By Amanda Moses
Seniors, did you know that the Brooklyn Sports Club (BSC) has a SilverSneakers program? Older adults ages 65 and older have free access to fitness facilities and online classes with select Medicare plans thanks to a nationwide program entitled, SilverSneakers.
The BSC, located at 1540 Van Siclen Avenue, is a certified SilverSneakers gym, allowing older adults who have a Medicare Advantage Plan to access to a full membership at no additional cost. Seniors are “Free to move” like the SilverSneakers slogan, with a wide array of classes available—no matter your age or skill level—as well as access to professional trainers and a multifaceted fitness gym with state-of-the-art cardio and strength training.
“SilverSneakers is a senior partner program under health insurance for seniors over 65, and their health plan actually pays into the program and provides gym memberships for anybody who’s partnered. We didn’t want to do it originally because we have a senior discounted rate for the members, but it just made more sense why not broaden the member base and offer it. It’s been a fantastic turnout because of the huge senior population that we have here. Basically, they don’t pay for the membership they pay into their health plan,” BSC Director, Arnie Gonzalez said, “There are no limitations.”
Gonzalez shared that the program has been a success among the senior community at Spring Creek Towers and neighboring residential complexes. At first, the BSC offered senior centered classes, such as chair yoga and senior Zumba, but they soon realized that these members preferred to take general classes with various age groups.
Additionally, there are two aquarobics classes run by certified SilverSneaker members on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These courses are open to all members and have proven to be popular, allowing participants to utilize the water’s resistance while also helping them to maintain balance. Members even use foam-based weights to build their strength.
Abe Rezny the very first local senior to register for the BSC’s SilverSneaker program, said that while he’s always been considered a “gym rat,” the free membership allows him to maintain a healthy exercise routine for free while also providing an outlet to socialize with staff and members.
Rezny, a retired photographer and considered one of the front runners on holograms and 3D technology, was hesitant at first to join the BSC due to budget constraints, but once he learned about the BSC’s SilverSneaker enrollment, he happily joined.
“I enjoy everything about this club. The people here are so great and it just so hysterical, and laughing is like the greatest. Whenever I come here, we’re always laughing. So that’s one thing why I love this club, but I love everything. There’s no downside, the facilities are the greatest. You know, where else do you get a gym with a pool?” Rezny said.
Rezny listed all of his favorite amenities at the BSC, including the indoor and outdoor basketball courts as well as speedbags and other boxing tools. His workout regimen usually begins at 7:30 am, when he receives a warm welcome at the reception area and then uses the treadmill to ensure he gets at least 14,000 steps in.
“There’s nothing like, you know, starting the day with fitness going on, get your endorphins going. I have a lot of friends here and we are always laughing and joking. It’s just there’s no better way to start your day,” Rezny said.
SilverSneakers also utilizes a fitness app designed to aid seniors track programs, schedule activities, and find gym locations with SilverSneakers Go.
For more information about the SilverSneakers program and to learn about eligibility visit: silversneakers.com
Photos by Amanda Moses
