Fit to Fight
Fit to Fight is a wellness program for cancer patients. It is designed to help the patient maximize quality of life and minimize the side effects that cancer treatments can have on our bodies.
If you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer or have received treatment in the past five years, you are eligible to participate in the YMCA Fit to Fight program. Together, the YMCA, Clearview Cancer Institute, and the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation, partnered to provide this program to cancer patients in the community.
How Fit to Fight Works
Your personalized Fit to Fight wellness program is comprised of twelve weeks of exercise routines, sessions with your wellness coach, Walk and Tone classes, and an educational seminar. Your commitment to the program and to yourself is to exercise at least three days a week for at least 30 minutes each time at the YMCA on your own schedule.
At the conclusion of your program will be an opportunity to really relish your success and explore where you want to go from there – maybe join a fitness class or try a new workout routine! Our YMCA staff will be here every step of the way to help you create a continued plan for a strong and healthy future.
What You Receive
- 3-month YMCA membership
- Fitness assessment with a certified wellness coach
- ActivTrax access and prescribed program
- Two personal training sessions
- Weekly Walk and Tone classes
- Fit to Fight T-shirt and water bottle
- A healthier lifestyle and a plan in place to keep your own health and wellness a priority in your life
Program Details
Weeks 1-4
- Meet with your Fit to Fight wellness coach
- Receive an orientation to the program and YMCA facility
- Set goals and expectations with your wellness coach
- Set up your ActivTrax account
- Participate in Walk and Tone classes
- Engage in your personal wellness program
Weeks 5-8
- Meet with your Fit to Fight wellness coach
- Continue your personal wellness program
- Participate in Walk and Tone classes
- Attend an educational seminar
Weeks 9-12
- Meet with your Fit to Fight wellness coach
- Continue your personal wellness program
- Participate in Walk and Tone classes
- Attend your graduation celebration!
Benefits of Physical Activity for Cancer Patients
In the past, people being treated for a chronic illness were often told by their doctor to rest and reduce their physical activity. Newer research has shown that exercise is not only safe and possible during cancer treatment, but it can improve how well you function physically and your quality of life. Here is a short list of the benefits cancer patients receive from exercise.
- Keep or improve your physical abilities
- Improve balance, lower risk of falls, and broken bones
- Keep muscles from wasting due to inactivity
- Lower the risk of heart disease
- Improve blood flow to your legs and lower the risk of blood clots
- Make you less dependent on others for help with normal activities of daily living
- Lower the risk of being anxious and depressed
- Lessen nausea and fatigue
- Improve your ability to keep social contacts
- Help you control your weight
- Improve your self-esteem and quality of life
Have questions?
| Contact Name | Terri Keller |
|---|---|
| Title | Health Initiatives Coordinator |
| terri.keller@ymcahuntsville.org | |
| Phone | 256.428.9622 ext. 3011 |