What an exciting time to be in the fitness industry! Back in 1990 the U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning, declaring that physical inactivity is hazardous to our health. I immediately believed that some day in the future, insurance providers would be paying for people to go to get themselves in shape. For me, that vision was realized just a few years later, when insurance companies started providing free gym memberships to their recipients, in an effort to keep them healthier in body and mind. I quickly became involved in teaching the award winning SilverSneakers program (for members age 65 and over) and witnessed, firsthand, what I already knew; wellness really does work! In the past few years we have also seen health club benefits extended to certain groups of “all age” employees (such as the Broward County School teachers on Vista’s health plan). Now, as we approach another new year, the SilverSneakers program is growing in leaps and bounds and nothing could make me happier….well, maybe the day we see this benefit extended to all age groups!
If you are 65 or over, please visit www.SilverSneakers.com and find out if you are eligible to take advantage of this fantastic program. In 2010 more insurance companies will be offering this program than ever before. It’s an idea whose time has certainly come.
SilverSneakers is just one of the exciting things happening in the fitness world. On a local and personal level, I am excited about some upcoming additions to my group exercise schedule. Check back soon and regularly for more info as well as many more opinonated blogs about the world of health and fitness.
As I finish this, my virgin blog, I want to thank my webmaster, Kyle, for his patience, his knowledge and his hard work on this site, which is currently work in progress. It’s thrilling to me, as his mom, that he has turned his passion into his business. Coming from one who did the same, it really is true that when we love what we do, it isn’t really work at all!