What is SilverSneakers?
SilverSneakers is a fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. Top
What do SilverSneakers members receive?
SilverSneakers members have access to a wide variety of benefits, including:
- A basic fitness membership at any participating location around the country, with access to all amenities usually included with a basic membership
- A trained Senior AdvisorSM at each fitness location to introduce you to SilverSneakers, show you around the location and help you get started
- SilverSneakers classes
- SilverSneakers Steps, for members without convenient access to a location
- ACT Now for Fitness to help you track your health progress
- Health education seminars and other events
Some specialty services not included in a “basic” fitness location membership (such as massages, tanning or personal trainers) may include additional charges. Top
Is SilverSneakers a credible program?
SilverSneakers Fitness Program is the nation’s leading fitness program designed exclusively for older adults. Healthways has been providing innovative health benefits for older adults for more than two decades. Today more than 40 Medicare health plans offer the program as a benefit to members across the nation. Regular participation in the program has been proven to help older adults manage their health and increase strength, balance and endurance. Top
Does my heath plan offer SilverSneakers?
Many leading health plans offer SilverSneakers to their members. Use our easy-to-understand, interactive map to help you determine if your plan has SilverSneakers. Top
See if your health plan offers SilverSneakers.
How do I start using SilverSneakers?
Enrolling is easy.Take your health plan ID card to a SilverSneakers participating fitness location – the friendly staff will take care of the rest. There are more than 9,000 fitness centers, gyms, YMCAs and Curves® to choose from. Top
Find a SilverSneakers location near you.
How much time does it take to enroll in SilverSneakers?
Enrollment usually takes about 30 minutes. If you’d like to take a tour of the location allow a few minutes more. Top
Will someone be available to show me around and assist with the equipment?
Yes. Each location provides individual or group tours either at enrollment or during the first week you are enrolled. Equipment demonstrations may occur at that time as well, or can be arranged by the Senior Advisor and/or other staff. Top
What is a SilverSneakers Senior AdvisorSM?
Senior Advisors are employees of the participating locations. As experts in older-adult wellness, they are the most qualified people to assist you with enrollment, tours and equipment orientation. Senior Advisors are usually available Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In addition to assuring quality and service, the Senior Advisor serves as a contact for you – answering questions and helping to make sure you always feel comfortable and welcome. Top
Do I need to see a physician before enrolling?
We do not require it. During the enrollment process, you’ll be asked to complete an Activity Readiness Assessment. If at that time it is deemed necessary for you to see a physician before exercise, we’ll let you know. Please note that participating locations will not have health care professionals on staff. You should seek your physician’s advice on all health-related questions. Top
Can I get physician clearance before my enrollment visit?
Yes. Just ask your doctor to provide a note in writing – including his or her signature – that “clears” you for exercise in the SilverSneakers Fitness Program. Top
Will my location be handicap accessible?
Most participating locations are wheelchair accessible, but full handicap accessibility cannot be guaranteed at every location. We suggest you call the location before you visit. Top
I’ve never been to a fitness location before – what should I expect?
First, expect to have fun! Wear comfortable clothing and rubber-soled shoes. Talk to one of the friendly staff at the front desk. They’ll help you enroll, give you a class schedule and familiarize you with the location and equipment. Top
Am I limited to using just one fitness location?
No. You are welcome to use any of the more than 9,000 participating locations nationwide. After you enroll, you will receive a listing of participating locations near you, amenities, addresses and phone numbers. Or go to the Fitness Location locator on this Web site. Top
Why isn’t there a location near my house?
Not every fitness location participates in SilverSneakers. In fact, to partner with SilverSneakers, each fitness location has to go through an extensive interview process to ensure they are able to provide the level of access, guidance and support that we (and our members) expect. Top
Can I recommend a location in my area?
Absolutely. Just contact your health plan’s customer service department and give them the name and address of the fitness location. Recommended locations are considered case-by-case. Top
What type of exercise can I do at the location?
If you like to work out on your own, most locations provide access to treadmills, weight equipment, stationary bicycles and all the amenities included in a basic fitness membership. You can also attend exclusive SilverSneakers classes designed specifically for older adults. These classes vary in intensity and offer multiple formats to fit your personal needs and interests. Top
Learn more about SilverSneakers classes.
What are SilverSneakers classes?
SilverSneakers classes are total-body conditioning classes designed to increase muscular strength, endurance, range of movement, flexibility, balance, agility and coordination.They range from 45 to 60 minutes and are offered at least twice a week. Classes typically involve the use of hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a small exercise ball. In some classes, a chair may be available for seating or additional support. Top
Learn more about SilverSneakers classes.
Who teaches the classes?
SilverSneakers classes are taught by certified instructors who are specially trained in creating fitness programs for older adults. All SilverSneakers class instructors are accredited by the American Council on Exercise and undergo a comprehensive interview and certification process to become a SilverSneakers instructor. Top
I'm a little afraid of starting to exercise, are SilverSneakers classes safe?
Yes. All SilverSneakers class instructors are accredited by the American Council on Exercise, CPR-certified and aware of the procedures to follow in case of emergency. SilverSneakers classes are designed for all fitness levels and are geared specifically for older adults. Top
My health plan doesn’t offer SilverSneakers – can I still take SilverSneakers classes?
Yes. Members of Medicare Advantage plans that don’t offer SilverSneakers can still take SilverSneakers classes. But to do so, they will need to purchase a basic membership at the participating fitness center. Top
What if I already have a membership at a fitness location?
If you currently belong to a SilverSneakers participating location, you can request that your existing membership to be “frozen.” If your current membership is not with a SilverSneakers participating location, then you will still be responsible for any arrangement you have with that establishment. Top
What else does SilverSneakers offer?
SilverSneakers is a great opportunity for you to participate in social events and get to know other people in your own community. Many of our members become lifelong friends – some have even met their spouse through one of our programs. Plus, there are chances to hear guest speakers, learn about nutrition and more. Top
What if there aren’t any participating locations near my home?
Members who don’t have convenient access to participating locations can participate in SilverSneakers Steps. Top
What is SilverSneakers Steps?
SilverSneakers Steps is a self-directed fitness program designed for members who don’t have convenient access to a participating location (and people unable to leave the home).The program is aligned with members personal lifestyle – allowing participants to engage in activities of their choice. Enrollees receive all the tools and program elements necessary to help achieve a healthier lifestyle through increased physical activity. Contact us to learn more. Top
What are the benefits of enrolling in the member section of the SilverSneakers Web site?
Our new, easy-to-use online member site offers support to help you lose weight, quit smoking or reduce your stress. Once you register, choose the tools you would like to incorporate into your customized well-being plan. Take advantage of another exciting component of SilverSneakers and enjoy:
- nutrition, fitness and health improvement plans and trackers
- health-related articles and recipes
- a participating location locator
- virtual exercise video demonstrations
- answers from experts in exercise, nutrition and life skills
- health assessments and personalized reports*
*Depending on your health plan, this feature may or may not be available to you. Top
How do I register for the member section of the SilverSneakers Web site?
Registration is easy! Click the “Member Page” link at the top of the "Home" page. You will be re-directed to our exclusive member community. You will be asked to provide some information including your health plan ID number, so have it available before you begin. When you are ready, select the “Click Here” button and follow the instructions on the page. If you are experiencing problems or need assistance, please call our customer service department toll-free at 888-423-4632 between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST. Top