improve their overall well-being in a supportive community setting.

Upcoming Session Information

We are excited to offer two upcoming LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA sessions at the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA:

Berkeley Heights YMCA

  • February 18 – May 8, 2025
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

Summit YMCA

  • March 24 – June 11, 2025
  • Mondays & Wednesdays | 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
  • No class on May 26 (Memorial Day)

Program Eligibility:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Open to all cancer survivors, whether currently undergoing treatment or in remission
  • Medical clearance from a physician is required

A Program That Changes Lives

The impact of this program is profound, and the stories from past participants say it best:

“My experience with LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA was everything I needed. It was a blessing to spend time with people who had walked the cancer journey, and we encouraged each other every step of the way.”
— LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Participant (Livestrong.org)

“Exercise has been shown to be an essential part of cancer recovery, yet many survivors feel unsure about where to start. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA offers a safe and structured environment for them to regain their health and confidence.”
— Dr. Kathryn Schmitz, Cancer Researcher & Exercise Oncology Expert (Source: NIH)

How to Sign Up

Don’t wait—spots for the next session fill up quickly.

REGISTER

Take that next step toward healing and strength. Join LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA today—because recovery is stronger together.

YMCA NEWS

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA

In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men’s Christian Association, but today, we are The Y; an association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.

Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.

Please note that the section of Maple Street closest to the Summit YMCA will be closed from approximately 7 AM to 11 AM on Sunday, May 5, for our Mother’s Day 5K. Please use Cedar Street to access the public lot that is next to our building.