MOUNT VERNON – The Mount Vernon YMCA on Main Street participates in the Silver Sneakers program for senior citizens, which is covered by many Medicare Advantage plans.
“With Silver Sneakers, you can use our full facility,” said Missi Shellenbarger, the YMCA’s membership director. “It’s like a full membership. You’re not limited to Silver Sneaker classes. You can use the fitness center, swimming pool or any other class.”
The YMCA does offer specific Silver Sneakers classes in aerobics and yoga on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The combination of regular classes and Silver Sneakers classes gives seniors the opportunity to stay in shape throughout the day and into the evening.
“We have some classes that start at 5 a.m., and we have classes later in the evening at 6:30,” Shellenbarger stated.
In addition to regular aerobics classes, there are aqua aerobics classes in the pool Monday through Friday at 9 a.m.
The YMCA offers many health advantages for seniors, Shellenbarger said.
“It’s a mix between maintaining their health, staying active, weight loss, socialization,” she said. “We have a lot of Silver Sneakers who use all areas of it — the pool, classes and fitness center. It’s really awesome to see people of many ages coming into the facility and using everything that we have.”
The YMCA had to close in March 2020 due to COVID-19, just after completing a $3 million renovation. It reopened in June.
One of the activities offered by the YMCA is Boot Camp.
“(It’s) a 45-minute high-intensity workout using dumbbells, kettlebells, ropes, medicine balls and body weight,” the YMCA website said. “This workout is sure to get your heart rate up! Ideal for gaining muscle and losing fat.”
A similar class is called Grit and Grind, offered for an hour each Saturday morning.
“(This class is) geared to pushing you to the limit,” the website said. “You will leave exhausted yet ready to return the following week!”
There are also indoor cycling, kickboxing, and strength and balance classes.
Find out more about Silver Sneakers and whether your plan offers it at tools.silversneakers.com.
