SilverSneakers LIVE: 9 Reasons to Give It a Try

Work out how you want, when you want with virtual classes just for SilverSneakers members.

The more regularly you exercise, the more benefits you’ll get. Now, SilverSneakers has made it even easier to make fitness a habit with SilverSneakers LIVE online classes.

It’s the perfect way to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Plus, these online workouts can complement in-person SilverSneakers classes.

Here are nine awesome reasons to try SilverSneakers LIVE.

Get and stay active with SilverSneakers! Classes and events are happening right now at participating gyms, online through SilverSneakers LIVE and at community centers near you. Activate your free online account to get started. 

1. You’ll Find More Classes for Older Adults Than Most Gyms

With hundreds of virtual classes 7 days a week, you have a wider array of options to choose from so you can find something that fits your schedule.

“We worked hard to put together a schedule to meet members at every level, and we provide a wide variety of class formats,” says Julie Logue, M.P.H, training manager at SilverSneakers.

You’ll find everything from Zumba and strength classes to yoga and tai chi. And there are classes for all levels and abilities.

2. It’s Designed Especially for Seniors

Your body changes as you age, and so should your exercise routine. All SilverSneakers LIVE workouts, like all SilverSneakers classes, are tailored specifically for adults aged 65 and older.

But the specialization doesn’t stop there. Everyone is different. Some people might be more active, some may have more limitations and others may be managing chronic conditions. That’s why you’ll find a variety of ways to adapt each workout to meet your personal needs.

“With a wide variety of participants, the instructors are really providing a multitude of exercise modifications as well as intensity options,” says Logue.

3. You Don’t Have to Leave Your Home

With SilverSneakers LIVE, you can enjoy your favorite SilverSneakers classes without stepping outside.

It may also be an advantage for anyone who feels uncomfortable in a gym or is hesitant to try a new class.

“When you don’t have the pressure of being live in a class with people watching you, it gives you a little more confidence to explore what’s best for you,” says Logue. “It gives you more freedom to choose what you want as far as intensity and exercise adaptations.”

When you go to the gym, you can do so with more confidence.

4. You’ll Learn from the Best Master-Level Instructors

All SilverSneakers instructors are specially trained in senior fitness and are familiar with common health issues that affect older adults. So you’re always in good hands.

And for SilverSneakers LIVE, “we’ve hand-selected instructors to teach on our national online platform,” says Logue.

“We have a team of all-star trainers with over 100 combined years of teaching experience with older adults,” she adds. “They’re the cream of the crop.”

5. There’s a Host to Answer Questions

Not many traditional classes provide a second person to help facilitate. But during SilverSneakers LIVE classes, the host, who also has a fitness background, is available to answer questions and troubleshoot tech issues while the instructor is teaching. You can post comments and questions in the chat function. This continues to scroll as others post.

Another option is the Q&A function. Here, questions stay active until they are answered live by the instructor or through a written response. The instructor will also respond to questions and comments during regular water breaks and intensity checks.

You can also stay online after class to chat with the instructor, host, or other members. And many instructors give out their email addresses, so you can follow up anytime.

6. We Help You Stay Accountable

To ensure that you don’t miss a workout, you’ll get a personal email reminder for each class you sign up for. Easy!

7. You’ll Become Part of a Community

It may sound unlikely when you’re doing a workout on your computer, but it’s happening at SilverSneakers LIVE. Members log in 15 minutes before class and stay on after class to talk to each other in the chat function. They share stories about their pets or talk about the weather.

“We create an incredible sense of community just through chat,” says Logue, who adds that she has occasionally chatted with members for up to 45 minutes after class. Some people have even extended their connections by emailing, sharing photos and sending holiday cards.

Many members credit this online community with helping them to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

8. No Equipment Necessary

Some classes may use basic equipment like light dumbbells or resistance tubing, but it’s not required. Instructors will always provide options if you don’t have equipment.

On the other hand, if you need extra support, you can often use a chair, just like in many in-person SilverSneakers classes.

9. It’s Not Just Workouts

In addition to workouts, SilverSneakers LIVE also offers wellness workshops on topics like stress, balance, diabetes and nutrition.

Ready to Get Started?

RSVP or check your eligibility for SilverSneakers LIVE classes here.

Now, it’s time to get moving! Whether it’s your first time doing a SilverSneakers LIVE class or just the first time you’re trying a particular class, here’s how to stay safe and get the most out of it.

Prepare your exercise area. Make sure the area you’ll be exercising in is clear of anything you could trip over (random shoes or pet toys) or slip on (area rugs or magazines).

Grab some water. There are regular water breaks during class to help you stay hydrated.

Limit distractions. Turn off the TV. Silence your phone. Let your family know you’re doing a class. The fewer the interruptions and distractions, the more you can focus on your workout. That will help ensure you’re performing the exercises properly and reducing your risk of injury.

Log in 10 to 15 minutes before class. During this time, introduce yourself through the chat function (the button at the bottom of the screen), and let the instructor know if it’s your first class.

Know what’s under you. If you’re exercising on a carpet, make sure to pick up your feet as you move to prevent tripping. If you’re exercising on hard flooring, such as tile or concrete, choose low-impact modifications to minimize stress on your joints.

Have fun and keep exploring! Curious about Zumba but were always afraid to go in person? Wish you could do group personal training but couldn’t commit to it at the gym? Now’s a great time to sample different classes. You can stick to your favorite SilverSneakers classes—and add or rotate new ones as you like.

Check Your SilverSneakers Eligibility Instantly

SilverSneakers members can go to thousands of nationwide gyms and fitness locations, plus take SilverSneakers LIVE online classes that are designed for seniors of all levels and abilities. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it may include SilverSneakers—at no additional cost. Check your eligibility instantly here.    

Already a member? Get your SilverSneakers member ID and exclusive fitness and wellness content by activating your online account here. 

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