Batesville, Ark--Imagine a fitness class where the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby pump up the atmosphere and the members are senior adults who exercise with the determination of young athletes. While it may sound like a fantasy, the reality is that Healthways Silver Sneakers Fitness Program (SSFP) offers senior adults a fun, safe, and affordable way to exercise. In Batesville, the SSFP is offered through a partnership between Healthways and White River Medical Center (WRMC) PROS (Physical Rehab Outpatient Services) Clinic.
"The SilverSneakers Fitness Program is the nation’s leader in fitness for older adults. The program has both a physical element and a social element, and the classes are specifically designed to meet the needs of older adults" says Tammy Pearce, Healthways Field Manager.
The SilverSneakers classes last from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Throughout each session, members use light hand held weights, resistance tubing, balls, and chairs to improve muscle strength, range of movement, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. The workout allows participants to exercise at their own pace, and allows them the option of sitting, standing or a combination as their fitness and endurance improves. Throughout the class, participants are encouraged to have fun, drink plenty of water, and not push themselves too hard. "Everyone works at their own level in a friendly atmosphere," says WRMC PROS Business Office Manager and SilverSneakers Instructor/Senior Advisor, Shing Hall.
February marked the two year anniversary of the partnership between WRMC PROS and Healthways. Since the program began, Hall, along with assistant, Shanna Hardin (both certified with the Healthways Accreditation for Older Adult Exercise) have had the pleasure of helping older residents in, and around the Batesville area learn a fitness program suited to their individual needs.
"Personally, this has always been a dream of mine," says Hall, who was inspired to be involved in SilverSneakers by her grandmother, or as she calls her, "Maw-Maw." "The joy that this program brought to my maw-maw was unmistakable from the smile on her face. There is nothing like seeing the smiles on senior adults faces as they improve their quality of life."
The SilverSneakers Fitness Program at WRMC PROS began with 50 members. Now they have around 125 members--each with their own success story. "We have seen wonderful results with our program," says Hall.
One of the many participants that have experienced positive results from the program is Cave City resident Leon Moye. Before entering the class, he suffered for years with pain caused by a pinched nerve. "I was in a lot of pain," says Moye. "Sometimes it hurt so bad that I felt numb."
He joined the SilverSneakers Fitness Program at WRMC PROS and five weeks into the program, his pain was gone. Nearly two years later, Moye is still pain free and attends the classes four times a week.
"It’s not only good for you physically, but mentally." Says Moye, who says SilverSneakers also helped him cope with the death of his wife. "I enjoy the fellowship between people close to my own age," he says. Moye enjoys the fitness, the fellowship and, especially, the food. "Every so often we have a potluck," he says. "These ladies can really cook!"
Potlucks are one of the monthly social events provided by SilverSneakers. Celebrating the holidays and dancing are other activities that occur. Educational events on topics such as Proper Nutrition; Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit; Diabetes Education; and Healthy Heart are also offered periodically. "All events are focused around keeping seniors healthy and happy," says Pearce.
The SilverSneakers Fitness classes are held Monday and Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. It is recommended that participants attend at least two days a week to get the full benefit out of the program, but they can attend as often as they like.
To find out your eligibility for the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program, please contact Shing Hall at WRMC PROS at (870) 262-1271.