If there’s an ideal time to take advantage of getting some steps in outdoors, it’s the fall season, when there’s a sizable window to take in the beauty, comfortable temperatures and fresh air regardless of which Pennsylvania county you reside in.
It’s especially important to get movement outside into your daily routine now, because what’s to follow is more uncertain as wet, icy and slippery surfaces on top of frigid temps make it less appealing to leave the house.
Fitness and lifestyle program
That’s the time when being eligible for a fitness and lifestyle program such as SilverSneakers can come in handy for those who have it included in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Plan.
It’s a good idea to check your eligibility now so that you know in advance of the chilly late fall and winter seasons if you have access to a wide variety of fitness centers, live online classes and in-demand classes in the comfort of your home, as well as community classes held at community centers and assisted living facilities, among other locations, that give you an opportunity to interact with others.
Some of the express workouts take as little as 15 minutes, such as the Gentle Stretch class that is geared toward beginners.
Seated stretches to increase mobility
On the SilversSneakers website, the class is described as an opportunity to move your body through a series of seated stretches to increase mobility and range of motion in just 15 minutes.
That’s a sizable return for a 15-minute investment of your day.
For those looking for a more challenging workout, the 20-minute Muscle Max online class aims to help you build muscle mass, improve bone density and boost metabolism using resistance bands, weights and bodyweight exercises.
“Each class targets a specific major muscle group for safe, effective results,” states SilverSneakers on their website. “There will be standing and floorwork exercises.”
Aid in prevention
For those interested in classes to aid in preventing pain and injuries, the half-hour beginner to intermediate Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention class might be the perfect fit.
This evidence-based class gives you an opportunity to learn sun-style Tai Chi exercises and movement principles designed to improve balance, muscular strength and flexibility while protecting joints.
About Silver Sneakers Community Classes
Most people in the 65-plus age group have learned the importance of social interaction as we age after the negative impacts experienced during COVID that resulted from social isolation. Community fitness classes offered by SlverSneakers are senior-focused classes held at community centers, assisted living facilities and local parks.
They offer an opportunity to join the fun and make friends in all different types of classes like Zumba, Tai Chi, line dancing and outdoor walking groups.
For more information and to determine your SilverSneakers eligibility, visit www.tools.silversneakers.com.
