Stop by Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation any weekday morning and the activity inside will surprise you. When we open at 5:30 a.m. a steady stream of people enter through our double doors, off to one of many different fitness options.

The walking track, which is free to the community, starts moving before the sun is up with die-hard walkers who get in their miles come rain or shine. Many of our patrons head to the pool for early morning lap swim and adult swim lessons with Coach Mavi. Then, starting mid-morning, our vibrant community of SilverSneakers members heads in for classes keeping the gym hopping with activity until lunch time.

What is SilverSneakers? SilverSneakers is a complete wellness program that provides eligible seniors a no-cost membership to participating fitness facilities. At Winchester Clark-County Parks and Recreation a SilverSneakers membership includes full access to our fitness center, indoor pools, walking track and more than 40 fitness classes, including those designed specifically to meet the needs of SilverSneakers participants.

You can become a SilverSneakers member by having an eligible health plan. Eligibility can be determined by contacting your health provider’s customer service department or visiting silversneakers.com and clicking on “Check Eligibility.” SilverSneakers is offered to many Medicare plans throughout the nation. If eligible, you’ll receive a personalized SilverSneakers card that gives you access to our facility. If you already have a SilverSneakers card, you’re all set. Just check in at the front desk and enjoy your stay.

What are the SilverSneakers class offerings at WCCPR? From Monday through Friday we host nine SilverSneakers classes varying in intensity and focus. These classes, taught by one of our seven certified instructors, address the fitness needs of the senior community. Our program offerings have nearly doubled in size as we have recently welcomed the SilverSneakers classes, instructors, and members from the now closed YMCA. Our current class offerings include:

– SilverSneakers Classic – Participants move through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living.

– SilverSneakers Cardio – This heart-healthy aerobics class uses low-impact movements focused specifically on building upper-body and core strength plus cardio endurance.

– SilverSneakers Yoga – Participants are engaged in a series of seated and standing postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement promoting stress reduction and mental clarity.

– SilverSneakers Aqua Splash – This water-based class offers lots of fun and shallow water moves to improve agility, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance.

In addition to SilverSneaker certified classes, WCCPR hosts additional fitness classes on land and in water which are suitable for seniors and members of all levels including Water Fitness, Chair Yoga, Senior Fitness, Aqua FitN’Flex, Extended Aqua Cardio and Water Arthritis.

For more information about our SilverSneakers Program and all our senior offerings visits us at www.winchesterparksandrec.org and click on our “Fitness Calendar” link. Also “like” our Facebook page for up-to-date information or give us a call at (859)744-9554. We look forward to seeing you soon!