PHILADELPHIA -- The Silver&Fit program has expanded its already popular free Facebook Live and YouTube exercise class offerings for older adults, effective October 12, 2020. Silver&Fit launched free daily online exercise classes for the public in March in response to COVID-19 gym closures and has found digital classes to be an extremely engaging and effective exercise option for older adults.
Silver&Fit has received more than 20,000 positive comments about its new, free Facebook Live and YouTube exercise classes for older adults.
"Since the launch of our daily free Facebook Live and YouTube online exercise classes, the Silver&Fit program has seen its class followers grow by more than 400 percent in six months, with nearly 500,000 views of our senior workout videos," said Brett Hanson, SVP, Fitness Networks & Digital Strategies at American Specialty Health Fitness (ASH Fitness). "We've received more than 20,000 comments on how helpful the classes have been during the pandemic, and interest continues to grow. We are now offering more free exercise classes at different levels and times on Facebook Live and YouTube to encourage even more people to participate online with Silver&Fit."
As of October 12th, Silver&Fit began offering 20 free classes a week. The half-hour sessions, which now include intermediate Cardio, Yoga, Strength & Bodyweight, Flexibility & Balance, and Mixed Format classes, were expanded to include beginner and advanced levels, and mixed international classes premiering from 9 a.m. PT through 12:30 p.m. PT Monday - Friday.
"Maintaining an exercise program is extremely important for everyone, but especially for older adults," said Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD., MPH, PT, AVP, Digital Fitness Solutions with Silver&Fit. "Older adults who stop exercising can become deconditioned in as little as two weeks."
"Just in time for open enrollment, the Silver&Fit program is offering newly expanded tools aimed at helping older adults stay fit, healthy and connected to the community during the pandemic," said George DeVries, chairman, and CEO of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), which launched the Silver&Fit program in 2007.
To participate in a free exercise class follow Silver&Fit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SilverandFit or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/silverandfit. For information about whether your Medicare plan includes the Silver&Fit program, please contact your health plan or 1-800-MEDICARE.
