Westport Weston Family YMCA | Healthy Living Programs

LIVESTRONG® AT THE YMCA

Cancer takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a research-based physical activity and wellbeing program designed to help adult cancer survivors regain their health and strength in a supportive environment.

During the 12-week LIVESTRONG® recovery program, participants will benefit from customized plans, based on their individual needs. Participants also receive a Westport Weston Family YMCA membership, active through the duration of the program. Goals include rebuilding muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, reducing fatigue and improving confidence and self-esteem.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA fulfills the important need of supporting survivors transitioning between cancer treatment and returning to their “new normal”. The program is conducted outside of medical facilities to reinforce that LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is about health, not disease. Our instructors are specially trained in all aspects of cancer, post-rehab exercise, and supportive cancer care. In addition, we focus on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people can connect during treatment and beyond.

SESSION INFORMATION

UPCOMING SESSION BEGINS – August/September 2025
Offered 3x a year in Winter, Spring and Fall

Two (2) 75-minute classes each week
Small group setting (8-10 Participants)
For ages 18+
Includes free, 12-week YMCA Membership and full access to WWFY Facilities
Designed for adults who are undergoing or who have completed their cancer treatment
Participants must consult with their physician prior to joining the program as medical clearance is required

REGISTRATION

After submitting the required medical forms, we will contact you to confirm your medical clearance (must be approved by a physician). Once approved, you will complete an intake process, which includes a health questionnaire, PROMIS-29 profile, consent form, and an in-person physical assessment.

For registration and enrollment details or to learn more about our LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Program, please contact Judy Samuels, Healthy Living Manager at 203-635-1955 or jsamuels@westporty.org.

PARKINSON’S BODY & MIND

The Westport Weston Family YMCA offers an extensive program supporting those in our community living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). In addition, our partnership with Parkinson’s Body and Mind extends our efforts and allows us to provide more comprehensive exercise and wellness programs as well as support groups for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners to create a community that unites people affected by Parkinson’s.

We provide options for safe exercise and wellness programs including Boxing, Indoor Cycling, and Dance Jam group class format lead by YMCA instructors, certified trainers and our wonderful volunteers. Classes are open to all participants with Parkinson’s Disease but an aide may be required to attend, depending on participant mobility and balance constraints. These programs are free to Westport Weston Family YMCA members and $125/month for non-members which includes registration in one, two or all three classes offered (based on availability). See current offerings below.

PARKINSON’S BOXING & CONDITIONING
A class for all levels that combines strength, balance, and cardio training for an all-around workout. Bring your own boxing gloves & wraps. Caregivers are encouraged to attend as needed.

SESSION DATES: ONGOING
DAY: MONDAYS & THURSDAYS
TIME: 12:30-1:30 PM
AGES: 18+
M: $0 | CM: 125/month*
*Monthly fee allows for registration in one, two or all three classes offered, space dependent.

PARKINSON’S INDOOR CYCLING
Cycling on stationary bicycles may provide symptomatic relief for people with Parkinson’s Disease, especially if they cycle using what’s described as Forced Exercise, i.e., pedaling at a rate faster than their voluntary cadence; this appears to make regions of the brain that deal with movement connect to each other more effectively. Instructors are Certified Parkinson’s Cycling Coaches. Caregivers are encouraged to attend as needed.

SESSION DATES: ONGOING
DAY: WEDNESDAY
TIME: 12:30-1:15 PM
AGES: 18+
M: $0 | CM: 125/month*
*Monthly fee allows for registration in one, two or all three classes offered, space dependent.

PARKINSON’S DANCE JAM
Join the fun in this high-energy class that consists of simple dance sequences set to the music that you all know and love!

SESSION DATES: ONGOING
DAY: THURSDAY
TIME: 11:50 AM-12:30 PM
AGES: 18+
M: $0 | CM: 125/month*
*Monthly fee allows for registration in one, two or all three classes offered, space dependent.

2024 PARKINSON’S UNITY WALK

In April 2024, our amazing and inspiring group of members from the Parkinson’s Boxing & Conditioning Class organized a bus trip with family and friends from Westport to attend the 30th Annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk in Central Park. This event hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation raises funds for Parkinson’s research and public policy priorities, and is recently celebrating the foundation’s progress in finding a new biomarker that could transform diagnosis and treatment providing hope for patients and families. #knockparkinsonsout

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GET INVOLVED
Become a Parkinson’s Boxing & Conditioning Class volunteer and make a difference by helping knock Parkinson’s out!

For resources and more information about Parkinson’s Body and Mind, please visit www.parkinsonsbodyandmind.org