The SilverSneakers Fitness Program provides seniors who have certain Medicare plans with free access to fitness centers. Group exercise classes on land and in the water are part of the program and are offered at the Shelby YMCA.
At the YMCA, we understand the fundamental health and social activities that contribute to older adults living a healthier and more fulfilling life. When you visit the Y you will find seniors talking, sharing and laughing together around the free coffee that we provide.
Our senior programs are designed to help keep you active and engaged with friends both old and new. We have specially trained fitness instructors teaching Silver Sneakers classes at the Shelby YMCA and the Senior Center.
Dick Friebel, 82, keeps active at the Shelby YMCA five days a week because of SilverSneakers. He had open heart surgery when he was 50 years old. “Then I decided to change my life. I got active and I changed the way I eat. I am diabetic,” he said.
At 4:30 a.m. every weekday, he is in the Shelby Y parking lot waiting for the doors to open. His routine includes weights, treadmill, bicycle, and swimming. He is an Army veteran that served in the Korean War and he likes his routine.
At 70 years old, Friebel had another open heart surgery. His doctor informed him that he only made it because of his lifestyle change. 12 years later, he is still dedicated and loyal to his fitness.
He said, “I listen to my body on what to eat and what to do.”
Four generations of his family are active at the Shelby YMCA and proud supporters. His friendly smile, warm eyes, and stories are treasured by the Shelby Y staff.
Friebel recalled stories of laying concrete as his father built the News Journal, “We worked hard. Dad never asked me to do something, he wouldn’t do right beside me.”
He took advantage of the SilverSneakers Program after both surgeries. According to the National Institutes of Health, it’s never too late to start exercising, and older people hurt their health far more by not exercising. Studies show that exercise fights cardiovascular disease, reduces the risk of some types of cancer, improves memory and reduces the risk of falling.
Ohio eligible health plans include: AARP MedicareComplete® by UnitedHealthcare, AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan, Advantage by Buckeye Community Health Plan, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantra- A Coventry Health Care plan, HealthSpan, Humana, MediGold, Paramount Elite, SummaCare, and The Health Plan/ THPTo.
To find out how you can join in the activities, please contact the Shelby YMCA. They can determine eligibility simply by checking your healthcare card. If insurance does not include this benefit, the Y offers affordable membership options to make it easy for you to get involved in the fun.
SilverSneakers is a fitness program for seniors provided to you at no cost by your health care plan. With SilverSneakers, you have a fitness membership with free access to all basic YMCA amenities including SilverSneakers classes, the pool and fitness center and assistance from a designated fitness staff member. To learn more about programs and activities available at the Shelby YMCA, contact Eric Finn at 419.347.1312, or visit www.shelbyY.com.
