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YMCA's free LIVESTRONG program an individual workout in group setting
LIVESTRONG's certifi ed trainer Carl Greene and instructor Margaret Litton at the Dover YMCA, which offers the free program. (photos by MEP/CF Media)

Shelby's Dover YMCA's free "LIVESTRONG" is all about providing an individual workout in a group setting for cancer survivors 18 and older, said instructor Margaret Litton recently.

Many in the class though, range in age from their 60s to their 70s, she said.

She and fellow instructor Carl Greene, along with supervisor Johnny Stamey, oversee the program which has been going on at the Shelby "Y" for some time now.

Litton and Greene noted their program goals include rebuilding strength and endurance; increasing/ improving flexibility and ability; reducing cancer therapy severity and side effects; preventing unwanted weight changes; and improving self-esteem and energy levels.

Regarding their participants, Litton noted they do require a medical clearance form from the participant's doctor in order to document if there are any limitations for the participants.

Mr. Greene agreed, adding, "It's required to release them (the participants) to be able to exercise. We do it on an individual basis." Both added that with the LIVESTRONG program, they try and give their participants an overview of various ways to work out on the equipment provided, such as exercise bands, body weight, and any of the various machines at the facility.

The classes are tailored, said Greene and Litton, to each participant's needs at the time. "We ask them," said Litton, "and go from there." Litton noted their class size right now is seven, adding, "We try to keep them (the classes) to no more than six. We started with 10, but due to COVID, it decreased a bit."

Cherryville's Pat Sherrill - one of the participants - said, "I love this class because it meets everyone where you are and the levelyou are on. My class has people of different ages, so, as a senior, my level of energy may be different and it works."

Sherrill noted that, "Margaret and Carl are available to everyone throughout the class to make sure you are doing exercises safely."

Sherrill said she has been a "Y" member most of her life, and noted she likes the personal interest taken by the class and its instructors.

"If someone is sick, they are missed and a card is sent. This is truly a Christian organization and is totally essential. I am amazed that such classes would be made available to the public free of charge. These aware people take Christianity to a new level," she said.

For more information or to register, call Litton at (704) 484-9622, or email her at mlitton@clevecoymca. org.

The Dover YMCA is located at 411 Cherryville Hwy., Shelby, NC. of different ages, so, as a senior,my level of energy may be different and it works."

Sherrill noted that, "Margaret and Carl are available to everyone throughout the class to make sure you are doing exercises safely."

Sherrill said she has been a "Y" member most of her life, and noted she likes the personal interest taken by the class and its instructors.

"If someone is sick, they are missed and a card is sent. This is truly a Christian organization and is totally essential. I am amazed that such classes would be made available to the public free of charge. These aware people take Christianity to a new level," she said.

For more information or to register, call Litton at (704) 484-9622, or email her at mlitton@clevecoymca.org.

The Dover YMCA is located at 411 Cherryville Hwy., Shelby, NC.


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