Local Silver Sneakers program promotes senior fitness

Getting older doesn’t mean you sit back and watch the world pass you by. Many Maricopa seniors are getting fit and staying active, thanks to Silver Sneakers.

This innovative program pays the cost of gym memberships for 2.4 million seniors across the country. However, there are certain requirements for participation.

To belong to Silver Sneakers, the individual must be on Medicare and must participate in one of the following supplemental insurance plans:  AARP United Healthcare, AARP Secure Horizons with the gym rider, HealthChoice, HealthNet, Pacificare or the ASRS retirement plan.  These insurance programs notify their members about Silver Sneakers.

Local Silver Sneakers classes are on Thursdays at 8 a.m. and Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. at Anytime Fitness, 20924 N. John Wayne Pkwy. These classes are for “older” adults, age 60 or better, who have not exercised in years and need to get started. Another class has been added for those who want more of a workout than the regular class. Held Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., it’s a Level 2 and 3-cardio workout.

“A lot of people are on a fixed income and cannot afford a gym membership,” said Anytime Fitness owner Brian Mullins. “This program gives them the opportunity to get in shape and remain active.”

Seniors are allowed to go to the gym 11 times per month, but Mullins goes outside those guidelines, offering the members at his gym unlimited access and even hosting the three times a week, one-hour classes aimed at helping the seniors achieve their fitness goals.

“These are easy classes, set up for beginners,” said participant Marge Kavanagh.

Carol Grandfield, who has osteoporosis, joined the program almost a year ago because she kept hearing about the benefits of working out. She explained that the camaraderie and going to the gym knowing a familiar face will be there has been one of the greatest motivating factors behind her signing up for the program.
 
“Not only does this program help the seniors physically, but it helps bring them closer together,” said personal trainer and class leader, Joe Corinti. “More gyms should focus on the seniors in the community.”

The gym does offer a senior citizen discount to those seniors who are not eligible for Silver Sneakers.

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(A version of this article appeared in the July issue of InMaricopa News)