Published: 07/31/2026 - 8:00 AM
Philadelphia, PA — July 31, 2026 — The Greater Philadelphia YMCA announced that registration is open for the fall session of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a free, research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health. The new session begins the week of September 14, 2026, with registration open now.
Created through a partnership between the Y and the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the program pairs participants with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to help them safely build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve confidence and self-esteem. By focusing on the whole person rather than the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer.
The program is open at no cost to adults 18 and older, regardless of Y membership.
Program details include:
- A 12-week program with two 90-minute sessions per week
- A small-group, supportive environment
- Cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises
- Fitness and quality-of-life assessments before and after participation
- Sessions facilitated by YMCA-certified instructors
- A required physician referral and medical clearance
Participants often describe leaving the program not only physically stronger but with a renewed sense of confidence and connection — gaining strength in everyday movement and building lasting bonds with others who share similar experiences.
“A cancer diagnosis affects every part of a person’s life, and recovery doesn’t end when treatment does,” said Aimee Smith, Executive Director of Programs and Aquatics for the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. “LIVESTRONG at the YMCA gives survivors a supportive community and the tools to rebuild their strength and confidence — at no cost, and with people who understand what they’ve been through.”
"As people going through cancer, our relationship with our bodies is fraught. But my body and I are a team — we're in it together," said Elliott Earle, a LIVESTRONG participant. "To get strong again and be with my body as a source of power, resilience, and honestly joy — that's enough to turn the tables on this entire journey."