YMCA and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offer free exercise program for cancer survivors

Puget Sound-area cancer survivors have access to a new strength-and-fitness program designed specifically for them thanks to a partnership between the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

The 10-week program, Exercise and Thrive, is available free to adults who have completed cancer treatment, regardless of where they were treated.

Exercise and Thrive will help cancer survivors strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve endurance while receiving health-and-wellness coaching and support from professional YMCA staff. Studies have shown exercise can improve cancer survivors' quality of life, lessen treatment side effects and help recovery.

The program is supported in part by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which has developed a multi-year partnership with 10 YMCAs nationally, including the YMCA of Greater Seattle, to create wellness programs for cancer survivors. The partnership is a key component of the YMCA's Activate America initiative, which is designed to address the country's growing obesity-related health crisis.

Some participants of Exercise and Thrive are patients of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program, which provides clinical care, patient education and research opportunities to patients who have survived cancer and are not in active cancer treatment or are in long-term therapy. The Survivorship Program also receives support from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Exercise and Thrive classes will be held at three YMCA locations in the Seattle area: Downtown Seattle YMCA, Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA (in Seattle's Central District) and Northshore YMCA (in Bothell). All participants receive a free 10-week YMCA family membership. Participants must be 21 years of age or older and have medical clearance from their doctor to participate.