YMCA, cancer foundation promote fitness

To help residents reach health goals, Hogan Family YMCA and Russel Hill Cancer Foundation at Clearview Cancer Institute have collaborated to offer the “Get Active – Achieve Success” program. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Hogan Family YMCA has entered a partnership with Russel Hill Cancer Foundation at Clearview Cancer Institute to offer patients the 12-week “Get Active – Achieve Success” program.

The program is divided into three sessions that last four weeks each. The first four weeks will cover cardiovascular exercise, including walking, jogging, aquatic exercise or a combination.

“You’ll track your workouts, and your personal fitness coach will give you weekly feedback about your progress using our FitLinxx system,” Hogan Family YMCA Executive Director Daniel Kasambira said.

In the second session, the personal fitness coach will add strength-training machines, such as bicep curl and leg press. In the third session, “workouts will intensify at a pace that’s right for you, either by increasing cardio or adding weights,” Kasambira said.

When the 12 weeks end, participants will meet with coaches to discuss the program, “celebrate your success and see what else Hogan Family YMCA can offer to help you continue on your journey to total health,” Kasambira said.

To learn more about “Get Active – Achieve Success,” residents can visit the members services desk at Hogan Family YMCA and schedule an appointment for a free, one-hour orientation.

“At this appointment, you will fill out a medical questionnaire and talk with your certified personal fitness coach about your goals and any exercise barriers you have,” Kasambira said. “Your coach will help you set up a program that meets your needs.”

Russel Hill Cancer Foundation provided funds for the exercise program. Clearview Cancer Institute applied for a grant through the foundation. Clearview officials then approached the YMCA about developing an exercise program.

“It’s wonderful to see organizations in our community pitch in and help our cancer patients. Both Russel Hill and the YMCA need to be commended,” Clearview Director of Educational Services Kristin Donahue said.

In 2006, oncologists, local researchers and interested citizens founded Russel Hill Cancer Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. (russelhill.org)

Hogan Family YMCA’s address is 130 Park Square Lane. For more information, call 256-705-9622 or visit ymcahuntsville.org.