Lesson 1.2: Who is SilverSneakers Classic For?

SilverSneakers Classic for a Broad Range of Skill and Fitness Levels

SilverSneakers Classic is designed for individuals who display a broad range of skill and fitness levels, from beginners to those who have been exercising on a regular basis. 

SilverSneakers Classic is specifically designed to improve strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, agility, coordination, power and stability in the older adult population. This format is focused on activities of daily living (ADLs) and functional movement patterns to give older adults the tools necessary to gain and maintain the capacity to successfully execute the activities they perform on a daily basis. Balance and stability will improve over time as Classic participants gain strength and flexibility and practice progressive exercises in a safe class environment. SilverSneakers Classic is a great option for those individuals who are new to exercise, but it’s also appropriate for anyone who wants to improve daily function, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. 

Participation in a Classic class can improve confidence and independence. Although all nine health- and skill-related fitness components are addressed in each Classic class, this format is focused on building muscular strength and endurance while improving flexibility and overall function. Skill-related functional components – agility, balance, coordination, power and speed/rhythm variation – are essential elements of a well-designed Classic class experience. The demonstration of these skills is critical for the older adult population in order to maintain mobility and independence for a lifetime. By increasing functional movement efficiency, we can decrease the incidence of falls and have a positive effect on the health and well-being of each participant.

Each Classic experience includes exercise opportunities with hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a six- to nine-inch SilverSneakers ball. A chair is utilized for seated exercises and standing support to help build participant confidence. Exercises and movements can be adapted to suit various skill and fitness levels with the use of intensity variations, or regressions and progressions. 

Today’s older adult population is diverse, demonstrating a considerable range of fitness levels and functional skill sets. In order to meet the needs of such a varied population, SilverSneakers Classic instructors must incorporate a variety of exercise options – including progressions and regressions – to engage and challenge class participants while keeping movement appropriate for each person in class. Though Classic is sometimes the first class a SilverSneakers member may experience out of our menu of class formats, Classic is not intended to be a “beginners only” class. Through the use of tool options and appropriate progressions and regressions, Classic should encompass the abilities of those new to exercise, those with limited physical capacities and individuals who are more skilled and accustomed to exercise.