CLARION, Pa. – Visit the Clarion County YMCA any weekday morning and you will notice a friendly crowd of older adults. A large and growing number of older adults are taking advantage of free YMCA memberships through their insurance plans.
Many health insurance companies are offering YMCA memberships as incentives to get healthy and stay healthy. Insurance companies are finding these partnerships to be beneficial and members are leading healthier lives with less medications and limitations.
People age 65 and older may be eligible for the SilverSneakers® program through a Highmark or Medicare plan or supplement. SilverSneakers® is a nationwide health program for senior citizens and it provides a free gym membership and wellness counseling at participating locations.
The Clarion County YMCA has been offering SilverSneakers memberships for several years. Today nearly 300 community residents are considered SilverSneakers® members. They enjoy all the same privileges as a regular member of the YMCA, plus they are able to take advantage of free SilverSneakers® programming offered Monday through Friday.
Similar programs like Silver & Fit and Active and Fit have been developed with other insurance companies and offer similar benefits, including free memberships to the YMCA. The Clarion County YMCA has a growing number of members receiving free services through programs like Silver & Fit and Active and Fit.
Michelle Murray, Scenic Rivers YMCA Marketing & Membership Director, is excited about the growing number of health and wellness programs that offer free memberships.
“The Y is thrilled to be able to help area residents feel healthier and stronger. We encourage anyone who has wanted to begin a new routine to stop by the YMCA for a tour. We’ll check your insurance cards and let you know right away if you qualify for a free membership through your insurance.”
Current senior classes available at no charge to SilverSneakers and Silver & Fit Members include:
SILVERSNEAKERS CLASSIC (Beginners)
Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. Hand held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers ball are offered for resistance. A chair is available if needed for seated or standing support. Classes offered Monday and Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.; Friday 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.; and Tuesday and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
SENIOR ON THE BALL (Intermediate)
For the senior who needs a bit more of a challenge. This class includes a variety of muscular strength and range of movement activities all done while seated or using the stability ball. If you prefer, you may sit in a chair rather than on the ball. Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.
SENIOR STEP UP (Advanced)
For the senior who needs more of a challenge in their workout. Class includes cardio, strength and flexibility training all in a low-impact class. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
SILVERSNEAKERS YOGA
Move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
The YMCA has plenty of other programs that appeal to older adults.
Silver Game Days are held twice a month and are open to members who want to play cards or a board game while socializing. Members bring a light snack to share.
Member luncheons are held periodically.
The coffee room is very popular after a workout. Free coffee and several local newspapers are available on weekdays.
Aquatics classes for older adults are extremely popular in the summer months.
Social activities are held regularly.
The YMCA is currently developing an Intro to Fitness for Older Adults class to help those who want to learn some additional exercises and routines in the wellness center.
Renee Bakewell, Senior Wellness Coordinator, develops most of the programs with seniors and enjoys seeing so much interaction at the YMCA.
“Our seniors are here for the social interaction as much as the physical,” said Bakewell “Often we think of people using the Y for the body, but it is very evident that the social and spiritual aspect is so important to older adults.”
About the YMCA
For more information about the Clarion County YMCA and Y programs, please visit the YMCA website at www.clarioncountyymca.org, call 814-764-3400 and follow the Y on Facebook.
The Clarion County YMCA is a branch of the Scenic Rivers Association, which includes the Oil City YMCA, Clarion County YMCA, Younger Days Child Care and Camp Coffman.
Hours
The Clarion County YMCA hours are: Weekdays 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
(Article submitted by Michelle Murray, Marketing & Membership Director, Clarion County YMCA, Oil City YMCA, and YMCA Camp Coffman)
Clarion County YMCA and exploreClarion.com have partnered to provide the community with YMCA News. This is an exclusive article only found on exploreClarion.com.
