AS WE age, one of the things that becomes more challenging is staying active and healthy. When we get older, it can become harder to move and exercise as much as we did when we were in our 20s and 30s. How can exercising for seniors be fun, create community, and be physically beneficial?
For Kinetix Health Club instructor Lorena Andress, the answer to those questions comes in one word: SilverSneakers. Andress is a physical fitness instructor and dance enthusiast who learned about SilverSneakers when she managed Curves for over 12 years. When Curves had to close its doors due to COVID-19, it needed a new home for its existing members through their health insurance that would cover the SilverSneakers program. Christian Meacham, owner of Kinetix Health Club, welcomed the idea with open arms since most Curves members were seniors.
When Andress first visited Kinetix, she discovered that the health club offered classes for senior clients called SilverSneakers. Andress quickly discovered that SilverSneakers involved a lot more movement for her clients and that she could create fun within the program, too. She was hooked and became certified in several classes.
Andress said that her move to Kinetix to teach SilverSneakers was “not my plan, but God’s.”
SilverSneakers costs are covered under the federal Medicare program managed through Humana. Andress explained that there are a dozen varieties of classes SilverSneakers offers. The SilverSneakers “classic” sessions involve moving to music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of motion, and activities for daily living. Clients spend 30 minutes doing exercises while sitting and then 30 minutes while standing using exercise bands, balls, and weights. The “circuit” class is more advanced and involves more cardio.
The SilverSneakers classes are more than just a job for Andress. It’s something she’s very passionate about. She begins each class with a short, encouraging word of scripture. Andress added that if someone asks her for prayer, she will step aside with that client and pray on the spot.
“Some come to the class just for the community of one another — others come get a hug from me or to be encouraged. For many, this is their family,” Andress pointed out.
Because of Andress’ love for dance, Zumba, and overall fun, she has her clients exercise to loud music with lots of client participation in the loudness, too.
“Most times, you can hear me from the parking lot,” Andress exclaimed with a big smile.
Even her adult children tell her that she’s sometimes “too loud.” Andress’ energy and her commitment to her members, both in and out of class, was soon noticed by the SilverSneakers national organization. Andress and her class submitted her name to the group’s 2024 Instructor of the Year award program. She also sent in a short video about her class to be reviewed.
Andress thought, “How cool would it be to have Lynchburg on the national map?”
Not long after her submission, SilverSneakers contacted Kinetix to say that Andress had made it to the top 10. Shortly after that, she found out that she made it to the final four. SilverSneakers sent Andress and her members all the resources needed to hold a celebration party, along with T-shirts featuring the organization’s logo. SliverSneakers also presented Andress with a crystal award plaque that says, “Top Finalist: Lorena Andress.” But the celebration wasn’t over. Andress’ class got together and threw her their own party, inviting WSET ABC 13 TV reporter Brigette Kelly to cover it and participate in the class. Kelly said she had a lot of fun.
Andress’ SilverSneakers clients boast incredible longevity. She said that many of her regulars are the women she first began working with at Curves. One of her ladies told Andress that she didn’t realize how much fun exercising could be. That enthusiasm keeps her coming back each week.
Outside of SilverSneakers, Andress also teaches a seniors balance class. She has some clear and simple advice to help those over 65 stay healthy. The key is to do something.
“You have to stay moving. You have to be consistent and dedicated to your health,” she explained.
In the future, Andress would like to bring in representatives from local senior services organizations so her clients can learn more about what is available here in Lynchburg. Andress’ experience is deeply inspired.
“When God opens that door of opportunity to go beyond [what you love], it’s huge. It’s such an honor.” GN
