Racquet ball photo

 

YMCA Senior Group

Come join the fun.  Seniors 60 & over can participate monthly for lunch, crafts, discussion groups, bingo & more.  The group meets twice a month on Tuesdays.  Monthly calendars are available at the front counter.  Members are free.  Non-Member rates depend on the activity.  Contact Cherie Sciarini at (815) 223-7904 voice mail ext #37.  You can also e-mail Cherie at c.sciarini@comcast.net 

Our senior Group enjoying cards

Fees: YMCA members/FREE
           Non/YMCA members, the rate will vary according to activity.

SILVERSNEAKERS®

The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is the nation's leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults. the program offers physical activity, health education, and social events for Medicare-eligible and Group Retiree members, usually those age 65 or older, but, in some cases, those of any age deemed disabled and receiving Medicare.

Here at the Illinois Valley YMCA, If you are a member of a Medicare health plan or Medicare Supplement carrier that offers the SilverSneakers Fitness Program, you can enroll at no additional cost to you! If your health plan doesn't offer SilverSneakers, contact their member services and ask them when they are planning to provide it.
If you are unsure if you qualify or not, please contact Joanne Sabotta at the YMCA, 815-223-7904, ext. 14, from 5 am to 1 pm or email her at jsabotta@comcast.net. You may also call your insurance provider, or go to the SilverSneakers® web site at www.silversneakers.com

OTHER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TAKEN FROM THE SILVERSNEAKERS WEB SITE

What is the SilverSneakers Fitness Program?

The SilverSneakers Fitness Program offers a unique blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programming that enables older adults to take greater control of their health. It is available at no additional cost to individuals who belong to participating Medicare health plans or Medicare Supplement carriers. When you enroll in SilverSneakers you receive:
Is anyone available to show me the fitness center and assist with the equipment?

Yes. Each fitness center will provide either group or individual fitness center tours and fitness equipment demonstrations. Tell the front desk staff when you arrive that you would like to take a tour.

Who is the Senior Advisor and what is his or her role?

Senior Advisors are employees of participating SilverSneakers fitness centers and are available during hours when you are most likely to visit the center. Usually, this is Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Senior Advisor is trained extensively to assist you in enrollment, fitness center tours and equipment orientation. In addition to assuring quality and service, the Senior Advisor serves as a contact for you, someone who can answer all of your questions and make sure you feel comfortable and welcome.

What should I wear to the fitness center?

A general rule is to wear comfortable clothing. Breathable, non-binding fabric such as cotton is best. Participants should also wear comfortable, rubber-soled shoes (not black-soled). Check with your fitness center for suggestions on appropriate clothing.

How do I enroll in the SilverSneakers Fitness Program?

If you belong to a Medicare health plan that offers SilverSneakers, you can enroll in the program by visiting a participating fitness center near you. If you’d like to enroll by visiting a nearby fitness center, follow these easy steps:

Step 1:   Take your health plan membership ID card to one of the participating SilverSneakers fitness centers near you.

Step 2:   Tell the person at the front desk that you want to enroll in SilverSneakers. The Senior Advisor or another staff member will help you through the enrollment process.

Step 3:   A fitness center staff member will take you on a tour and show you all the equipment, the exercise room where SilverSneakers Classes will be held, and where the locker rooms are located.

Step 4:   Start taking control of your health with your new SilverSneakers membership!

Is the membership really available at no additional cost?

If you are a member of a Medicare health plan that offers the SilverSneakers Fitness Program, you can enroll at no additional cost to you! If your health plan doesn't offer SilverSneakers, contact their member services and ask them when they are planning to provide it.

What if I am unavailable between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday to enroll in SilverSneakers?

You can go to the participating fitness center of your choice at any time to enroll in SilverSneakers. However, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, a Senior Advisor is available to answer any questions you may have. If you would like this assistance but can't go to a fitness center during these times, you can call the fitness center and schedule an appointment with the Senior Advisor at a convenient time for both of you.

Will I need to take anything when I go to the fitness center to enroll in the program?

You will need to take your health plan membership ID card with you for your first visit. You might also want to take your reading glasses with you!

How long will it take to enroll in SilverSneakers?

The process will take approximately 30 minutes. If you wish to have a tour of the fitness center during this visit, please allow a few additional minutes.

What are the SilverSneakers Classes?

SilverSneakers Classes are total body conditioning classes designed to increase muscular strength, endurance, range of movement, flexibility, balance, agility and coordination. They range from 45 to 60 minutes in length and are offered several times per week. For more information on SilverSneakers Classes, go to www.silversneakers.com

Who teaches SilverSneakers Classes?

SilverSneakers Classes are taught by certified instructors from nationally recognized certification programs who also have special training in older adult fitness.
Are SilverSneakers Classes safe?

Yes. All instructors are CPR-certified and are aware of the procedures to follow in case of an emergency. They have been trained in the proper and safe programming of SilverSneakers Classes.

If I don't belong to a health plan that offers SilverSneakers, may I still take SilverSneakers Classes?

Yes. Members of Medicare health plans that do not offer SilverSneakers may still take the class; however, they will need to purchase a basic membership at the participating fitness center.

Why isn't the fitness center down the street in the SilverSneakers network?

The fitness centers selected for the network are carefully screened to ensure you are provided with a safe and friendly environment. Some of the criteria for selection include location, quality (including the variety and quality of programs and equipment), excellent customer service, and accessibility.

What if I already belong to a fitness center?

If the fitness center you belong to is a participating SilverSneakers location, you will need to request that your existing membership be "frozen." If your fitness center is NOT a participating SilverSneakers location, you can switch to a SilverSneakers location, but your original membership will NOT be "frozen." In other words, you will be responsible for all previous arrangements between you and the non-participating fitness center. The Senior Advisor can provide further details for you.

WALKING CLUB:

The YMCA has a Walking Club for YMCA members and Prime Time participants. The club charts daily walking totals, and awards walkers for miles attained. This has been a popular activity at the YMCA track. The track features include a synthetic surface that is easy on your body and fun to walk or jog on. New club begins January 2008.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS

Take advantage of the free opportunity to regularly monitor your blood pressure. Free screenings are available through IVCH and St. Margaret's Hospitals at the YMCA. Times for IVCH are posted on the lab door. In addition, the YMCA has a computerized Health Monitor Center that measures blood pressure, located in the Wellness Center.

PERSONAL TRAINING

The YMCA can provide you with one on one personal training sessions designed to meet your personal fitness needs. Each session is a duration of one hour and appointments must be scheduled prior to the training session. Our certified personal training staff members can assist you

         Personal Training Fees
 

Member Fees: Individual 2 People 3 People 4 People 5 People
1 session   $25 $40 $55 $70 $85
2 Sessions $40 $55 $70 $85 $100
3 Sessions $60 $75 $90 $105 $120
4 Sessions $75 $90 $105 $120 $135
5 Sessions $85 $100 $115 $130 $145
 

Call the YMCA at 223-7904 with specific questions, or you can email us at ivymca@comcast.net