• Edited By
    Lee Williams
    Lee Williams, senior editor for RetireGuide.com

    Lee Williams

    Senior Financial Editor

    Lee Williams is a professional writer, editor and content strategist with 10 years of professional experience working for global and nationally recognized brands. He has contributed to Forbes, The Huffington Post, SUCCESS Magazine, AskMen.com, Electric Literature and The Wall Street Journal. His career also includes ghostwriting for Fortune 500 CEOs and published authors.

    Read More
  • Published: November 3, 2020
  • Updated: October 10, 2023
  • 10 min read time
  • This page features 12 Cited Research Articles
Fact Checked
Fact Checked

Our fact-checking process starts with vetting all sources to ensure they are authoritative and relevant. Then we verify the facts with original reports published by those sources, or we confirm the facts with qualified experts. For full transparency, we clearly identify our sources in a list at the bottom of each page.

Why Trust RetireGuide.com
Why You Can Trust Us

Content created by RetireGuide and sponsored by our partners.

Key Principles

RetireGuide’s mission is to provide seniors with resources that will help them reach important financial decisions that affect their retirement. Our goal is to arm our readers with knowledge that will lead to a healthy and financially sound retirement.

We’re dedicated to providing thoroughly researched Medicare information that guides you toward making the best possible health decisions for you and your family.

RetireGuide LLC has partnerships with Senior Market Sales (SMS) and GoHealth.

Our partners are able to be reached through the phone numbers and/or forms provided on our website.

The content and tools created by RetireGuide adhere to strict Medicare and editorial guidelines to ensure quality and transparency.

Editorial Independence

While the experts from our partners are available to help you navigate various Medicare plans, RetireGuide retains complete editorial control over the information it publishes.

We operate independently from our partners, which allows the award-winning RetireGuide team to provide you with unbiased information.

Visitors can trust our inflexibility regarding our editorial autonomy. We do not allow our partnership to influence RetireGuide’s editorial content whatsoever.

Maybe you stumbled across something online talking about free fitness programs during retirement or heard some friends mention how they enrolled in the SilverSneakers program. If this has you asking, “What is the SilverSneakers program?,” you’re not alone.

SilverSneakers is a popular fitness program for people ages 65 and older that’s offered through more than 60 Medicare Advantage and Medigap (Medicare Supplement insurance) plans.

The program was founded in 1992 by Mary Swanson to help her father recover from a heart attack. Her goal was to develop a program that improves health and well-being, according to the SilverSneakers website.

Keep reading to learn what SilverSneakers covers, who’s eligible, where to find participating fitness centers and more. If you love free benefits that help you live a happier and healthier life, you won’t want to skip over this one.

Key Takeaways:
  • SilverSneakers is available to those with certain Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans.
  • On-site gym classes, gym memberships and online workout videos are all included in the SilverSneakers program.
  • A variety of insurance companies carry Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans that include the SilverSneakers program.

What Does SilverSneakers Cover?

The SilverSneakers program provides free access to online workout videos, local gyms and community exercise classes. At local gyms, you have access to workout equipment and specific amenities, as well as classes offered on-site.

A few of the on-site gym classes and workout videos include:
  • Yoga
  • Tai chi
  • Walking
  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Core training
  • Zumba
  • Boot camp
  • Total body strength training

There are a lot of benefits to the SilverSneakers program, but keep in mind that it won’t cover all of your gym expenses. Personal training, massages and other similar extras like smoothies or protein shakes aren’t included in the program and you’ll have to pay for them yourself.

Silver Sneakers is one of the more popular features offered by many Medicare Advantage Plans. Many seniors who want to be proactive about their health will sometimes specifically look for a plan that offers Silver Sneakers as a benefit.

How Much Does SilverSneakers Cost?

SilverSneakers doesn't cost anything out-of-pocket if you're enrolled in a participating insurance plan.

The program itself is covered by your insurance, so you shouldn’t have to pay anything out of pocket unless you get something that isn’t covered through the program.

Does Medicare Cover SilverSneakers?

Original Medicare — Medicare Part A and Part B — does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs, including SilverSneakers.

Medicare will only pay for physical therapy your doctor decides is medically necessary to treat your injury or illness.

Only select Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans that participate in the SilverSneakers program provide access to gyms, instructors and other program resources at no extra cost to you.

Have you selected your 2024 Medicare plan?
Maximize your Medicare savings by connecting with a licensed insurance agent. Annual Enrollment is open until December 7th.

What Insurance Plans Cover SilverSneakers?

There are over 60 Medicare Advantage and Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans that offer a SilverSneakers membership at no additional cost to you. These insurance providers differ from state to state; however, a few include:

  • Aetna
  • Bankers Life
  • Humana
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Clover Health
  • AARP
  • Health Advantage
  • Vitality
  • Anthem
  • SCAN Health Plan
  • Kaiser Permanente

To learn which insurance plans cover SilverSneakers membership in your state, visit the Participating Health Plans page on the SilverSneakers website.

Who Is Eligible for SilverSneakers?

Though SilverSneakers is designed for people ages 65 and older, there is no age requirement. You simply have to have a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that participates in the program. If you’re not 65 but have a disability or other reason for having a Medicare Advantage or Medigap insurance plan, you’re still eligible for the SilverSneakers program.

Does Your Plan Cover SilverSneakers?
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap policy, you can use SilverSneakers’ eligibility checker to find out if it participates in the program.
Source: SilverSneakers

If you are not yet enrolled in Medicare, but are looking for Medicare Advantage or Medigap coverage, ask if a plan includes SilverSneakers membership before making your purchase.

What Fitness Plans Do SilverSneakers Programs Offer?

The SilverSneakers program has agreements with thousands of gyms and trained fitness and exercise instructors at more than 17,000 locations. The trained instructors provide fitness programs designed specifically for seniors.

The program also has an on-demand video library for people who prefer exercising at home and a program that holds fitness classes outside of gyms in parks, community centers and churches.

SilverSneakers Fitness Classes
Boom Mind program
Mind classes combine yoga and Pilates to build strength, flexibility and confidence. The classes are designed to relax your body and mind while focusing on your core, lower body strength and balance.
Boom MOVE program
This is a high-intensity dance workout designed to improve cardio endurance while burning calories. It starts with simple dance moves, eventually advancing to more complex exercises.
Boom Muscle program
This program relies on blocks — or different combinations of exercises — to build and condition your upper body. It focuses on toning muscles and building strength.
Circuit training
These exercises focus on standing and low-impact movements alternating with upper body strength. It uses free weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers exercise ball.
EnerChi classes
EnerChi classes use modified tai chi forms. You practice low-impact movements in slow sequences to build balance, strength and focus. You are allowed to use a chair to help with balance and seated exercises.
FLEX program
FLEX programs are set up outside of traditional gyms and involve fitness programs in parks, community centers and houses of worship — particularly for people who don’t want to work out in a gym environment.
Live virtual fitness classes
These are real-time exercise programs you can join from the comfort of your own home. Live classes and workshops featuring fitness instructors are delivered via Zoom conferencing.
On-demand classes
On-demand classes include a large library of exercise and wellness videos that you can access at your convenience and use in your fitness and wellness efforts in your home or on the go.
SilverSneaker Classic
The SilverSneaker Classic program is designed to increase your muscular strength and improve your range of movement with a focus on improving your daily life and activities.
Splash program
This is a shallow water exercise program using a splash board to give you more options for movement and intensity in your exercises. SilverSneakers bills it as safe for nonswimmers and suitable for anyone regardless of your skill level.
Stability classes
Stability classes are designed to improve your strength and balance. It aims to build strength around hip, knee and ankle joints and improve your reaction time, with the goal of reducing your risk of falls.
Yoga
This class involves a full range of standing and seated yoga postures coupled with breathing exercises. You are allowed to use a chair to support you. It is designed to reduce stress and increase balance, range of movement and flexibility.
3 Minute Quiz: Can You Retire Comfortably?
Take our free quiz & match with a financial advisor in 3 easy steps.
Tailored to your goals. Near you or online.

Where To Find a SilverSneakers Program

The SilverSneakers website suggests there are programs near most Americans. You can check at the SilverSneakers website or on the program’s app for locations near you.

Find a SilverSneakers Location
You can use the SilverSneakers locator to find a program near where you live.
Source: SilverSneakers

The SilverSneakers smartphone app allows you to access fitness programs, track and schedule workouts, and find participating SilverSneaker locations near you or where you plan to travel.

If your plan covers SilverSneakers, you can download a digital membership card on the app. It works on both iOS and Android phones and tablets and gives you access to your membership card at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions About SilverSneakers

Understanding all the ins and outs of Medicare and the SilverSneakers program can seem overwhelming at first. The more questions you ask about specific insurance coverage plans and what is covered by SilverSneakers, the more you’ll understand. Look through the frequently asked questions below to learn what other people are asking.

How do I get a SilverSneakers card?
After signing up for a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan and enrolling in the SilverSneakers program, you’ll receive a card with a 16-digit number in the mail. Consider keeping this card in your wallet, fitness binder or medical binder so it doesn’t get lost.
Is gym membership free with SilverSneakers?
Gym membership is free to fitness centers that participate in the SilverSneakers program.
Can I join two different gyms with SilverSneakers?
As long as the gyms are in the SilverSneakers network, you can sign up for as many as you’d like. Calling the fitness center ahead of time is a good idea to make sure you don’t need an appointment to set up your free-of-charge membership.
How old do you have to be to qualify for SilverSneakers?
While there is no specific age requirement for the SilverSneakers program, you do have to be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan to participate in the program.

SilverSneakers Alternatives

If you’re not eligible to enroll in the SilverSneakers program, there are other options for gym memberships and fitness plans available. One program, Silver&Fit, offers benefits similar to SilverSneakers such as free online classes and gym memberships. It also offers free healthy aging coaching and you can earn rewards by tracking your physical activity.

SilverSneakers vs Silver&Fit Comparison Chart

To enroll in Silver&Fit, you’ll need to sign up for a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that includes this program.

If you don’t have a qualifying Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, you can also sign up for individual classes or coaching at your local gym. You’ll have to pay for these out of pocket, but it’s a great way to stay active — both physically and socially.

What are the Health Benefits of SilverSneakers?

Getting regular exercise is a huge part of promoting healthy aging in seniors. Physical activity helps to reduce the risk of a number of serious conditions that range from heart disease to cancer.

Exercise can also keep you both physically fit and mentally sharp late into life.

SilverSneakers offers seniors an easy and straightforward way to get physical activity that is specifically catered to older adults. Access to online classes can keep you engaged and working out regularly.

The included membership to a gym can also be huge, since it allows seniors to use all sorts of exercise equipment that they don’t have access to at their homes.
On top of making it easier for seniors to get exercise, SilverSneakers can also make it easier to get into a routine, which is a key part of keeping up with exercising.

Regularly scheduled classes and support from a group can help to keep seniors from giving up on working out or not getting enough physical activity.

How To Stay Fit in Retirement

Staying fit as your body and life circumstances change takes effort and dedication, but it’s worth it. Stephan Baldwin, founder of Assisted Living Center, mentioned the following in an email to RetireGuide:

“Physical activity is very important for people in their 60s and beyond. It promotes muscle growth and mobility, allowing seniors to perform day-to-day activities with ease as they age.”

One study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that 75-year-olds who consistently exercised four to six times a week for the majority of their lives had a heart that looked 30 years younger.

There’s never a perfect time to do anything, so in order to see results, you must make a concerted effort to change your lifestyle and live healthier. Look through the visual at the bottom of this article for ways to stay fit in retirement by utilizing the SilverSneakers program.

Now that you can confidently answer, “What is SilverSneakers?,” it’s time to find out if you’re eligible to enroll. If you’re not sure whether your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan includes this benefit, talk with a Medicare advisor to find out. They can also help you decide if it’s time to enroll in a new plan, when you can do so and what plan may be best for you.

Download Infographic Button

Last Modified: October 10, 2023

12 Cited Research Articles

  1. Johnson, E. (2021, December 13). Personal communication.
  2. May, L. (2021, December 12). Personal communication.
  3. Dannenbaum, G. (2021, December 11). Personal communication.
  4. Hosbein, J. (2021, December 11). Personal communication.
  5. Baldwin, S. (2021, December 10). Personal communication.
  6. Walker, M. (2019, December 31). 11 Burning Questions About SilverSneakers – Answered. Retrieved from https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/silversneakers-questions-answered/
  7. PureGym. (2019, August 29). Feeling Scared of the Gym? You’re Not Alone. Retrieved from https://www.puregym.com/blog/gym-fear-intimidation-report/
  8. Gries, K., Raue, U., et al. (2018, November 26). Cardiovascular and skeletal muscle health with lifelong exercise. Retrieved from https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00174.2018
  9. WebMD. (2009, August 7). Exercise for Energy: Exercises That Work. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-for-energy-workouts-that-work#3
  10. Nguyen, H.Q. (2008, January). Managed-Medicare Health Club Benefit and Reduced Health Care Costs Among Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2008/jan/07_0148.htm
  11. SilverSneakers. (n.d.). SilverSneakers. Retrieved from https://tools.silversneakers.com/
  12. Humana. (n.d.). SilverSneakers Fitness Program. Retrieved from https://www.humana.com/manage-your-health/achieving-health-goals/silversneakers
Need Help Planning Your Retirement? Yes, I'm Interested I Have Help Already I Will Manage It Myself
RetireGuide will soon offer services to help you better manage your retirement.

We will be offering assistance with annuities, life insurance, Medicare and financial planning. Sign up for updates and be the first to know when these services are available.

Thank You!

Back to Homepage
Get the right information to stay on top of your retirement planning.

Sign up for our newsletter for our latest retirement planning guides, tips and more!

Thank You!

Back to Homepage