What Is SilverSneakers? What to Know and How to Get Started

By Mandy Walker |

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Here’s everything you need to know about this health and fitness program designed for older adults.

senior woman doing a plank

Wouldn’t it be great if you could take fitness classes designed specifically for seniors and led by supportive instructors?

What if you could take those classes online from the comfort of your home? And get no-cost access to gyms and fitness locations in your area (and even nationwide!)?

If that sounds like the perfect program to help you get and stay fit, we have awesome news for you.

If SilverSneakers is included in your Medicare Advantage plan, you can have all of that — at no additional cost to you.

To help you learn more and take advantage of SilverSneakers, we put together this handy guide to answer your questions. (Click here to check your eligibility right away.)

Question #1: What Is SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that’s included with many Medicare Advantage plans.

SilverSneakers members can:

The goal? To help you stay strong in body, mind, and spirit. Regular physical activity keeps your heart, brain, bones, muscles, and joints healthy.

If you have a chronic condition like arthritis, diabetes, or osteoporosis, safe exercise can help you feel better. Plus, staying social is vital to good health.

According to SilverSneakers members, it works. In fact, 95 percent of members rate their health as excellent, very good, or good. And 88 percent say SilverSneakers has improved their quality of life.

Question #2: How Do I Get SilverSneakers?

If you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to see if it includes SilverSneakers, you can check your SilverSneakers eligibility instantly here.

If you’re new to Medicare or looking for health plans that include SilverSneakers, you can find participating health plans here.

Question #3: Do I Need a SilverSneakers Card?

No. If you’re already a SilverSneakers member, you can get your digital membership ID instantly here.

To make things even easier, download the SilverSneakers GO app (free, iOS and Android). You’ll be able to:

Also of Interest
  • Access your digital membership ID anytime.
  • Find SilverSneakers locations and classes near you.
  • Discover, schedule, and track your workouts.

Question #4: Is There an Age Requirement for SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that’s included with many Medicare Advantage plans, but there’s no age requirement. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can check your SilverSneakers eligibility instantly here.

Question #5: Do You Have Online Classes?

Yes, and lots of them! If you’re a SilverSneakers member, you get access to both live online classes and prerecorded video workouts.

SilverSneakers LIVE offers full-length SilverSneakers classes daily live through Zoom. Classes range from 15 minutes to one hour. With hundreds of classes a week, there’s something for everyone.

You’ll find favorites such as SilverSneakers Classic, Circuit, Yoga, EnerChi and Total Body Strength. There’s also Zumba Gold, Cardio Mix, Yoga Pilates Fusion, Line Dancing, and many seated workouts.

Plus, you’ll find live wellness workshops on topics like stress, balance, nutrition, and pain management.

Classes and workshops occur multiple times throughout the day and are exclusive for SilverSneakers members. Learn more in our guide to SilverSneakers LIVE.

SilverSneakers On-Demand features hundreds of videos for SilverSneakers members only. You’ll find workout videos for cardio, strength training, and fall prevention.

You’ll also get nutrition videos, such as healthy eating habits for older adults and how to read food labels.

To get started, log in to or create your online account.

Question #6: What Types of Exercise Classes Are Available, and Who Teaches Them?

You’ll find a variety of fun exercise classes designed for all fitness levels and interests. Classes vary whether you’re doing them online or in person, but if available, you’ll find:

  • Cardio and strength classes, which often offer a chair for support
  • Water aerobics classes
  • Chair and standing yoga classes
  • Tai chi, boot camp, line dancing, and so much more!

SilverSneakers classes are led by supportive instructors who are specially trained in senior fitness. They can help you learn how to do exercises safely and adapt exercises for your needs.

Learn more about why SilverSneakers members love our classes and what SilverSneakers instructors know that other trainers don’t.

Question #7: What’s Included in a Gym Membership with SilverSneakers?

You’ll get a basic membership at any gym and participating location in the SilverSneakers network. Facilities, amenities, and classes vary by location, but if available, that generally means you can use:

  • Cardio equipment, such as treadmills and rowing machines
  • Strength equipment, such as weights and strength machines
  • Amenities, such as pools, walking tracks, and even pickleball courts

It does not include extras like smoothies, massages, or personal training. If you choose to arrange and pay for those on your own, you certainly can.

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Not a fan of the traditional gym? You might like SilverSneakers Community classes, which are taught at recreation centers, local parks, and other neighborhood locations.

Question #8: How Do I Find a Location or Class, and Can I Go to More Than One?

To find participating fitness locations or classes in the SilverSneakers network near you, use our location tool, or download the SilverSneakers GO app (free, iOS and Android).

We recommend that you check with locations directly to find out about their hours and class schedules.

And, yes! Some members find it hard to believe, but you can enroll in as many participating locations as you like, and use any location in the SilverSneakers network, at any time.

For example, you could use weights or exercise machines at one gym, swim in the pool at another, and take a SilverSneakers or Community class at your local rec center.

Question #9: What’s the SilverSneakers Community Like?

Friendly. Supportive. Motivating. Fun. Like family. That’s how members often describe the SilverSneakers community.

What they all know: SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program, and often it’s the friendships that people make that keep them coming back. Read what SilverSneakers members have to say about the program and our classes here.

Many SilverSneakers groups even plan social events outside of classes, like potlucks or outings around town. Or if they’re taking a SilverSneakers LIVE class, they’ll chat online before or after the workout.

This social support has real health benefits. SilverSneakers members who participate in group exercise are more active, feel healthier, and are less likely to experience social isolation than non-members, according to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab study.

Plus, you can stay connected with the SilverSneakers community on Facebook and Instagram.

Question #10: Do You Sell Silver Sneakers—or Silver Slippers?

We don’t sell shoes of any kind, but we do offer SilverSneakers shirts, exercise bands, and bags at the online SilverSneakers store.

Question #11: I Have More Questions! Can You Help?

If you have questions about your SilverSneakers eligibility or membership, you can call us at 866-584-7389 or email us at support@silversneakers.com.

Check Your SilverSneakers Eligibility Instantly

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

Not eligible for SilverSneakers? You can still get 200-plus free SilverSneakers On-Demand videos and stay in touch with us by creating your online account.

Find out if your health plan already includes the SilverSneakers benefit. CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY