Silver Sneakers is a really good deal that many seniors are eligible for as part of their Medicare package. It gives you free membership at a large number of gyms nationwide. For a list of those near you, check out http://www.silversneakers.com/.
Most gyms that participate in the program have special exercise classes for Silver Sneakers, but you’re not restricted to them. Both of the gyms I checked out offered me full membership privileges, a savings of almost $500 a year. If you go to the Silver Sneakers classes, no matter how fit or unfit you are, there’ll be people who are more fit and less fit.
A great thing about gyms that I discovered after I retired is that classes held during working hours have many more older people and are generally relaxed and friendly. So if you’ve been intimidated by gyms in the past, you might feel more comfortable now. Many gyms that accept Silver Sneakers are associated with YMCAs, community centers, and other venues where the atmosphere isn’t quite so testosterone-driven (sorry guys) as in some gyms.
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