Why SilverSneakers Members Love Our Classes

You’ll get stronger, feel happier, and have fun with new friends!

Whether you’re starting an exercise routine for the first time in your life or looking to mix up your workouts, SilverSneakers classes—virtual or in real life—have something for you.

Find out what SilverSneakers members love about our senior exercise classes and the wide variety of options that are available.

You’ll Get Fit and Make Friends

“I’m an almost 80-year-old widow who had not exercised in a very long time,” says SilverSneakers member Sandy Orahoske. “I started July 28 with SilverSneakers LIVE classes for strength and balance. I could hardly do any of the exercises, but I kept going to the classes. By August 26, I could get out of a chair with very little pain. I have more energy. My balance has improved, and I can now stand on one leg at a time.”

Similarly, when SilverSneakers member Pat Minitti started exercising many years ago: “I was stiff. No balance. No flexibility.”

Shortly after he began attending in-person classes, he noticed an improvement in those areas—and he felt more capable.

But his favorite part of classes? “The camaraderie,” he says.

He’s not alone. Most people don’t join SilverSneakers to meet new friends specifically, but friendships are what keep them coming back.

In fact, 49 percent of active members say that they are motivated to continue exercising because they have a SilverSneakers friend. And the power of friendship goes beyond exercise.

“This place is filled with kindness, smiles, and caring elderly ladies who, like me, go for therapeutic reasons, but who have also formed a family here,” says SilverSneakers member Rosa Juarez. “Some of us have lost loved ones and have also found new friends to love.”

Our Instructors Have Your Back (and Hips and Core)

You’ll encounter SilverSneakers instructors of all ages. Some have spent their entire careers in fitness. Others decided to become instructors in their 60s or 70s.

But they always have two things in common. One, SilverSneakers instructors are trained in senior fitness. Two, they’ll support you on your exercise journey.

“The best part is there’s an instructor,” says SilverSneakers member Marilyn Gillham. “If you’re not using the right muscle the right way or you’re turning your wrist the wrong way, they can help you.”

You’ll also get support in online classes. “I can’t say enough about the quality of the SilverSneakers LIVE classes and your instructors,” says SilverSneakers member Carol Bigelow. “They are all so engaging, encouraging, and talented. These classes have made a huge difference to me.”

Also of interest:
SilverSneakers Instructors: 5 Things They Know About Senior Fitness
On-Demand Videos
SilverSneakers Workout

Got a bad knee or balance issues? Have a chronic condition like diabetes? Previously had a stroke? Let the instructors know, and they can adapt the exercises for your needs, whether you’re attending class in person or virtually. For example, they can modify a standing exercise so that you can do it seated in a chair.

There’s a Class for You, No Matter Your Fitness Level

What began in 1992 as a first-of-its-kind class for older adults has grown into a program with senior exercise classes for different levels and interests.

Now, SilverSneakers classes have evolved to also offer members a variety of options from the safety of their homes.

Even better, SilverSneakers members can take as many different classes as they want!

Here’s a sample of what you’ll find.

Online Exercise Classes

If you can’t make it to class in person, take advantage of different types of digital workouts led by SilverSneakers instructors.

1. SilverSneakers LIVE

You can take full-length SilverSneakers classes live at home through Zoom. Many are the same or very similar to classes you can take in person at participating locations.

You’ll find favorites such as:

• SilverSneakers Classic
• Circuit
• Total Body Strength
• Yoga
• EnerChi
• Yoga Pilates Fusion
• Zumba Gold
• Cardio Mix
• Bodyweight Boot Camp
• Brain Health
• Mindfulness & Meditation
• Walk Strong
• Group Personal Training

Plus, you’ll find live workshops, including Balance Builder, the Happiness Effect, and Nutrition as We Age.

Classes and workshops occur multiple times throughout the day and are exclusively for SilverSneakers members.

Learn more in our guide to SilverSneakers LIVE.

2. SilverSneakers On-Demand

From your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you’ll find hundreds of prerecorded fitness workouts for SilverSneakers members only.

Workout videos include:

• Cardio
• Strength training
• Fall prevention
• And more

There are also nutritional videos on topics such as healthy eating habits for older adults and how to read food labels.

In-Person Exercise Classes

These workouts are offered at thousands of gyms, community centers, and other participating fitness locations across the nation. Classes vary by location; check with the location for current class schedules.

Class options include:

1. SilverSneakers Classic

You’ll move to music through exercises that increase strength and range of motion. A chair is available for support, and you don’t have to get down on the floor for exercises.

This beginner-friendly class emphasizes hip stability, shoulder mobility, and core strength. “The stronger we are in the core, the better able we are to work everything else,” says SilverSneakers instructor Terri Tracey.

2. SilverSneakers Circuit

You’ll use light weights, resistance tubes, and a SilverSneakers ball for a full-body workout. A chair is available for support.

3. SilverSneakers Yoga

You’ll move through a series of yoga poses and practice breathing exercises. A chair is available for support.

4. SilverSneakers EnerChi

You’ll do slow, low-impact movements based on tai chi to improve strength, balance, and focus. A chair is available for support.

5. SilverSneakers Splash

You’ll stay in the shallow end of the pool for a low-impact, joint-friendly water exercise class. The class is safe for non-swimmers.

6. SilverSneakers Stability

You’ll improve balance through exercises that strengthen your ankles, knees, and hips. A chair is available for support.

7. SilverSneakers BOOM Move

Want a challenge? These fast-paced, high-intensity classes are designed for baby boomers and active older adults.

8. SilverSneakers FLEX

Prefer to exercise outside of the traditional gym? Looking to try tai chi, boot camp, or other types of workouts? FLEX offers fitness classes taught at convenient neighborhood locations, such as recreation centers and local parks.

Take Your Favorite SilverSneakers Classes Online!

SilverSneakers members can access live fitness classes and wellness workshops through SilverSneakers LIVE. See the latest schedule and RSVP for classes here.

Not a member? If you have a Medicare Plan, it may include SilverSneakers—at no additional cost. Check your eligibility instantly here.