For millions of older adults across the United States, staying active gets harder not because the desire fades, but because the right resources feel out of reach. Gym memberships can be expensive. Classes designed for younger athletes can feel intimidating. And for those navigating the complexities of Medicare, sorting out which fitness benefits are actually available — and how to use them — can be its own workout. That's where SilverSneakers comes in.
SilverSneakers is the nation's leading fitness program designed specifically for Medicare-eligible adults, and if you're a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) Medicare member in 2026, you already have access to it — at no additional cost through your health plan. Here's everything you need to know about what SilverSneakers offers, how to get started, and why now is the perfect time to take that first step.
SilverSneakers is far more than a gym pass. At its heart, it's a comprehensive wellness program built around the specific physical needs, fitness levels, and life circumstances of older adults. Operated by Tivity Health, Inc., SilverSneakers has spent decades refining an approach to senior fitness that prioritizes accessibility, community, and flexibility.
The program rests on three main pillars: fitness in the gym, fitness in the community, and fitness at home or on the go. Together, these three avenues mean that no matter where you are, what your mobility looks like, or how comfortable you are with technology, there is a SilverSneakers option that fits your life.
For Blue Cross NC Medicare members, SilverSneakers replaces FitOn as the plan's fitness benefit beginning January 1, 2026. FitOn made the decision to leave the Medicare fitness benefit market at the end of 2025, and Blue Cross NC selected SilverSneakers — widely regarded as the industry standard for Medicare-eligible fitness programs — as its new partner. If you were previously using FitOn, any fitness rewards you earned in 2025 need to be logged with FitOn by December 31, 2025. Those rewards will remain available to spend on your Blue FlexCard through December 31, 2026. Going forward into 2026, however, SilverSneakers is your fitness benefit.
One of SilverSneakers' most compelling features is its sheer geographic reach. The program maintains thousands of participating fitness locations across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, giving members access to a nationwide network of gyms, recreation centers, and fitness facilities. Whether you live in a major city, a small town, or somewhere in between, there's a good chance a participating location is closer than you think.
Basic membership at any participating facility is included with your SilverSneakers benefit. That means access to the facility's standard amenities — fitness equipment, pools where available, locker rooms, and more — without paying out of pocket. It's worth noting that participating locations are independently owned and operated, so specific amenities vary by location. Premium services, such as personal training sessions or specialty classes not led by SilverSneakers representatives, may come with an additional fee, so it's always worth asking at the front desk what's covered.
One particularly convenient feature is the ability to enroll at multiple locations simultaneously. If you split your time between two homes, travel frequently, or simply want the flexibility to choose between nearby facilities depending on the day, you're not locked into a single gym. Just present your SilverSneakers Member ID at any participating location, and you're in.
Many locations also offer access to pickleball courts — one of the fastest-growing sports among older adults — though some courts and specialty amenities do carry an extra cost. It's a small detail worth knowing ahead of your first visit.
If your current gym isn't in the SilverSneakers network, don't give up on it just yet. Members can nominate facilities for inclusion by visiting SilverSneakers.com or calling (888) 502-0831. The network is continually growing, and your nomination could help bring your favorite spot on board. One important note: Life Time fitness clubs are not currently included in the SilverSneakers network.
Research has consistently shown that social connection is one of the most powerful drivers of healthy aging. SilverSneakers takes that seriously by offering a robust community component that gets members moving outside the walls of a traditional gym.
SilverSneakers community classes are held in parks, community centers, senior centers, and other non-gym settings, bringing fitness directly to where people already gather. Class formats span a wide range of activities, including cardio, dance, and yoga, all designed to accommodate varying fitness levels and physical abilities. Every SilverSneakers class is taught by specially trained instructors who understand the unique considerations of working with older adults — including modifications for different mobility levels and health conditions.
These community classes are a natural entry point for anyone who feels nervous about walking into a gym for the first time in years, or for those who simply find the social energy of outdoor and community-based classes more appealing than a traditional fitness floor. You can search for community classes in your area through SilverSneakers.com.
Perhaps the most significant evolution in SilverSneakers' programming in recent years is its digital expansion. The program now offers a full suite of online and app-based fitness resources, meaning your benefit extends well beyond any physical location.
SilverSneakers LIVE Online Classes bring instructor-led group fitness directly to your living room. These are live, interactive classes — not pre-recorded videos — taught seven days a week by SilverSneakers-certified instructors. Whether you prefer morning yoga, afternoon cardio, or an evening stretching session, there's a live class on the schedule. Members access these classes through the SilverSneakers member portal or the SilverSneakers GO app.
SilverSneakers On-Demand is an exclusive digital library containing hundreds of workout and wellness videos designed specifically for older adults. Every fitness level is represented, and the entire library is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you want a 10-minute gentle morning stretch or a longer strength-building session, On-Demand lets you work out entirely on your own schedule.
The SilverSneakers GO App is the mobile hub that ties everything together. Through the app, members can find participating fitness locations nearby, schedule classes, track activity, access their Member ID, and explore personalized program resources. It's designed to be user-friendly for those who may not consider themselves particularly tech-savvy, and it puts the full breadth of the program in your pocket wherever you go.
Getting started with SilverSneakers in 2026 is a simple two-step process.
Step 1: Get Your Member ID. Your SilverSneakers Member ID is your key to everything — gym access, class registration, and your online account. Starting January 1, 2026, you can visit SilverSneakers.com/StartHere to create a free online account that displays your personalized Member ID. If you've had a SilverSneakers membership in the past, your former Member ID will be active again automatically on January 1, 2026 — no need to create a new one from scratch. If you don't have an email address or simply prefer not to manage things online, you can visit Check.SilverSneakers.com or call the Member Experience Center at (888) 502-0831 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. A representative will help you locate your ID.
One important note: accounts cannot be activated prior to January 1, 2026, so if you're reading this ahead of the new year, mark your calendar and return on January 1st to get set up.
Step 2: Start Using Your Benefit. Once you have your Member ID, using SilverSneakers is straightforward. To access a participating gym, simply present your Member ID to the staff and complete a brief enrollment form on your first visit. For online classes and On-Demand content, log in through your member portal or the SilverSneakers GO app. No physical membership card is mailed to your home, but you can download and print one from your online account, or save a digital version to your phone.
Always talk with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program — especially if it's been a while since you've been physically active or if you're managing ongoing health conditions. Your physician can help you identify what types of activity are most appropriate for where you are right now.
One of the most important things to understand about SilverSneakers is that it is genuinely designed for all fitness levels and abilities — not just those who are already active. Whether you're returning to exercise after years away, managing a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, or simply looking for a welcoming environment to build healthier habits, SilverSneakers instructors and program designers have you in mind.
The signature SilverSneakers class formats incorporate seated and standing exercises, balance work, light strength training, and flexibility movements — all moving at a pace that feels manageable rather than overwhelming. The goal isn't to push members to their physical limits. It's to build sustainable, enjoyable habits that support long-term health, independence, and confidence.
Perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of SilverSneakers is the sense of belonging it cultivates. For many older adults — especially those who live alone or have experienced a gradual loss of regular social contact — the routine of attending a fitness class or showing up at the gym can become an anchor of connection and purpose.
The SilverSneakers community, whether encountered in gyms, in parks, or online, is made up of people at similar life stages, navigating similar challenges and celebrating similar victories. Friendships formed in SilverSneakers classes are real, and the encouragement of working toward shared health goals alongside peers is a meaningful benefit that extends far beyond calorie counts and step totals.
If you're a Blue Cross NC Medicare member, you already have everything you need. The benefit is built into your plan. All that remains is to take the first step: activate your account on January 1, 2026, find a location or class that appeals to you, and show up.
For questions or assistance, SilverSneakers' Member Experience Center is available at (888) 502-0831 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. A Spanish-language website is available at SilverSneakers.com/Espanol. To find participating locations near you, visit SilverSneakers.com/Locations.
The gym is waiting. The classes are ready. The community is there. All you have to do is move.
Always consult your physician before beginning a new exercise program. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Q: Is SilverSneakers really included in my Blue Cross NC Medicare plan at no extra cost? Yes. SilverSneakers is included as part of your Blue Cross NC Medicare benefit at no additional cost to you. There are no separate membership fees to join the program.
Q: How do I get my SilverSneakers Member ID? Starting January 1, 2026, visit SilverSneakers.com/StartHere to create a free online account and retrieve your Member ID. If you've had a SilverSneakers membership before, your old ID will be reactivated automatically. Prefer the phone? Call (888) 502-0831 (TTY: 711), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. No email address? Visit Check.SilverSneakers.com instead.
Q: Can I use more than one gym at a time? Yes. One of SilverSneakers' standout features is the ability to enroll at multiple participating locations simultaneously. Simply present your Member ID at any participating facility — no need to choose just one.
Q: What if my gym isn't in the SilverSneakers network? You can nominate your gym for inclusion by visiting SilverSneakers.com or calling (888) 502-0831. The network is always growing. In the meantime, you can search for the nearest participating location at SilverSneakers.com/Locations. Note that Life Time fitness clubs are not part of the SilverSneakers network.
Q: What's actually included in my gym membership through SilverSneakers? Your benefit covers basic membership at any participating facility, which includes standard amenities and SilverSneakers instructor-led group fitness classes. Premium services such as personal training and non-SilverSneakers specialty classes may cost extra. Amenities vary by location, so it's worth asking the staff what's covered on your first visit.
Q: I'm not very active right now. Is SilverSneakers really for me? Absolutely. SilverSneakers is intentionally designed for all fitness levels and abilities, including people who are just getting started or returning to exercise after a long break. Classes incorporate seated and standing options, balance work, light strength training, and flexibility movements — all taught by specially trained instructors who know how to adapt exercises to different needs. There's no pressure to keep up with anyone else.
Q: Do I have to go to a gym to use my benefit? Not at all. SilverSneakers offers live online classes seven days a week, an On-Demand video library available 24/7, and the SilverSneakers GO mobile app — all accessible from home. Community classes held in parks, senior centers, and other local venues are also available if you prefer getting out without going to a gym.
Q: I used FitOn in 2025. What do I need to know about the switch to SilverSneakers? FitOn is leaving the Medicare fitness benefit market at the end of 2025, so access to FitOn will end on December 31, 2025. Make sure all your 2025 fitness activities are logged with FitOn before that date to qualify for any rewards. Those earned rewards will remain spendable on your Blue FlexCard through December 31, 2026. SilverSneakers becomes your fitness benefit on January 1, 2026 — and fitness rewards will not carry over as a feature into the new program.
