As we get older, staying active is essential for our mental and physical health. Exercising as a senior can provide plenty of benefits, such as:

• Higher metabolism (which naturally slows with age)
• Lower risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease
• Healthy digestive and immune systems
• Better mobility and balance
• Reduced symptoms from depression and/or anxiety

A great way to get active while making friends and connecting with your community is by attending a group fitness class through your local gym (either online or socially distanced in person). If you’re looking for senior-friendly group fitness classes, we have a list of eight workouts you’ll love!

**Note: Please make sure your doctor clears you for physical activity before joining a group fitness class.**

1. Arthritis Foundation

Arthritis Foundation is an aquatics class involving gentle activities in warm water, with guidance from a trained instructor. Water workouts are wonderful if you have arthritis, because you can enjoy low-impact exercise without straining your joints and muscles. You might even find that Arthritis Foundation eases your pain and stiffness!

2. Chair Yoga

Looking for a relaxing way to start or end your day? A 30-minute chair yoga class might help you increase your range, mobility, and flexibility in a short amount of time. Your instructor will guide you through traditional yoga poses as you use a chair for seated and/or standing support. After a chair yoga class, you’ll be more likely to breathe easier, feel more relaxed, and sleep better!

3. Fit 4 Life

Fit 4 Life can help you keep your energy up while giving you the chance to connect with other seniors in your community. This class has plenty of benefits you might enjoy, such as: 

• Improving your range of motion 
• Increasing muscle strength
• Keeping you active and independent 
• Building your sense of community

4. Fountain of Youth

Join us in the shallow end of the pool for Fountain of Youth! This class features water exercises to get your body moving and your heart pumping. You’ll participate in activities focused on cardio and muscle toning, helping you feel young and strong for years to come.

5. Senior Barre

Senior Barre is another wonderful option for anyone 55 and older! This class incorporates resistance bands, hand weights, and other equipment for a full-body, low-impact workout. You can get stronger, improve stability, and gain flexibility as you work out with your Senior Barre community.

6. Silver Sneakers

Silver Sneakers is a senior-friendly group fitness class full of music, movement, and fun! You can adjust this workout to meet your needs with hand weights, exercise balls, chairs (for balance and seating), and more.

You can experience plenty of benefits with Silver Sneakers, including: 

• Better range of motion
• More muscle strength 
• Safe activity and exercise
• Independence

7. Silver Sneakers Muscle

Silver Sneakers Muscle is a 30- to 45-minute class that builds on the original Silver Sneakers program with sports-inspired exercises. You can increase your strength by focusing on different muscle groups in time blocks your instructor will guide you through. You may also use a chair for seated and/or standing support — and you can still get a great workout!

8. Zumba Gold

If you’re looking for a great calorie burn with lower-intensity exercises, Zumba Gold is perfect for you! This senior-friendly group fitness class modifies the original moves and choreography from Zumba so that anyone age 55+ can enjoy a safe, healthy workout. 

Zumba Gold’s benefits may include:

• Increasing your range of motion
• Improving balance coordination
• Building strength and flexibility
• Boosting confidence and energy

Staying active as you get older can help you fight disease, improve your balance, and feel better physically and mentally. And with these senior-friendly group fitness classes, you’ll actually have fun while exercising!

Whether you’re a group fitness regular looking for a new challenge, or you’re ready to dive into a regular workout rhythm, your clean, safe local gym is a great place to start.

The Lafayette Family YMCA is a community dedicated to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.