Free Exercise Classes for Seniors

By Maurice

Physical activity is beneficial to people of all ages. Staying active can help you reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Improving your strength will help you with balance, to avoid injuries, and remain independent. If you are looking for free exercise classes for seniors, you are in the right place. In this list, you will find various ways to get exercise classes for free.

Free Exercise Classes for Seniors

Medicare Supplement Plans

Original Medicare, Part A, and Part B don’t generally cover gym memberships or exercise programs. However, some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans may cover gym memberships as an optional rider. Since plan availability may vary from state to state, you’ll need to check with the private insurance companies in your specific zip code.

Area agency on aging

An Area Agency on Aging is a state-designated public or private non-profit organization that focuses on the requirements and concerns of all older people at the regional and local levels. The services your local AAA provides can include free exercise classes. For example, Agency on Aging Area 4’s GetSetUp program offers exercise classes that are taught by older adults, for older adults.

Similarly, Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida health and wellness programs are designed to help older adults (60+) through education and activity. These free workshops are available throughout their service area (Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties).

Senior Centers

Some Senior centers offer free in-person as well as virtual classes. Find your local senior center.

As an example, Blair Senior Services, Inc. serves residents of all ages through diverse programming and in Senior Centers in Blair County and surrounding areas. They offer numerous fun and free workout classes at each of their four senior centers. The centers offer a large variety of classes to help you have fun while you stay in shape.

Contact your local senior center to see if they offer free exercise classes.

Parks and Recreation department

Many parks and recreation departments offer free exercise classes. FitPHX is a citywide health initiative by the City of Phoenix’s Parks and Recreation departments, with the goal of improving health and wellness in the region and making the Phoenix area one of the healthiest in the nation.

Check with your local Parks & Recreation department to see if they have a similar program.

Local Colleges and Universities

Many colleges and universities have fitness centers. These centers provide free fitness classes for seniors, sometimes in partnership with select medicare supplement plans. As an example, Grendale Community College offers fitness programs in partnership with select Medicare health such as SilverSneakers®, PRIME®, Silver&Fit®, Active&Fit®, and Renew Active at no cost.

Local Non-profits

A non-profit in your area might have a free exercise program. City Parks Foundation in New York welcomes New Yorkers 60+ to participate in free tennis lessons, yoga, and fitness walking in 16 neighborhood parks across the city. Activities in this six-week Seniors Fitness program take place twice a week and all equipment is provided.

Meet Up

You can find a range of free or low-cost fitness activities on Meetup.com, along with a great group of new workout buddies to make it fun. Find your local group here.