SilverSneakers 30th Anniversary wouldn’t be a celebration without the inspiring stories of our members across the country. Over the years, SilverSneakers has impacted the lives of millions of adults who are living happier, healthier, more connected lives through fitness in all its shapes and forms. Our legacy has been built by your stories, and to commemorate our 30th anniversary we are celebrating you – your inspiring accomplishments, your wins, big and small, that have helped SilverSneakers leave a positive mark on your life or the life of someone you love.
Join the celebration!
The online classes have helped me tremendously. I have grown stronger physically, and my balance has improved.
I started taking two classes per week, but now I take classes five days per week. The instructors are awesome, they are warm, friendly and personable. Jenny O’Callahan and Kari Houston are my main instructors. Even the substitute teachers I have had are excellent. I just wanted to say thank you for making my life more enjoyable & Happy 30th Birthday.
I am looking good and feeling great.
You’ve given me something I never had before: muscles! I feel proud to have achieved gains both in strength and cardio, and I feel so much more empowered as a result.
I have always struggled with my weight, but you’ve done me so much good here, too. I weighed 210 lbs when I retired in 2018, but I was determined to make healthy changes. With attention to my eating habits and a daily dose or two of Silver-Sneakers Live, I’ve achieved my goal weight of 135 lbs! The live classes are the BEST—so motivating, challenging, and fun! I love my regular instructors for their unique styles and personalities. A shout out to Andi, Samantha, Brenda, Maria, Sharlyn, and Sims. You are my team, and you’ve helped me so much!!!
Long live SilverSneakers! With oodles of love,
Happy 30 SilverSneakers!
SilverSneakers has made a huge positive impact in my life. First, my husband was an early Alzheimer's diagnosed patient. He took an early retirement and was able to join SilverSneakers at the community center gym. That helped him significantly. He loved lifting weights and strengths exercises, however, we started taking Yoga classes together. The neurologist attributed his exercise routine the fact that his illness never stopped him from moving by himself and being happy and physically fit, despite the degree of such a devastating illness.
In 2020 I retired to be his full-time caregiver and moved to a different state where our children will be closer to our home. The challenge was that a month after retirement, COVID-19 hit the USA and I had to sell a home, pack and move with almost no help available. Coming to a new state without friends, and the kids still completing the last year of studies, was very stressful for me. Then, I learned about SilverSneakers and I started walking with coach Michelle using my SilverSneakers Go App., then I started taking multiple classes a day: Strength, Yoga, Body Sculpt, Latin-inspired dance classes and more. Then there were some brain and mental health type of classes with Samantha and Charlyn that were very helpful. I love that all the instructors are super knowledgeable and compassionate; also, very careful so we do not get hurt. My son loved when Lionell asked us in class to make sure we tell a relative to ensure we are fine after class.
I finally decided to go back to the in-person exercises, but the fact that we work out in the comfort of our home and also go to our favorite facilities and work out there, as well, is an extraordinary gift from SilverSneakers!
THANK YOU! You truly are a life saver.
I had been a faithful SilverSneakers participant at the Y and enjoyed the exercise and interaction with other people. That all changed with the pandemic and I don't miss attending the in person sessions.
All the instructors are great with different levels of intensity and personalities. I find myself everyday looking forward to class or classes, sometimes 4 or 5 a day. I have lost weight and feel good about myself along with the energy and strength that I have obtained and consistently work on to help improve where I can.
I enjoy doing the exercises in the comfort of my home and tell many people about the experiences I have had since I began doing your online classes. As much as I felt isolated during the pandemic, I found SilverSneakers to have given me a sense of purpose and probably something I would not have discovered without anywhere to get my exercise. Congratulations on a great organization and I am sold on attending the online classes and will forgo in person classes since I have much more to select from.
When I retired last year at 68 years of age, I felt physically and mentally drained. 42 years working in the childcare field, though rewarding, had taken a tole on my joints. Since my decision to join SilverSneakers, my physical ability has improved, and mental awareness has sharpened. I chose the Strength workout with Lionel Pate, because I appreciate his motivational comments, and his comment to everyone's progress. I've learned so much about the importance of balance and movement as I age.
One year later, I feel better than every.
I have benefited from the work of SilverSneakers for about 16 years when I retired from active employment.
The gym at the Healthplex in Albuquerque has been affiliated with SilverSneakers for almost all of that time. For years the classes and workout equipment there was my main stay for exercise and I loved it. However, I never really appreciated the SilverSneakers connection. I only knew that I loved the classes and instructors and friends. Then the pandemic hit and the Healthplex closed like so many gyms around the country. I was devastated to "lose" my exercise classes. Fortunately, I discovered SilverSneakers on Facebook and accessed and continue to access many of the live classes on Zoom through the week. The instructors are amazing --- Jenny, Michelle, Sharlynn, Andi, Dina, Kari, Sam, Katy --- and all the others. I am grateful, beyond grateful for the caring, skillful, enthusiastic, positive classes that you provide. Truly, SilverSneakers saved my life in so many ways - physically, emotionally, and mentally through the pandemic, and continues to do so now.
Congratulations to SilverSneakers on this 30th anniversary. Thank you more than I can say.
I want to express just how much I appreciate the virtual class led by Coach Lionel Pate. I've been a participant for over a year, and cannot speak highly enough of Lionel's excellence as an instructor/coach, his commitment, and infectious positivity. I always look forward to my Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday classes with him.
Prior to the pandemic, and before I enrolled in participating Medicare Advantage Plan, I participated in a wellness exercise program at my local health care facility. I enjoyed it, mainly because of the comradery and because it helped to maintain my heart health after a heart procedure I had five years ago. With the gym closed during the pandemic, and when I became eligible for SilverSneakers, I enrolled in Lionel's total body fitness class and haven't looked back. I enjoy the variety of the circuits, the way he mixes things up, his positive attitude, and the ability to work out rain or shine. I especially like the way he is able to accommodate all levels of participants in the class. Lionel is a tremendous asset to SilverSneakers, and it is fortunate to have him on its staff as an instructor.
I have just returned from some hiking which I hadn’t done in 3 years (and I am 78). I was amazed at how easily I could get up and down mountains! Silver Sneakers has also improved the quality of my every day life as well, and helped me loose weight.
After I had spent a stressful year care-taking for my late husband, I realized that I needed to address my own health and fitness issues. When I signed up for SilverSneakers online and on-demand classes, I found exactly what I needed! I feel more fit, more energized, and more connected to my fellow classmates all across the country. And the instructors are so personable and authentic… Everyone has their own favorite instructors, and these are my “regulars”: Michelle, Dina, Jenny, Brenda, and Samantha for the live classes. I also love Andi for the on-demand walking classes. Thanks also to Andrea for her relaxing yoga class. Even the substitutes are good, and have a different approach to the express classes. Thanks to Stephanie and Theresa. Keep up the good work, SiIverSneakers!
I joined about a year ago. It's been great to wake up everyday at home to have something to look forward to without having to leave home. The classes are great and I love the 15 minute classes. The instructors are awesome. One day I hope to do the 45 minute classes. Having new friends from all over the USA; I love it. I feel great physically, mentally and feel like I have a new social life. Thank you SilverSneakers.
I have tried several times to join exercise studios but never stayed with them. To me, they were not friendly places. I used to love water aerobics but since discovering I have a sensitivity to chlorine, I can't do those really well either. However, when I discovered the chair yoga classes that I could do on Zoom, on my MAC Desktop, I was thrilled. I felt like I was the only student even though there were hundreds on the call. My favorite is Shannon on Monday and Wednesdays. I love seeing people log on from all across America. It makes me feel part of a real group. Being a bit on the Autism spectrum and shy as well, I am most comfortable doing a virtual SS class.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate.
I retired 2 years ago and found a class at a gym in Miami, Florida. The staff is exceptional. I go from Monday-Friday to the 11:00 A.M. class. They have three different teachers during the week, who have us use, weights, bands and ball. They start us off by warming us (usually marching in place) then we sit in the chairs and use the weights, band and ball. All during the exercises they explain what muscles we are strengthening. There is always upbeat music in the background and it truly is a joyful experience. When the class finishes you leave the gym energized and ready to face the day!!
I am energized by the people who attend the same online classes that I do, that are older than me. As soon as I turned 65, I checked out this website. I wanted to stay active and didn't really feel comfortable going to our local gym. I have been exercising with the live classes or the on-demand classes for months now at least 5-6 days a week. I am only 66 but am so impressed when I see others chime in to say they are in their late 70s or 80s. It gives me hope that I can get stronger and maintain this schedule. I actually feel better when I exercise (not necessarily during, but definitely after)!
Thanks for offering this opportunity to grow older gracefully, healthy and strong!
I retired 2 years ago and thought I may be bored. Joined a SilverSneakers gym with a friend and love the gym and classes they offer. The best thing is if I don't want to go to the gym, I can chose on demand and live classes at home. I have done several and love them all. I go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week and feel so much better. And I love retirement!
Keep up the good work!!!
I have been taking your classes for 15 years. I am now 79 and am often told I don't look my age. I think my ability to walk and move well are because I do your classes. I especially like the online instructors and have been using these classes since COVID made them available. Thank you so much for helping me be healthy.
I am so thankful for SilverSneakers and all the instructors. Mentally it has gotten me through the past few crazy years we all have experienced. I feel like the instructors have all become friends, I love them all. They explain everything so well. I use to workout in my 30’s and was doing everything the wrong way, not with the SS instructors. I am in better shape now at my age than I was years ago. My posture has improved so much. I’ve learned how important breathing is in exercise. I’m stronger and have a lot more stamina now.
Thank you Silver Sneakers for all you have done for me and everyone.
You turned my life around and I am very grateful.
I started taking SilverSneaker Yoga classes one year ago when I started a new food plan. You helped me lose 30 pounds. More importantly, you offered community, fun, and support, all from the comfort of my home. All of your instructors are friendly, welcoming, very knowledgeable, and sensitive. You offer a huge variety of classes at all hours, so it is easy to incorporate the classes in my schedule. I now take the Yoga Flow and Cardio Mix classes. I feel good in my body and have more confidence. I feel healthy and happy. Thank you!!
I mean it, SILVER SNEAKERS saved my life.
With the pandemic I lost my gym, my way to have exercise in my life. In my work I am sitting, when I drive to my clients I am sitting, after a long day I am sitting. And I had no way to do exercise since my gym was closed. I could feel my health going slowly down. Then I got plantar fasciitis, so I was not even able to walk as a form of exercise. And then I found out about the classes ONLINE with Silver Sneakers. I would sign up and then show up. It just worked for me. And it started me at a level where I was at. At the beginner level, in a chair.
What a blessing these exercises have been for me. And such an assortment to choose from. I am now doing at least 3 classes every week. The instructors are so good. And it is so easy to fit them into my life.
I have just recently moved, and my exercise classes and instructors have all moved with me. I just love my online classes. So thank you so much Silver Sneakers for giving me back my health, my life and my hope for the future. Bless you all who have put this together for me and for all our precious seniors!
Word of mouth is the best advertisement and when a friend told me about Silver Sneakers, I knew I had to find a health plan that included this program.
I've been a member for 1.5 years and I love it. I started with the On-Demand videos that focused on fall prevention and balance and I got to know Andi, Jenny and Sharlyn who are awesome trainers. Once I was comfortable with the exercise steps on the videos, I started taking LIVE online Classic and Circuit classes and some of the Express classes. All of the trainers encourage us to try the exercise steps, but if a step doesn't feel right, that's okay. They also encourage us to try other Silver Sneakers classes and they take the time to answer our questions. I've always been a walker, however, now I am focusing on building my upper body strength. I like how the trainers encourage us to not only focus on our physical health, but our mental health as well. Sharlyn's "Mindfulness and Meditation" classes allow me to shut off the "noise" around me and focus on my inner self. Jenny's classes often end with a few seconds for me to find the "quiet" within myself.
THANK YOU to all of the trainers who have enriched my life by helping me to grow stronger.
I am 75 years young. My husband and I retired May 2019. Our dream was to go traveling. My physician heard a murmur in my heart. At lightning speed I went to a cardiologist to cardiac surgeon to open heart surgery and a long road to recovery. Our dreams to travel postponed, maybe forever. Heard of Silver Sneakers through my medical insurance. Started classes at the local Y but do to covid switched to online classes. Silver Sneakers has and is giving me back my strength, endurance, balance, positive attitude. And our DREAM to travel this beautiful country.
I have been taking SilverSneakers classes for about a year now and it has made such an amazing difference in my life, that when I recently had the option to take a lower cost on my health insurance and give up SilverSneakers, I said, ‘NO WAY!’
It’s been a difficult year for all of us and Andi’s energetic spirit, along with her ability to laugh at herself in a good way is very refreshing and brightens my day!
Ten years ago, we were a family of four, until my husband passed away suddenly. Then we were three: our teenage daughter, our teenage son, and me.
It was more than tragic, more than life changing and heart wrenching. I grieved his loss for years and years, and still miss him so much. During the worst grieving years, I isolated myself, became agoraphobic, and was extremely depressed. I knew I should be strong for my children, but I wasn’t as strong as I needed or should have been. I regret this more than I can say…thank God I worked hard to be the mom I was before my husband died.
Then, in April of 2022, my sweetest daughter took her own life. I’m still grieving hard: my hearts been ripped to pieces. She was my best girl. My shining star. She had a heart deeper than the sea, and she loved everyone. She had a marshmallow heart. She is the bravest person I know and I ….there are no words. Read more...
Silver Sneakers has impacted my life in a way that I never thought possible.
I discovered them during the pandemic on line. During that time I was going through a cancer bout. I was depressed because I felt I couldn't get to classes. I was involved in live Silver Sneakers before the pandemic and attended on a regular basis. Silver Sneakers has been a game changer in my life. Also, Silver Sneakers helped me to go through the depression I felt by having live classes on line.
I will always be grateful for Silver Sneakers and I have certainly told many of my friends about Silver Sneakers. Silver Sneakers changed my life. Thank you so much for caring!!
I'm a young 69 who lost a daughter from a chronic disease.
During her battle I became depressed over ate and gained over 60 pounds. After her death I felt like I did not want to live. I got so out of shape I couldn't hardly walk from the house to the car. My grandchildren and friends pleaded with me. I finally agreed but could not afford a gym membership. Thanks to Silver Sneakers I joined the Y, started water arobics, started doing the classes offered online. Reading all the available literature offered online through Silver Sneakers on nutrition diet ,etc..
Now after 6 months I feel great. I did not realize the shape I had let myself get in to physically or mentally.. Thank you Silver Sneakers for bringing me back to life. I could have never done this on my own without all the benefits you provide.
I underwent four lumbar spine surgeries and have just been diagnosed with sciatica, which is very painful. My stress level is at an all-time high. By adopting an attitude of gratitude, I have learned to cope with all that has happened to me and put it all in perspective. Now that I have your classes to help lead me in a healthy direction, I truly believe I’m coming out on top.
I am so grateful to SilverSneakers for contributing to my well-being this year. This program has meant so much to me as I deal with challenges that are in front of all of us, as well as some that are unique to my own situation. When I got word that my current Medicare health insurance supplement plan was being discontinued in 2022, I realized that SilverSneakers is so important to me that I’d make it part of my new plan search criteria.
I want to thank the instructors that are giving us personal attention and love and feelings of belonging. Even though I am just a member of a class of 500 or 300 or 600, I feel so taken care of. I just watched Jenny’s relaxing 18 minute gentle stretch on Youtube and she modeled everything she said is necessary for stretching. She held the stretches as long as she wanted us to. The improvements are amazing. The instructors give extra time before class. They talk to us and help us and greet us. I love it.