BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee SilverSneakers® Program Splits from YMCA
September 24, 2019
Reviewed and Updated by Anastasia Iliou,
SilverSneakers® announced on Tuesday, September 17, that the Tennessee State Alliance of YMCAs decided to leave the SilverSneakers® network effective January 1, 2020, citing financial disagreement.
The alliance apologized, stating, “Seniors are a vital part of our membership, and we apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause. Tennessee Ys are committed to continuing to serve seniors in our community.”
SilverSneakers® is a Medicare fitness program that allows eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to gyms, fitness centers, and classes. Many of these often take place within YMCAs, offering not only physical fitness benefits but also a social atmosphere.
Eligibility for the program is simple – anyone who is age 65 or older and has a private Medicare plan that includes the SilverSneakers® benefit can join.
Watch this brief video to learn more about Medicare fitness programs:
The news that SilverSneakers® may not cooperate with Tennessee YMCAs anymore may be detrimental to seniors who made use of that benefit. If you’re one of those people, what should you do next?
What to do if You’re Losing Your YMCA SilverSneakers® Benefit
If you have SilverSneakers® but are no longer going to be able to visit a YMCA with your membership, all hope is not lost! There are a few steps you can take:
- Switch to a different gym
- Pay for your own senior YMCA membership ($59/month in Middle TN. Prices range based on location)
- Find a plan that has Silver & Fit® instead (another Medicare fitness program that is very similar to SilverSneakers® but still works with YMCAs as of September 2019)
Other Gyms You can Visit with SilverSneakers ®
Tivity Healthcare, the company that operates the SilverSneakers® program, wants to make it clear that there are still over 350 facilities in the state of Tennessee that SilverSneakers® members can use. Planet Fitness, Gold’s Gym, Anytime Fitness, and Workout Anytime as well as a variety of community centers are still part of the SilverSneakers® network in Tennessee and may be a great option for you.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness locations across the state of Tennessee offer benefits like massages, tanning, and even discounts on travel and Reebok products. Most locations have long hours, and some are open 24-7. Many of them also have free WiFi!
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s gym locations offer group exercise classes, personal training, and more. Group exercise classes include Yoga, Zumba, Mixed Martial Arts, Group Cycle, and High-Intensity Interval Training.
Anytime Fitness
Different Anytime Fitness locations offer different equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, cycles, stair climbers, rowing machines, weights, kettlebells, etc. They also offer different classes like Zumba, cardio, yoga, and additional services like tanning, private showers, wellness programs, and personal training.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime locations have high-quality equipment from Matrix Fitness, which has received rewards for innovation. They also have high-quality polypropylene, antimicrobial flooring that is beautiful, comfortable, and clean.
How to Switch to Silver & Fit ®
If you decide that you would rather stick to a YMCA membership and do not want to try out some of the other SilverSneakers® locations options, a licensed agent can help you find a plan that includes Silver & Fit® instead.
Silver & Fit® is similar to SilverSneakers® and includes a digital resource library, home fitness kits, community activities, and several different fitness classes at various fitness centers in Tennessee.
Silver & Fit® locations across major cities in Tennessee are listed below:
- View Silver & Fit® locations in Chattanooga
- View Silver & Fit® locations in Knoxville
- View Silver & Fit® locations in Nashville
- View Silver & Fit® locations in Memphis
To find a plan that includes Silver & Fit®, call 844-431-1832 or send us a message. We’ll connect you with a licensed agent in your area who may be able to help you make the switch.
