I have been looking forward to signing up for the ABC Class at the YMCA for quite a while now. For the longest time the class was only available at a Y that was 40 minutes away from my house. Now it’s starting up at a Y right near me, so I’m in. Maybe not all in, but in.
Program Components
- Lymphedema Education with a certified lymphedema therapist
- Exercise with a Pink Ribbon Certified Trainer in a small group setting (12 weeks; two 1-hour workouts per week (24 total workouts))
- Nutrition Education with a Registered Dietitian
(4 weeks; one 1-hour sessions per week, delivered virtually. Individual consultations also available.)
- Small Group led by survivors and ABC graduates who are trained to facilitate discussions that are designed to unlock emotional healing and discover each person’s unique “new normal”. Our curriculum, Journey to Wholeness, is written specifically for breast cancer survivors. (9 weeks; one 90-minute meeting per week)
I’m thrilled that I get a free four-month membership to the Y, they are the only place I’ve found that offers yoga and Tai Chi in the evening. Thing is, I have had a free Y membership that comes with my insurance since the beginning of the year. I haven’t signed up or availed myself of any of their evening programs yet.
I set up a meeting with the woman who will be my personal trainer. On Wednesday she’ll be measuring things like how long I can balance on one foot. (I can’t.) How far I can walk in 10 minutes. (To the kitchen for a beer.) How far I can reach towards my toes (I can put my hands flat on the ground) and how many crunches I can do in 60 seconds. (I don’t even know what a crunch is. Is it a sit up?)
Plus, a 16-week program? WTF? Go and exercise twice a week and show up once a week for an educational meeting, with...with...people?!?
I don’t like to leave my house 3 times a week for anything fun, let alone exercise! What have I gotten myself into? The idea of an AFTER cancer is nice, I just thought it involved taking certain pills and watching TV.