Silver Sneakers is a fitness and wellness program for seniors aged 65 and above. It provides access to gym memberships, weight training, aerobics, and group exercise classes.

The Silver Sneakers program is included in many Medicare Advantage Plans. It is available in over 16,000 gyms and fitness centers across the US. You can search the internet for Silver Sneakers San Antonio Texas to find one such gym near you.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that physical activity such as what Silver Sneakers facilitates can prevent many of the health problems that come with age.

Physical exercise can also help you maintain mobility, lift your mood, and make performing your day to day activities easier.

Why is it called Silver Sneakers?

Silver Sneakers does not sell shoes, silver or otherwise to anyone. It also doesn’t give you a free pair of sneakers when you become a member.

The term ‘Silver Sneakers’ may have been derived from the hair color of Silver Sneaker participants plus the shoes they wear while participating.

Who can enroll in Silver Sneakers?

The program is designed for people aged 65 and above.

Original Medicare Part A and Part B do not offer Silver Sneakers. Having a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare supplement plan that includes Silver Sneakers is the only way to participate in the program.  

What does Silver Sneakers membership include?

Silver Sneakers membership includes access to over 16,000 fitness locations nationwide at no added cost. 

Exercise Equipment that you can have access to include:

• Weight Equipment

• Treadmills

• Exercise Bikes

• Elliptical Machines

• Swimming Pools

Silver Sneakers San Antonio Texas does not only provide its beneficiaries gym membership but also fitness classes and community support. The program is probably best known for its group exercise classes run by qualified instructors. 

What kind of fitness classes do Silver Sneakers offer?

The Silver Sneakers program offers over 70 types of fitness classes and each class is run by a certified instructor.  Here are some popular classes:

Silver Sneakers Yoga

In this class, you can practice a complete set of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is provided to safely perform a variety of postures designed to improve flexibility, balance, and range of movements.

Restorative breathing exercises and the final relaxation period will reduce stress and help attain mental clarity.

Silver Sneakers Classic

This class adapts to your fitness level. Exercises are modified according to your ability to perform them. A chair is used for your support if you need it. Participants use hand-held weights, rubber tubing with handles, and a ball.

The objective is to strengthen the muscles and increase the range of movements so that you can perform daily activities better.

Silver Sneakers Cardio Fit

This is an aerobics class that is safe, healthy for the heart, and gentle on the joints. It includes upper body strengthening, abdominal conditioning, stretching, and relaxation exercises designed to energize your active lifestyle. 

Silver Sneakers Circuit

This class has a choreographed routine set with music that incorporates movement with standing exercises using rubber tubing and dumbbells. Exercises can be adapted to suit your fitness level. Chairs are available for support during exercises.

Silver Sneakers Splash

This is a low impact aerobic class which is arranged in a shallow pool where the participants can stand. The certified instructor walks the class through a series of movements whose intensity can be varied according to the fitness of the participants.

Silver Sneakers Stability

This class has been designed to help you improve your balance and also to make you stronger. The movements taught in class focus on strengthening the ankles, knees, and the hip joint to help normal movement.

Also, there are exercises to help improve reaction time.

What if you don’t want to go to a gym?

Most gyms are closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, you may not want to go to the gym. In such a scenario you can exercise at home with Silver Sneakers On-demand online video workouts. Only thing is that you have to be a beneficiary. You can also access the Silver Sneakers Go app. 

For Silver Sneakers San Antonio Texas, you should call a carrier that offers Medicare Advantage plans that include the program. Stay young and live long.