Up until two years ago, my wife and I paid more than $900 in annual membership fees—year after year—to belong to a gym. Today, we go to the same gym and have a membership to more than 11,000 fitness centers across the country…without paying a dime out of pocket. That’s because our Medicare supplemental health insurance carrier offers the SilverSneakers (SilverSneakers.com) fitness program as a bonus. But you don’t have to be age 65 or older to access free fitness programs. Hundreds of health insurance companies (plans vary by state) offer similar no-charge fitness center memberships for any of their policyholders or through employer-sponsored plans. Here’s my advice on finding free fitness programs in your area…
• Just ask! In order to get your business, or your employer’s, most health insurers now offer fitness memberships and other services that are included in the regular monthly premium price. So call your insurer, or ask your employer, to find out if your insurer offers free fitness center memberships or other fitness options. Insider tip: If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease or arthritis, your insurer or employer may offer, or provide access to, free fitness programs aimed specifically at your condition. Ask when you call.
• Look locally. You may be surprised to learn that there are many free exercise and fitness programs right around the corner from you. Most community senior centers offer free classes. Churches often have exercise classes and fitness programs for their members and people in the neighborhood. If you belong to your local YMCA/YWCA, Jewish Community Center or similar organization, there are usually several fitness classes offered at no extra charge. Many community swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, now offer free lap sessions for any resident or through what is now known as “Silver Splash” programs for older adults. Insider tip: Don’t forget about your community hospital. In many areas, hospitals now offer free fitness programs and fitness lectures focused on specific health-related topics, such as cancer recovery/prevention and cardiac rehab.
• Get creative. Of course, you can also set up your own fitness program at little or no cost. Walking is probably the easiest, most beneficial form of exercise to do economically. You can organize a walking group with friends or neighbors and use some great smartphone applications to create a fun exercise program that will keep you engaged. What I use: Runtastic (available for iPhones and Android models) automatically logs in your miles, calories burned and more (check your phone’s app store for fitness, walking, running or personal-trainer apps). Since many apps are free, you can try them out with little risk. There are also some excellent websites to help you set up a home workout program or walking regimen. One of my favorites: Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has a comprehensive, consumer-friendly website to help you set up your own walking program (BIDMC.org/walking).
