Do It the SilverSneakers Way!

Get fit in Tampa. Have you already found the gym that best fits you? There is a multitude of gyms and fitness centers to use to get fit in Tampa, but not all cater to seniors. Therefore, you need to find one that does.

A good way to start is to find places that offer the SilverSneakers program. Run by Healthways, the SilverSneakers is a national fitness program that is specifically designed for older adults. It comes as an insurance benefit if you are a group retiree or a Medicare plan holder so you won’t have to pay anything at the gym.

Here are 7 Locations to Get Fit in Tampa.

SilverSneakers is offered in various locations across the country. We have picked our top 7 fitness locations in Tampa that offer the SilverSneakers program specifically designed to meet the fitness needs of older adults whether you are active or still are planning to get into the habit of staying fit.

1. YMCA

YMCA -Downtown Branch Tampa
104 S. Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602
Phone:  (813) 229-1305

YMCA – Central City Family Branch Tampa
110 E. Palm Ave.
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone:  (813) 229-9622

YMCA – South Tampa Family
4411 S. Himes Ave.
Tampa, FL 33611
Phone:  (813) 839-0210

YMCA – Northwest Hillsborough Family
8950 W. Waters Ave.
Tampa, FL 33615
Phone:  (813) 249-8510

YMCA tops our list primarily because it is pretty much a favorite place for seniors to hang out (and get fit too of course!). YMCA offers a suite of SilverSneakers group exercise classes including:

• SilverSneakers Classic
• SilverSneakers Yoga (Chair Yoga)
• Cardio Circuit
• Cardio
• Line Dancing

The YMCA site allows you to select your location and find a schedule using their quick search feature. Plus, you have the option to add a class or program to your calendar. Also, YMCA offers a once-a-week respite program called the Senior Retreat, which is open to people with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

2. Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym – Tampa
Fountain Oaks, 3689 West Waters Avenue
Tampa, FL, United States
(813) 935-2639

The SilverSneakers benefits offered by Gold’s Gym include:

• Access to conditioning classes, fitness equipment, sauna, pool, and other amenities available
• Health education seminars
• Trained and certified program advisor
• Member’s access to online support to help you lose weight, reduce stress and quit smoking.

SilverSneakers Classes offered:

• Forever Fit (Seniors) – strength and aerobics class
• YogaStretch – Seniors

Check out their schedule of classes.

3. Shapes Fitness

For women seniors who might feel more comfortable going to an all-women’s gym, then this place would be the perfect pick. Shapes Fitness is a fitness gym exclusive for women.

Shapes Fitness has four locations in Florida:

731W. Lumsden Rd.
Brandon, Florida 33511
Phone: (813) 661-0033

11357 Big Bend Rd.
Riverview, Florida 33579
Phone:  (813) 672-6343

5451 Fruitville Rd.
Sarasota, Florida 34232
Phone: (941) 341-9276

3510 53rd Ave. W
West Bradenton, Florida 34210
Phone: (941) 281-0594

What to expect from them:

• Nationally certified female trainers that provide expert advice and assistance
• Neat, and fun club with friendly and helpful staff
• Privacy of being in a women-only environment

4. Flava Fitness Studio

Address:
3744 W Lambright St B,
Tampa, FL 33614
Phone:  (888) 478-6455

Flava Fitness is a dance and fitness studio that offers a fun and exciting alternative to traditional classes and facilities.

They offer Zumba Gold classes that specifically cater to older adults. The studio is combining the Zumba formula with modified movements designed to meet the needs of seniors, whether you’re an active older adult or this is something new to you.

Visit their site to see their upcoming events.

5. Tampa Jewish Community Center & Federation

The Bryan Glazer Family JCC Fitness Center offers fitness workshops open to people of all ages, religions, interests, and backgrounds. Their center is a place to build friendships along with other seniors and a place to hang out and get fit in Tampa.

Amenities offered to older adults:

• Newly renovated fitness center
• Complete exercise equipment (free weights and weighted machines)
• Remodeled locker rooms with handicap-accessible showers
• Functional open space
• Flat screen TVs
• Steam room/sauna
• Heated Junior Olympic swimming pool
• Outdoor basketball court
• Tennis courts and racquetball courts

Fitness for Active, Older Adults is offered:

• Chair Yoga
• Gentle Yoga
• Senior Cardio
• Zumba Gold
• Stretch and Flex
• Tai Chi
• Senior Strength

6. Youfit Health Clubs

Youfit Health Clubs offer a SilverSneakers program in numerous locations.

Check them out at Youfit.com.

SilverSneakers classes make use of handheld weights, elastic tubing with handles, and an exercise ball for resistance training. A chair is also used to support seated or standing exercises. Click here to view their schedule of classes.

7. University Village

The SilverSneakers program is not only limited to fitness gyms. With FLEX as part of the program, classes are also being offered in other locations such as recreation centers, parks, retirement communities, and other local venues.

University Village is an independent and continuing care retirement community that rests on a 34-acre space in Tampa.

Address:
12401 N. 22nd St.
Tampa, Florida 33612

The classes they offer oar numerous and all geared to those over 55.

The classes offered have included Chair Aerobics, Cardio and Strength, Senior Stretch, Circuit/Interval Training, and a favorite, walking.

The gym you need and want is out there.

There is a gym suitable for each person. Ultimately, your personality as well as your experience and ability may dictate what is best for you. Do not give up if the first gym you go to is not suited to your lifestyle. Try out our recommended gyms. This is a lifestyle change that you will enjoy.  Experience new ideas.  Meet new friends. Move your body. Get fit in Tampa. And you may just like them all!

Read more at GuideForSeniors.com  for all things seniors. You can email us at guideforseniors@gmail.com.