For SLO County YMCA Members Over 50

We know that older adults are seeking more than physical benefits when they join the YMCA. They also want a sense of community and have a desire to strengthen social ties. In response to this need, the SLO County YMCA is expanding their Active Older Adults (AOA) program to include several activities to provide an opportunity for older adults to socialize and get involved. Socializing and volunteering have been shown to have positive effects on the health of older adults, and exercise has proven to promote mental agility in addition to longevity and good health. With that in mind, the SLO County YMCA offers fitness programs specific to older adults, such as Aqua Aerobics, Yoga, and Exercise classes, along with Stretch and Balance Classes.

Get Involved! Read our AOA Newsletter, attend a social event, volunteer, attend a lecture on healthy living, and make an appointment with a personal trainer/wellness staff.

Active Older Adult Activities:

Getting off on the right foot:
Schedule an appointment with our Wellness Center Staff and they can orientate you to the cardiovascular machines and the strength training machines. For questions and information, contact us at aoa@sloymca.org or call Member Services at 543-8235.

Active Older Adult Exercise Classes    

These classses are especially appropriate for Active Older Adults.

Please consult the current fitness schedule for days and times.

Current Fitness Schedule

You can also observe most classes

from the second floor.

Class Descriptions:

Aqua Aerobics: Work at your own pace with your head above water at the Sinsheimer Pool to guided exercises for strengthening, stretching, and light aerobics. Movement in water provides supported, low impact exercise.

Beginning Yoga: This class offers traditional yoga postures, standing and floor work. It is for the strong beginning yoga student. Postures are modified to make them accessible for most everyone. We work with breath and meditation as well. Feel free to observe before practicing.

Chair Yoga: Use of a chair for persons unable to get up and down from the floor, recovering from injury, surgery, or unable to stand for extended periods of time. The chair allows an individual to sit while practicing modified poses of yoga safely and comfortably. Increase your flexibility and strengthen muscles for increased stability. We will also integrate breath work and a brief meditation practice.

Express Stretch: Increase Flexibility, perform a total body stretch and leave feeling refreshed.

Gentle Yoga: Basic restorative postures and emphasizes slow deep breathing and relaxation.

Into Action: 25 minutes of cardio, 25 minutes of strengthening, and core and 10 minutes of stretching. Elevate your heart rate with low impact aerobics. Free weights and stability balls are used for a complete workout.

Meditation: Guided meditation practice.

Silver Sneakers®

Move to the music through a variety of exercises intended to increase muscular strength and range of motion for daily living skills. A chair is used for support while seated or standing.

Tai Chi and Beginning Tai Chi: Find relaxation through movement. This is a series of flowing movements that help improve coordination and balance.

Total Balance: Improve your flexibility and balance with gentle stretching and balance exercises.

Silver Sneakers® Program & International Council on Active Aging

The SLO YMCA has been approved as an “Age-Friendly Fitness and Wellness Facility”By the International Council on Active Aging, and is an approved facility offering the Silver Sneakers® Program.

Silver Sneakers® is offered in partnership with Secure Horizons Health Care plan to
Medicare-eligible members. SilverSneakers® offers an innovative blend of physical activity,
healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programming that allows older adults to take greater
control of their health.

SilverSneakers® members receive:

• A free fitness center membership at the SLO County YMCA with access to classes,
  exercise equipment, pool, sauna and other available amenities.
• Access to any participating fitness facility throughout the USA while traveling.
• Customized SilverSneakers® classes designed exclusively for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.
• Health education seminars and other events that promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
• A specially trained Older Adult Wellness Advisor at the fitness center to introduce you to
  SilverSneakers® and acquaint you with their site.