When Linda Steinworth returned to the gym this summer, she decided to drive about 20 minutes to the Woodbury YMCA because she could participate in the Silver Sneakers program for free through her health insurance.
“It’s a bit of a drive for me, but I thought, ‘If it’s free, what can I do wrong?'” said the 73-year-old Stillwater, two-time breast cancer survivor. “I definitely felt better. I started to think that in order to stay young, I needed to make exercise a habit and adopt a new lifestyle.”
From the age of 50, many adults can exercise for free or for a small fee to maintain their health and independence. Research shows that regular physical activity can help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, reduce the risk of falls, improve thinking, and slow cognitive decline.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or muscle-strengthening activities, each week. People over 65 should add balance exercises such as standing on one leg.
Making fitness affordable makes a difference, said Teisha McGee, senior services director at St. Paul-based Keystone Community Services, which offers a variety of free and affordable fitness options. are doing.
“Everyone is on a tight budget these days, and finding a place to get quality training without cutting into your food or prescription budget can make a big difference,” she says.
Here are 5 ways to exercise for free or at low cost.
You can join the gym for free
Gym memberships are free for adults age 65 and older through certain Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and group retirement plans. silver sneakers, silver & fit, Update active and one pass.
These programs give you access to thousands of fitness and senior centers nationwide, including Anytime Fitness, Life Time, and Planet Fitness, as well as access to virtual fitness classes, workshops, health tips, social clubs, and events. access is provided. For each program, you can check your eligibility online or by phone, search for eligible health plans, and find a gym near you. Some companies, such as SilverSneakers and Renew Active, offer free mobile apps.
SilverSneakers and Renew Active are probably the largest programs in Minnesota. Here, SilverSneakers partners with his five health plans and over 600 fitness facilities across the state.
UnitedHealthcare’s RenewActive is included in nearly all Medicare plans in Minnesota, spokeswoman Megan Sergel said. Focused on brain health. Membership includes access to AARP’s Staying Sharp program with cognitive assessments, videos, and interactive features.
Silver&Fit members pay either free or a small monthly or annual fee, depending on their health plan. It requires a holistic approach. Some members can get free fitness kits, including a fitness tracker kit with a Fitbit or Garmin wearable device, a swim kit with goggles and a flotation device, and a walking kit with walking poles.This year’s Silver&Fit has added virtual well being club To increase social engagement around activities like workouts and education, such as virtual cooking classes and virtual trips.
“Limited income and ease of access are barriers for older adults,” said Janie Bjornala, senior vice president of rehabilitation services and digital fitness solutions at American Specialty Health. “It is important to reduce barriers to regular exercise and physical activity for older adults.”
workout at home
You don’t need any special equipment to do stretching, yoga, or gymnastics at home. If you want to improve your experience, rubber bands and hand weights are relatively inexpensive.
At-home video workouts such as the popular YouTube channel “”yoga with adrienThis work by Texas yoga instructor Adrienne Mishler took off during the coronavirus pandemic and is here to stay. You can find countless free fitness videos and step-by-step instructions for exercises by searching his YouTube, AARP’s website, or health websites like: of Mayo Clinic.
join the club
Minnesota is home to clubs for sports ranging from curling and cycling to pickleball and running. In addition to being motivated by others, they often have access to health information and other benefits. Some clubs are free. Some places charge a small fee.
running through minnesotawebsite makes it easy to find groups running throughout the state.Based in Minneapolis cycling with the bad guysa group dedicated to promoting the well-being of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, hosts free group bike rides at various times. Instagram pages and websites.
Find fitness buddies on social media
Social media helps you find exercise buddies wherever you are.websites, mobile apps, etc. Facebook group and meet It provides a platform to connect people with similar interests.
Individuals or groups post discussions and activities, usually for free. Some are virtual, some virtual. Others are direct. You can post a request to the community, such as “I’m looking for a morning walking partner.”
A recent search of Facebook groups and Meetups turned up free chair yoga classes for seniors, tennis in Minneapolis, and pickleball games in Eagan. Follow online safety guidelines and be careful about the information you share.
get discount
In addition to participating in fitness programs affiliated with your health insurance, some gyms and community centers offer discounts or reduced rates for seniors. Check to see if your local fitness center accommodates you.
Chanhassen-based Lifetime offers discounted membership rates based on age groups 65 years of age or older, which is 11 to 18 percent lower than the standard rate, said spokesman Dan DeBaun. Prices vary by region, but monthly fees for a 65 Plus membership range from $89 to $169 per person in the Twin Cities.
Keystone and YMCA of the North’s 20 locations in the Twin Cities region offer need-based financial assistance for free or for a small membership fee.
Beth Gillespie, 76, attends fitness classes twice a week at West 7 in Keystone.th community center Take classes for $15 per month or less than $2 per class. Her low costs and results keep her going.
“I think it’s well worth it,” Gillespie said. “I have two fake knees, and they move a little better.”
