Free Public Senior Exercise Classes
Facebook, YouTube Help Seniors Stay Fit
When gym closures due to COVID-19 locked most seniors out of their exercise classes and daily workout routines this spring, they began combing the internet for new strategies to stay fit. Many have turned to options like the Silver&Fit® program, which offers four free public workout classes daily on Facebook Live and YouTube.
The timing for the launch of these free classes could not have been better, according to Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD., MPH, PT, and AVP of Digital Fitness Solutions with the program. The
free, public workouts provide 20 free classes a week for anyone looking to stay fit at home during the pandemic. Half-hour sessions are tailored to adults 55 and older, and include beginner, intermediate, and advanced Cardio, Yoga, Strength & Bodyweight, Flexibility & Balance, and Mixed Format classes. Classes are Monday through Friday. For those requiring more flexibility, the workout videos are available for two weeks after they premiere.
Anyone can participate in the free public workouts just by following Silver & Fit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SilverandFit or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/silverandfit. Classes are taught by certified instructors with extensive experience leading workouts for older adults. In addition to the free, public daily workouts, Silver & Fit offers a full, comprehensive Healthy Aging and Fitness program through many Medicare Plans. Current members who are eligible for the full program through their Medicare plans, or those who enrolled in a participating Medicare Plan, can also take advantage of newly expanded online, home-based and gym-based options designed to accommodate all levels of fitness and workout preferences. Features include:
* 1,700+ Digital Fitness Videos. An online video library offers a broad collection of workout options, allowing members to customize their own at-home exercise routines, such as cardio, strength, yoga, dance, Tai Chi, and many others.
* At-Home Fitness Kits. For those who want to create their own workouts at home, there are home fitness kits that may include an exercise DVD, a yoga mat, resistance band, dumbbells, or wearable fitness trackers.
* Live Telephone Coaching. Members seeking help with fitness goals or lifestyle improvements can work with a live coach over the phone to obtain advice on fitness, nutrition, sleep, and other healthy living habits.
* Access to Social and Community Connections. Members of Silver & Fit program can browse links to more than 120,000 social organizations ranging from painting and classic car clubs, to nature organizations. This resource encourages members to connect to others via live video or socially distanced meetings.
* In-Person Gym Access. As gyms are permitted to open, members who feel comfortable returning can use their subsidized gym benefit to get back on their fitness tracks, and choose from a national network of more than 15,000 fitness centers, YMCAs, and fitness studios.
For information about whether your Medicare plan includes the Silver & Fit program, contact your health plan or 1-800-MEDICARE. Visit www.SilverandFit.com for more information.
