Seniors can now lace up their sneakers, don their swim caps and press “start” on their fitness watches with the Strongsville Recreation Center’s Silver Sneakers program.
The program, which launched last October, offers free recreation center membership for seniors ages 65 and up on select Medicare plans. Seniors interested in the program can check their eligibility, register for Silver Sneakers membership and print their ID cards at silversneakers.com. To activate their free rec center memberships, seniors simply bring their Silver Sneakers ID cards to the Strongsville Recreation Center and complete an application form.
A Silver Sneakers membership unlocks a world of fitness possibilities. With their membership, seniors can access all amenities at the center, including cardio equipment, an indoor track and a lap pool. Group exercise classes, such as cycling, kickboxing and yoga, are available at member rates.
Demand for the program grew because Strongsville residents longed to shorten their gym commutes. “There were some seniors who were going to other cities’ rec centers that participated in the Silver Sneakers program,” says Bryan Bogre, parks, recreation and senior services director. Now, seniors can exercise closer to home.
In addition to achieving their fitness goals, Silver Sneakers participants can find camaraderie at the center. “It’s a good thing for them to come up and meet new people, as well,” Bogre says. “It gets them out of the house and making new friends over and above just getting healthy in the sense of getting their physical activity going.”
