The entire SilverSneakers experience, from membership to fitness classes, is designed specifically for the 65+ crowd's overall health.

SilverSneakers is one of the most popular fitness programs around. It earned that distinction by designing memberships, workouts, and other benefits specifically to help the 65+ crowd improve both their physical and mental well-being.

Just in case you weren’t aware, your Medicare plan may include the SilverSneakers benefit – at no additional cost to you. Now, let’s help you take full advantage of it.

1. Find participating locations near you

While access to online and virtual classes is a great benefit, there are also thousands of participating gyms and fitness locations where you can get a change of scenery and in-person instruction while meeting new people. To find a participating location, you can use the SilverSneakers location tool or search on the mobile app.

Once you find a location in your area, contact them for their hours and class schedules.

Also keep in mind that you can enroll in as many locations as you’d like and use any location at any time. So, if one location has a class you enjoy but another has a pool, you can visit both. Or, if you’re traveling but still want to get in a workout, you can find a location in your destination area.

2. Download the mobile app

SilverSneakers has a free mobile app (SilverSneakers GO) available for both Apple and Android users. Through the app, you can access your digital membership ID, find SilverSneakers locations and classes near you, find online workouts you may be interested in, schedule and track workouts, and more. Downloading the mobile app can ensure you have access to the fitness and wellness benefits of the program even while on the go.

3. Take advantage of online classes

SilverSneakers members get access to both live online classes and pre-recorded video workouts. For example, SilverSneakers LIVE offers full-length classes daily, live through Zoom. Choose classes ranging from 15 minutes to one hour based on what fits your schedule. And with hundreds of classes to choose from, including Circuit, Yoga, EnerChi, Zumba, Cardio Mix, Total Body Strength, Line Dancing, seated workouts, and more, you’re sure to find something you’re interested in.

Plus, SilverSneakers also offers live wellness workshops on topics like stress, nutrition, and pain management. Additionally, you can find hundreds of workout videos through SilverSneakers On-Demand, so you can exercise whenever it works in your day.

These online options give you the flexibility to improve your physical and mental wellbeing wherever and whenever you want, whether at home or while traveling, in the mornings or evenings, or anywhere in between.

4. Try different exercises

From cardio and strength classes, water aerobics, chair and standing classes, yoga, tai chi, dancing, and more, you’ll find a variety of online and in-person classes designed for all fitness levels and interests. All classes are led by instructors who are specifically trained in senior fitness to ensure safety and help you adapt to your needs. While it may be a little intimidating to try something you’ve never done before, you may find something new and fun that you enjoy.

5. Make friends with other members

Not only can you meet up with people in the classes you take or at the fitness location, many SilverSneakers groups even get together outside of classes for fun outings or gatherings. You can also chat with other participants in virtual classes, and stay connected with the SilverSneakers community members on Facebook and Instagram.

6. Ask for help if you need it

SilverSneakers classes and memberships are designed with older adults in mind and prioritize health and safety, so whether you need help adapting a class or exercise to your limitations, have a question about how to use a piece of equipment, or don’t know where to start at all, ask a fitness trainer, class instructor, or other gym member. Don’t skip a class or exercise because you aren’t sure how to use it or if it’s for you. Take advantage of everything SilverSneakers has to offer and ask questions or get help when you need it.

And don’t forget: One of the greatest benefits of working with a licensed agent is that you always have a knowledgeable friend on your side, ready and waiting to help. If you have any questions about your Medicare plan’s benefits, you can always reach out to your agent for answers.

Additional resources

ClearMatch Medicare: Finding Balance in Your Fitness Routine
SilverSneakers

DONNA FREDERICK

After retiring from a career as an executive travel counselor in 2006, Donna Frederick embarked on a second career as a licensed insurance agent. During that first year, many clients told Donna how overwhelmed they felt by Medicare, but that her assistance helped them finally understand the Medicare program. That experience inspired Donna to focus her efforts on educating her clients to ensure they fully understand their Medicare options. Today, Donna takes pride in providing outstanding customer service and going the extra mile to make sure each client knows all of their options and has a sound understanding of their Medicare plan, from costs to coverage and all points in between.