In this lesson you will learn about the SilverSneakers way for group exercise.
- Focus on how the PACE model will guide your choreography development and help refine the cuing you provide to members.
- Think about the numerous ways members benefit when they take ownership for their personal health and well-being.
- Answer the 2 questions on this lesson in the unit study guide.
As an instructor, you hold the keys to your class program’s success. Your regular presence in the lives of our members will make a lasting impact. SilverSneakers instructors are program ambassadors. We rely on your leadership and professionalism to bring our program to life. Whether you are a new or seasoned instructor, we aim to provide you with the support and resources you need to deliver a safe and effective class experience for our members.
SilverSneakers classes deliver intentional results. Through a comprehensive approach to improving well-being, SilverSneakers members improve physical health and function in daily life, while strengthening social connections and peer support.
As the instructor, you’ll help us meet our program goals:
- To improve the physical and mental health of every participant and minimize age-related physical degeneration.
- To improve health- and skill-related fitness components: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition, flexibility, agility, balance, coordination, power, and speed.
- To encourage participants to become more aware of personal health status including the importance of fall prevention and cognitive health.
- To provide a supportive group exercise environment that empowers older adults to live their best life through peer socialization and individual improvements in well-being.
The SilverSneakers Member Experience Model

Purposeful and Positive
Provide members the opportunity to live his/her best life with a strong sense of purpose. Class formats are designed to improve health, cognition, functional skill, and a sense of well-being. Lead with positivity and enthusiasm to create a fun and enjoyable class experience while working toward the member’s goals.

Achievable
SilverSneakers class formats are accessible to a wide-variety of participant fitness and skill levels. Lead each class with the ability to respond and adapt to individual needs within the group setting. Know and understand the goal of the class format you teach, and provide multiple exercise options to optimize safety and progression. Each signature class is designed with the target audience in mind.

Connected
SilverSneakers members connect to each other and to their instructor. Be an expert relationship builder! Facilitate socialization and use specific skills to optimize communication with your participants. Take the initiative to learn names, connect, and represent the SilverSneakers fitness program as a brand ambassador. Each SilverSneakers class you lead becomes a community.

Empowered
Beyond the workout, our program empowers older adults to live their best life. We invite you to embrace the tagline “Live Healthy. Live Long.” Help every member feel valued. Work to boost confidence and efficacy for every participant.
Are you currently using these techniques with the choreography you’re designing?
What are the specific benefits your members will gain by applying PACE to your teaching?