Chili, N.Y. – Taking one step at a time to get fit, even later in life, is life changing.
“I was told I can't stop exercising,” said Judy Bieck, trainer and Silver&Fit member. ”My bone density and everything is really great and they attribute it to working out on a regular basis.”
Hundreds of seniors are committing to healthier lives at Chili Fitness Center in Chili. Many are participating in Medicare advantage programs like the Sliver&Fit program through Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Silver Sneakers through MVP. Members get deeply discounted rates on a membership, and classes keep them coming every week.
“The feeling that one gets when they finish and the fact that you can see yourself improving you can stretch farther, you have more endurance,” said Bieck.
Those benefits are exactly what Gary Gray was hoping for when he started to go to the gym to maintain his golf game through winter. But gray also found he got added health perks.
“It's definitely made a big difference,” said Gray, “I had slight problems with high blood pressure, high cholesterol do to what I ate and everything, started coming here three days a week, I only spend a half hour to an hour and my doctor's quite happy with the results.”
It's results like Gray’s lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, that brings seniors of all ages to Judy Bieck’s classes.
“[It’s] never too late at all,” said Bieck. “We have some people in these classes in their mid 80s.”
Chili Fitness Center has around 300 senior members, all who are very committed to working out. Rarely do they see the numbers in their senior members participation drop during the year, according to fitness center owner.
