The Silver Sneakers Fitness program motto is, "Get fit, have fun, and make friends!" Many of our senior population, who are medicare-eligible, have never taken part in a fitness class, nor have they even been in a gym.

Recognizing the need for improvement in both the physical as well as the mental state of older adults, the Silver Sneakers program has designed its exercises to meet these needs in a safe and effective environment. Spectrum Fitness Center on Monterrey Blvd., along with Spectrum-Denham Springs, are two fitness centers which have contracted with the national Silver Sneakers Association. The classes are appropriate for fit and sedentary senior citizens.  Participants are "cleared for exercising" through an assessment readiness questionnaire and medical approval.

Muscular strength, range of motion, balance, and coordination are the focal points of the Silver Sneakers I Class. This class utilizes a chair, elastic tubing with handles, hand-held weights, and a Silver Sneakers ball. The chair is for support; however, the exercises taught are from both seated and standing positions. Participants learn exercises, which help improve activities for daily living. They also enjoy the social setting of meeting new friends, and sharing life experiences. Occasionally, the class goes out for lunch, and enjoys other social events.

We, as instructors, are pleased to see progress and improvement in the physical and mental well-being of our seniors as they advance through the Silver Sneakers program. The smiles on their faces is a great indicator that they truly are, "Getting fit, having fun, and making friends!"