Sounds a little funny doesn’t it, but the SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a pioneer in fitness for adults 65 and older and is hugely successful. Since 1996, the SilverSneakers program has been documenting benefits for older adults, such as decreasing
Sounds a little funny doesn’t it, but the SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a pioneer in fitness for adults 65 and older and is hugely successful.
Since 1996, the SilverSneakers program has been documenting benefits for older adults, such as decreasing depression and increasing health status, and has become the nation’s leading exercise program designed especially for older adults.
The SilverSneakers group exercise instructors are trained and certified by nationally-accredited fitness organizations and receive continuing education, evaluations and feedback so they consistently have the latest fitness research and information to ensure that the classes are safe and effective.
The purpose of the SilverSneakers Fitness Program is to provide fitness benefits for managed care organizations’ Medicare members through a network of specially-contracted locations and approved and trained instructors.
The Muscular Strength and Range of Movement class is the core class for SilverSneakers and is designed to improve strength, range of movement, balance and coordination so that the participants improve their overall fitness level and feel better. The class is suitable for those who are already fit and enjoying activity, but is also appropriate for those who are sedentary. Classes focus both on fitness and fun.
Those interested in participating need to complete an Activity Readiness Assessment form and, of course, be Medicare members and have a managed health care program in place.
The program goals are quite simply to improve physical and mental health and minimize age-related physical and mental degeneration. This is accomplished by focusing on nine specific aspects of fitness; cardiovascular fitness (heart and lung capacity), strength and endurance, body fat/lean muscle mass ratio, flexibility, speed, power, agility, balance and coordination. This leads class members to become more aware of their own health status and to recognize their progress. The classes are always given in a spirit of fun and in an environment that encourages socialization. This group setting also leads to health education and promotion of health oriented community events.
The SilverSneakers Muscular Strength and Range of Movement classes are taught with a chair, elastic tubing with handles, hand-held weights and a SilverSneakers ball (about the same size as a child’s 6 inch inflatable ball). The format includes six segments; warm-up, rhythmic range of movement stretching, the workout with weights, ball and tubing, and the cool-down, the final stretch and relaxation. The chair is used for seated and standing support, stretching and relaxation.
As we age the symptoms we all fight against are loss of muscle mass, loss of strength, a lowered metabolism, increase in body fat, a loss of heart and lung function and rising blood sugar and cholesterol. We also contend with a gradual increase in blood pressure, a loss of bone mass and less ability to recognize thirst and regulate our body temperature. The SilverSneakers programs are designed to help us age better and healthier.
There is a new SilverSneakers class starting Wednesday at 7 a.m. at Kaua‘i Athletic Club in Nawiliwili.
Let’s age gracefully together!
• Jane Riley, M.S., B.A., C.P.T., C.N.A., can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 808-212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
