Best Gyms for Seniors 2024: 6 Gyms That Redefine Aging

**The starting prices listed above reflect individual memberships. If the gym offers a senior price, we listed that price. Some health insurance plans partner with fitness facilities to offer members a lower monthly fee or a no-cost membership through programs like SilverSneakers (more on that below). It’s worth checking with your insurance provider and asking the gym staff if you qualify.

Benefits of a Gym Membership for Seniors

Participating in a regular exercise program can benefit both your mind and body. According to the National Institute of Aging (NIA), regular exercise contributes to independence and improves daily functions. More specifically, staying physically active allows you to keep doing what you enjoy. The NIA recommends incorporating the following four types of exercise into your overall routine for maximum health benefits.

• Endurance: Improving endurance will make it easier for you to do everyday activities like walking farther without getting out of breath quickly. Cardio exercises like swimming, biking, and walking help improve your heart, lungs, and circulatory system.
• Strength: Strength training exercises like using hand weights, resistance bands, and machines improve muscle strength and make everyday activities like climbing stairs, getting up from a seated position, and lifting groceries easier.
• Balance: If you’re feeling unsteady on your feet, you can improve your balance with balance exercises to improve walking on uneven surfaces and avoid falls.
• Flexibility: Flexibility exercises allow you to become more limber, improve your range of motion, and increase freedom of movement. This includes activities like yoga or gentle stretching.

The NIA also stresses the importance of physical activities like walking, biking, dancing, yoga, and Tai Chi to help reduce feelings of depression and stress, enhance mood and overall emotional well-being, increase energy level, and improve sleep.

But just how much time do you need to commit to reap these benefits? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults aged 65 and over need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity like walking or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity like running. They also need at least two days a week of strength training exercises and three days a week of activities to improve balance.

How to Choose a Gym for Seniors

If you’re ready to get serious about working out, you might be wondering how to choose a gym that meets your needs. While finding a senior-friendly gym is ideal, not everyone has access to facilities that offer senior programming. That said, having some criteria to help narrow your search can make the process less intimidating and allow you to find the right fit. Here are some things to consider when looking for the best gym for seniors.

Senior Discounts

Before signing on the dotted line, ask about senior discounts. Some gyms offer a discounted monthly rate for people over 65, while others partner with health insurance plans and other senior programs to provide affordable senior gym memberships. If you have a Medicare Advantage Or Medigap plan, you may be eligible for SilverSneakers, a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that offers no-cost gym memberships for older adults at participating fitness locations. You also get access to online senior fitness classes, the SilverSneakers app, and a supportive community.

Senior Classes and Programs

Specialized programs and classes for older adults often include balance, stability, flexibility, strength training, and low-impact cardio moves designed with seniors in mind. These classes are often taught by instructors who have experience working with older adults. Some gyms also provide social opportunities and small group training tailored to seniors.

Contract Requirements

Most gyms offer a month-to-month membership that allows you to cancel without penalty or a contract that may come with lower monthly fees but requires a time commitment. For example, to lock in the lowest rate, you may need to sign a 12-month contract, requiring you to pay each month until the time period is up. If you’re unsure about a gym or are not a fan of long-term commitments, ask about month-to-month pricing. You may pay a few dollars more each month, but you’ll have the option to cancel without a penalty.

Personal Trainers

Personal trainers are certified professionals who customize a workout for your needs. They also teach you how to safely perform various movements and take you through each session, providing guidance and motivation along the way. A personal trainer is often an extra expense beyond your monthly dues, with the average cost ranging from $40 to over $100 per hour.

Equipment and Amenities

At a minimum, the best gym for seniors has plenty of cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, and rowing machines. They also have resistance equipment, free weights, and stretching areas. Beyond the basics, amenities like a swimming pool, sports courts, specialized classes, indoor tracks, and spa services are also features to consider.

Hours

If you want access to a gym at all hours, consider a 24/7 facility. These gyms are staffed during certain hours of the day but remain open for use all the time. Members use a special key card to get in when no one is on duty. That said, working out without a staff member present may not be ideal if you have a medical condition or like to ask for help while exercising.

Guest passes

Some gyms have memberships that come with complimentary guest passes, so you can bring a guest each time you enter the facility, while others offer guest passes, but for a fee.

Social Opportunities

The benefits of exercise go well beyond your physical health. Ask about opportunities to connect with other seniors through classes, workshops, and social gatherings.

Tips for Visiting a Gym as a Senior

Whether you’re new to working out at a fitness facility or just looking for ideas to improve your routine, having a checklist can help you stay safe and get the most out of your gym time. Here are some tips to consider before you visit the gym.

• Prep for your visit. Your first order of business is to get the go-ahead from your doctor to exercise. Make sure to ask any questions regarding health or medical conditions that may be contradictory to specific activities.
• Learn how to use the equipment. The next step is to make an appointment with a trainer to get acquainted with the equipment and learn how to perform specific exercises. Once you’re ready to go it alone, ask for a sample workout plan that details the number of sets, repetitions, and adjustments for each piece of equipment.
• Get the right gear. Properly fitting shoes is a non-negotiable for the gym. Consider seeing a shoe expert or podiatrist for advice on the best style for your needs. Look for shoes with good traction and support. Wear loose-fitting clothing that breathes and is comfortable. And don’t forget to layer when the temperatures dip to freezing. The right gear also includes assistive devices like walkers, canes, or wheelchairs. All gyms should accommodate these devices and encourage you to use them while exercising.
• Fuel your body. Eating and hydrating before you head to the gym is critical. It’s also a good idea to bring water with you to sip on while working out. If you have a medical condition that requires access to quick carbs to avoid a dip in blood sugar, make sure to have a small snack in your bag.
• Announce your plans. Tell your spouse, partner, or another family member that you’re going to the gym, especially if you plan to go alone. Consider sending a text when you arrive and then again before you leave.
• Bring a phone or medical alert device. If you have a cellular phone, carry it on you, or place it in a gym bag or coat while working out. Some people wear a medical alert device or smartwatch that allows them to call for help in an emergency. Make sure it is charged and on your body before heading out. Certain machines like treadmills have a safety key you can attach to your clothing, allowing you to stop the machine in an emergency. Ask a staff member how to use this feature.

SilverSneakers and Medicare

SilverSneakers is a fitness and wellness program designed for adults ages 65 and up that provides access to 15,000+ participating gym facilities, exercise classes, community centers, and various wellness resources throughout the country.

The SilverSneakers program also includes a mobile app called SilverSneakers GO with live classes, an on-demand video library of workouts, and tracking tools you can use at home, on the go, or at the gym.

SilverSneakers signature workouts feature 45 to 60-minute classes ranging from cardio and circuit to Zumba (learn more about Zumba in our What is Zumba guide), dance, yoga, and splash (water-based class).

If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, your health insurance may include a free SilverSneakers membership. In fact, it comes automatically with qualifying Medicare plans as a way to encourage seniors to stay active and engaged in their health. That said, SilverSneakers is not covered if you have the original Medicare Part A or Part B.

If a Medicare Advantage plan includes SilverSneakers, eligible members can sign up for the program and access participating fitness facilities without paying a separate gym membership fee.

The specific fitness centers and classes available may vary depending on the location and the participating facilities in the plan's network.

You can use this tool to check if you’re eligible for free access and then the “Find Fitness Locations” tool to search for a gym near you.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right gym may take some time and patience. You can start with our list of the best gyms for seniors or use the tips and tools for choosing a gym to embark on your own search.

Also, consider talking with your doctor before joining a gym or starting a new exercise program.

They may have ideas or recommendations to help you find the best fit for your needs.

FAQs About Best Gyms for Seniors

What are the benefits of strength training for seniors, and how can they incorporate it into their gym routine?

Staying fit and active as we age benefits both our physical and mental health. A well-rounded fitness program should include cardiovascular activities, resistance training, and balance exercises.

Fitting in at least two days a week of strength training for all the major muscle groups can help manage chronic conditions like arthritis and heart disease, maintain muscle mass, boost bone health, and improve overall health-related quality of life. Regular resistance exercise improves balance, coordination, and mobility, all key concerns for older adults.

Beyond the physical benefits of strength training, regularly hitting the weights can also do wonders for your mood, including reducing depression and anxiety symptoms.

Many senior-focused resistance training classes provide a sense of community, accountability, and motivation, helping to alleviate some of the loneliness older adults can experience as they get older.

What are some effective low-impact cardio exercises suitable for seniors?

Low-impact cardio activities are a great option for seniors who want to stay fit and healthy without putting too much stress on their joints. Here are some effective low-impact cardio exercises to consider adding to your overall fitness plan.

• Upright bicycle
• Recumbent bicycle
• Elliptical machine
• Rowing machine
• Arm ergometer
• Treadmill
• Swimming
• Water aerobics
• Walking
• Chair aerobics
• Tai Chi
• Stair climbing
• Low-impact aerobic classes designed for seniors

How often should seniors aim to visit the gym for optimal health benefits?

Older adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as walking or swimming, plus two days of activities that strengthen all the major muscle groups. You can use resistance bands, free weights, strength machines, or bodyweight exercises.

Activities that improve balance, such as balance-specific workouts or Tai Chi, are also beneficial to help keep your muscles strong, reduce the risk of falling, and allow you to continue with day-to-day living. Many senior fitness classes incorporate strength, cardio, and balance activities in one workout.

If possible, aim for daily activity. This may look like 15 to 30 minutes every day of the week, with two to three visits to the gym each week. If the gym is where you do the majority of your exercise, you may find that going five days a week works the best.

Just make sure to take a day or two off between strength training sessions to allow your muscles to recover. If possible, consider working with a certified personal trainer specializing in senior fitness or a physical therapist to help you design a program that fits your needs.

Which gyms participate in SilverSneakers?

Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, and 24 Hour Fitness all participate in SilverSneakers. You can also go to https://tools.silversneakers.com/LocationSearch to find the best gyms for seniors in your local area participating in SilverSneakers.

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