YMCA Cancer Survivors is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist-designed program (AEP) and delivers exercise intervention specifically for people who are either going through or recovering from cancer treatment. Participants will be offered 2 x 60-minute sessions a week during a 12-week group fitness program.
To start off, participants fill out a baseline form to determine fitness level, vitality, perceived stress and fatigue. In addition, a functional assessment is completed at the beginning and end of the program. The exercise program consists of three fitness components. These components are tailored to suit the individual needs of each participant.
- Aerobic (5-15 minutes) - treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical trainer or rower
- Progressive resistance training (25-40 minutes) - strength machines, free weights, elastic bands and exercise ball
- Flexibility/stretching/range of motion and balance (5-15 minutes) - floor stretches, stretching with a partner and individual exercises
All sessions are conducted in groups of up to 12 participants under direct supervision by qualified YMCA coaches. This helps ensure the use of proper technique and minimises the risk of injury. In addition to the weekly exercise classes, participants are given home exercise programs to complete as well.
