Exercise and Thrive: Getting back to you

Exercise and Thrive is the result of a multi-year partnership between YMCA of the USA and the Lance Armstrong Foundation in response to the growing body of evidence that physical activity can improve cancer survivor’s quality of life, lessen treatment side effects and help recovery.

“Exercise and Thrive fills the void from the end of active treatment,” says Heather, Senior Program Director at the Briggs YMCA in Olympia. “People are given the confidence they need to use their bodies after treatment. This lets people know that exercise is safe and that they can do things that they did before the cancer.” Participants will receive support and coaching from professional YMCA staff and volunteers as well as social support from other survivors.

Additional Information

• Must have medical clearance for their doctor or nurse practitioner to participate.
• Cancer survivors must have completed active treatment.
• All participants will receive a free 12-week South Sound YMCA membership, which includes access to both South Sound YMCA facilities.
• After completing the program, participants will be offered the opportunity to join the South Sound YMCA without paying a joining fee.

The South Sound YMCA is excited about partnering with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to provide this amazing opportunity in Thurston County. The initiative is a key component of Activate America®, the YMCA’s bold approach to directly address our nation’s growing health crisis. Through Activate America, the YMCA is redefining itself and engaging communities across the country to provide better opportunities for people of all ages in their pursuit of health and well-being in spirit, mind, and body.

Olympia Downtown YMCA 
510 Franklin Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 357-6609
Class Days: Tuesdays and Saturdays
Class Time: Tues: 6:30-8 pm, Sat. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Class Session: September 11—December 1, 2012
For additional information, please contact Member Services at 360.357.6609

Briggs Community YMCA
1530 Yelm Highway SE
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 753-6576
Class Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Class Time: 2:00 p.m.—3:30 p.m.
Class Session: September 10—November 28, 2012
For additional information, please contact Member Services at 360.753.6576

A 2011 resolution: Exercise more to help your cancer treatment

"Exercise, Me, are you joking?" This is a comment that I have heard many times over by those in treatment who simply cannot imagine another part to their cancer treatment. As a lymphedema therapist at Providence St.Peter Hospital Outpatient Lymphedema clinic I have had the privilege in my 6 years specializing to work closely with numerous cancer patients on their treatment journey.

Exercise is often viewed as a double sided coin; on one side is the desire to work out and the other is the fear of the unknown and how exercise will effect someone going through cancer treatment. In fact, The American Cancer Society advises that individuals going through cancer treatment, with approval from your doctor, benefit from moderate activity 3-5 times a week. Moderate activity is defined as the equivalent to a brisk walk OR performing a task where you can still carry on a conversation.

Exercise has many positive side effects in cancer patients such as:

• Decreasing fatigue, nausea, anemia
• Improving mental clarity
• Promoting a sense of well being
• Reducing stress
• Reduce the deconditioning that can come with decreased activity

If you have found yourself feeling "tight" after surgery or radiation or "drained" from chemotherapy simple stretching can be a wonderful tool to helping you feel "more like you."

Exercise does not have to be a structured program! Just getting up and moving will help and feel good. Simple housework and your daily routine may be enough. Did you know vacuuming or mopping burns ~150 calories an hour? Calculate how much you're already doing with The American Cancer Society's exercise calculator.

Your body will tell you if you’ve done too much or are where you should be. Again, be sure to talk with your doctor and consider keeping an exercise journal. That way you can track your progress and check in at your appointments to make sure you're on the right track for you.

You might also like:

• What is yoga and how can it help me?
• You don't have to put up with cancer related fatigue
• Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe