Getting Started with SilverSneakers®

Posted December 14, 2023 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer

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Looking for fitness programs designed specifically for adults aged 65 and over, and led by instructors trained in senior fitness? Look no further than SilverSneakers! 

Think of SilverSneakers as a gym membership included in your Medicare Advantage plan at no cost to you. (Please note: SummaCare Jade (HMO) members must select SilverSneakers as one of their Bene-Flex™ choices to utilize this benefit.) The program offers various fitness programs — from swimming laps to exercise equipment to online and in-person group exercise classes — all with a focus on aging and senior health. It’s hosted at local YMCAs, hospital wellness centers and gyms like Planet Fitness.

SilverSneakers is helping seniors everywhere stay strong in mind, body and spirit. When you join SilverSneakers, you’re improving your fitness, strength and flexibility, while gaining the opportunity to meet new friends and socialize with peers.

As you age, socializing is vital for your mental health to ward off depression, anxiety and loneliness, while regular physical activity is essential to keep your heart, brain, bones, muscles and joints healthy. 

Not to mention, safe exercises can help relieve symptoms and improve function if you’re living with a chronic condition, such as diabetes or arthritis. 

What’s not to love? Find out more about SilverSneakers and join today.

What is SilverSneakers?

With hundreds of exercise classes each week, thousands of participating gyms nationwide and a host of wellness workshops, SilverSneakers offers something for everyone.

SilverSneakers members gain access to live online fitness classes and an on-demand video library of prerecorded workouts that range from 15 minutes to an hour. Members also can take in-person exercise classes designed for seniors of all fitness levels at more than 16,000 locations across the country.

While classes vary whether you’re doing them online or in-person, SilverSneakers offers many types:

• Classic: A good place for beginners, the Classic program focuses on muscle strength and ease of movement. Classes are about 45 to 60 minutes. 
  
• Circuit: More upbeat than the Classic program, Circuit classes work on upper-body strength using weights and usually last about 45 to 60 minutes. 
  
• Cardiofit: A higher intensity workout, Cardiofit classes involve heart-healthy aerobics, in addition to exercises to strengthen the upper body and core. 
  
• Boom programs: The Boom program series offers 3 classes: Boom Muscle to increase upper body strength; Boom Mind incorporates yoga and pilates; and Boom Move offers dance classes to build endurance, while having fun.
  
• Splash: SilverSneakers Splash is held in a shallow pool with the goal to increase movement capabilities. For a high-energy splash class, WATERinMOTION offers cross-training exercises in the water that’s easy on the joints. 
  
• Stability: Stability classes are aimed at improving balance and strength around the ankles, knees and hips designed for fall prevention. 
  
• Yoga: Meant for all fitness levels, Yoga classes are aimed at relaxing the mind and body, reducing stress and improving mental clarity. 
  

SilverSneakers also offers flex group classes that are taught outside of gym walls, such as yoga, Tai Chi and boot camp. 

Don’t have interest in group classes? You can get and stay fit with a simple membership at gyms and other participating locations in the SilverSneakers network. 

Lastly, SilverSneakers also offers wellness workshops on pertinent topics for seniors, such as stress, nutrition, balance and pain management.

How does SilverSneakers work?

To determine if your Medicare Advantage plan includes this benefit, check your eligibility for SilverSneakers. 

If your plan includes a SilverSneakers benefit, you’ll receive a SilverSneakers card in the mail and membership card to the facility you choose. You also can get a digital membership card. 

You can enroll in as many participating locations as you like and use any location in the SilverSneakers network anytime. For instance, you can use exercise and weight equipment at your local gym, swim in the pool at another location and take a SilverSneakers class at your local rec center. Plus, there are no restrictions on visits, so you can choose to go once a month or every day.

In addition, SilverSneakers now offers a fitness app, SilverSneakers Go, which includes easy-to-follow exercise videos. You can adjust the exercises to your level and choose between four or 12-week programs for strength, walking or meditation. You also can use the app to find nearby classes, track your progress and access your digital membership card. 

How can I join SilverSneakers?

Ready to enroll? You can find participating SilverSneakers locations and classes near you using its location tool. You can search by class type, amenity or even gender. 

You also can download the SilverSneakers app for free to find nearby classes. The app is available on Android and IOS devices. 

Not eligible? No problem. You can still access SilverSneakers on-demand videos on the website. 

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today. You’ll be glad you did.

SummaCare is an HMO and HMO-POS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in SummaCare depends on contract renewal. Benefits may vary based on plan selected. H3660_SC800_M Accepted 12092023