Older Adult Fitness

Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Aging

Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Exercise can help you:

  • Maintain and improve physical strength and fitness
  • Improve balance and ability to do day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others
  • Manage and improve diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis
  • Reduce feelings of depression and may improve mood and overall well-being
  • Help prevent many age-related health problems

Older Adult Fitness Programming brought to you in partnership with the BGSU Optimal Aging Institute.

Fall Class Schedule: August 26 - December 13, 2024

  • No classes September 2 (Labor Day), November 11 (Veterans Day), November 27 - 30 (Thanksgiving Break)
  • Classes open to all ages and fitness levels

Patrons and guests with disabilities are requested to indicate if special services, assistance, or appropriate modifications are needed to fully participate. Contact Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419.372.8495 prior to the activity.

Day Class
Time Instructor Location
Monday Aqua Fitness
9 - 9:45 AM Rachel Andrews Pool
Monday Aqua Fitness 10 - 10:45 AM
Elena Andrews Pool
Monday Dance Fitness
10:15 - 11 AM
Quinn SRC Studio B
Tuesday
SilverSneakers® Splash 7:30 - 8:15 AM
Sam B. Cooper Pool Shallow
Tuesday Strength Training 9 - 9:45 AM
Karyn & Sam M. Perry Field House Track Room
Tuesday Gentle Chair Yoga 10:15 - 11 AM Nailya SRC Classroom
Wednesday Gentle Chair Yoga
8:30 - 9:30 AM
Chelsea SRC Classroom
Wednesday Aqua Fitness
9 - 9:45 AM Rachel Andrews Pool
Wednesday Aqua Fitness 10 - 10:45 AM Elena Andrews Pool
Thursday SilverSneakers® Splash 7:30 - 8:15 AM Karyn Cooper Pool Shallow
Thursday Strength Training
9 - 9:45 AM
Karyn & Sam M. Perry Field House Track Room
Friday SilverSneakers® Splash 7:30 - 8:15 AM
Julia Cooper Pool Shallow
  • Pre-registration at the SRC Welcome Desk is required prior to class participation. 
  • Virtual Older Adult Fitness Classes are FREE to everyone, and are offered through the BGSU Recreation and Wellness Older Adult Facebook Community Group. Request to join the group if you're not already a member! All classes are saved in the video section of this group allowing you to re-watch them at any time, and participate when your schedule allows.
  • Participants are expected to review and adhere to all Recreation and Wellness Policies.

Older Adult Fees for Fall 2024

Class
SilverSneakers®, Renew Active, Active&Fit™, Silver&Fit®, and AARP® Medicare Supplement Plan Holders SRC Member Fee for Fall Session
Non-SRC Member Fee for Fall Session
SilverSneakers® Splash Complimentary, no charge $25 $100
Aqua Fitness
Complimentary, no charge $25 $100
Strength Training
Complimentary, no charge $25 $100
Gentle Chair Yoga Complimentary, no charge $10 $50
Dance Fitness Complimentary, no change $10 $50

Older Adult SRC Membership Registration Process

  • Register at the Student Recreation Center Welcome Desk prior to class start date.
  • Purchase a Parking Pass (if needed) from the Student Recreation Center Welcome Desk.
    $20 for One Semester | $35 for Annual Pass
  • Complete a Waiver and Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.
    (A medical clearance is required prior to participating only if answering "yes" to one or more questions on the PAR-Q. Consult your physician and provide the Physician Consent Form prior to participation.)

For more information and to request forms: Karyn Smith, Health Educator: 419.372.9309 | karync@bgsu.edu

Assumption of Risk

If you engage in the virtual exercise classes, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself and agree to release and discharge RecWell and all employees and/or successors from any and all claims of action, known or unknown, or arising out of RecWell’s negligence.

Class Descriptions and Details

Click the tabs below for complete information about the various program types typically offered through the Older Adult Fitness program. Not all programs are offered every semester.

In this fun, shallow-water exercise class you'll use a signature splash-board to increase strength and endurance. Splash is suitable for all skill levels and is safe for non-swimmers.

Offered in Andrews pool, this shallow-water light/medium intensity workout uses water and equipment for resistance to increase endurance, strength and flexibility.

A combination of traditional water exercises with your favorite music and upbeat moves! Conducted In the shallow end of the pool, this is a great total body, low-impact cardiovascular workout.

A dynamic combination of muscle strengthening exercises and weight-bearing cardiovascular exercises - the two types of exercise most important for building bone density! The class also incorporates exercises to improve balance, coordination, agility, and flexibility.

A wonderful class catered to those who have difficulty sitting on the floor or are interested in a more modified practice. Class includes breathing exercises and mindful movements for stiff joint and gentle stretching for tight muscles. All levels are welcome. Enjoy this specialty yoga class to feel like a better version of YOU!

Ideal for active older adults looking for a modified dance class at a lower intensity that introduces easy-to-follow choreography with a focus on balance, range of motion, and coordination.

Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two, three, or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. Paddles and balls can be checked out from the SRC Welcome Desk at no cost.

  • Monday - Friday: 8 - 10 AM
    • Student Recreation Center Multi Activity Court (MAC)
    • SilverSneakers or SRC Member - No Charge
    • Non-SRC Member - $10/per day
  • FREE Pickleball Fridays: 11 AM - 1 PM
    • Open to all older adult fitness participants, BGSU students, faculty, staff, and community

Learn how to safely use the cardio equipment, strength machines, or perform basic free weight and stretching exercises. Schedule a free equipment orientation at the Student Recreation Center with a certified personal trainer.

Contact Karyn Smith, Health Educator - Wellness Connection, at karync@bgsu.edu to schedule a session.

  • Lap swimming is available in Cooper Pool. Recreational swimming is available in Andrews Pool.
  • No Cost to SilverSneakers , Renew Active, and AARP Medicare Supplement Plan Holders
  • $10 Day Pass fee for non-members
  • No Cost to SilverSneakers , Renew Active, and AARP Medicare Supplement Plan Holders
  • $10 Day Pass fee for non-members
  • Call the Perry Field House for availability at 419.372.9900.

The BGSU Student Recreation Center participates in SilverSneakers® and the UnitedHealthcare Renew Active™ and AARP® Medicare Supplement Plan networks. You can become a member of the BGSU Student Recreation Center even if you have already enrolled in a membership or programming at other local clubs or health facilities.

Getting Started at BGSU is Easy

  • Stop by the SRC Welcome Desk with your membership card or personal ID number
  • Register for a SRC facility membership.
  • Virtual classes are FREE to all and include a variety of options and modifications for all fitness levels and abilities. The classes are led by certified instructors trained specifically in teaching adult fitness.
  • In-person classes are FREE to SRC members and available to non-members with the purchase of an SRC Day-Pass.
  • Purchase a parking pass (if needed): $18/Semester or $30/Annual
  • Tour the facility and start exercising at no extra cost!
  • Complimentary equipment orientations are also available.

SilverSneakers Logo

Eligible participants receive a complimentary Student Recreation Center membership and free registration in Older Adult Fitness Classes.

For More Information: https://www.silversneakers.com/
Call to Check Your SilverSneakers Eligibility: 
1.888.423.4632 (TTY:711) | Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 8 PM EST
Check your SilverSneakers Eligibility Online

Active-Fit-RGB
S-F-CMYK

The Silver&Fit program is available to people who are Medicare-eligible and have purchased Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement coverage that includes the Silver&Fit Healthy Aging and Exercise program as an added benefit.

Check your Silver&Fit Eligibility Online

Check your Active&Fit Eligibility Online

RenewActive Logo
AARP Logo

Available to select UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans and AARP Medicare Supplement Plan Holders. Eligible participants receive a complimentary student Recreation Center membership and free registration in Older Adult Fitness classes.

For More Information and to check your eligibility online:
Check your RenewActive Eligibility Online

“Our instructor truly cares about helping us remain active and happy!!"

“Older adult strength class has been beneficial for building muscle strength,balance and movement, all essential to our aging.

“We have a great time and manage to include lots of laughs!”

“I love Aqua Groove! Dancing to music is so much fun.”     

"Karyn works our upper body, lower body, and core each session, improving strength and balance, both of which become more important as the calendar pages turn!  However, she changes up the ways in which we work these body parts with each session so that it doesn’t become monotonous."

"It's great, it's fun, the social exposure is a must for us reclusive types."

“I have made many new friends and exercising in a group setting is so much more fun!” 

“The stretching and relaxation techniques are invaluable.”

"I play racquetball for nearly two hours prior to my 'Aqua Power' class.  It is a perfect way to wind down and stretch out.  I love it!  The water is so gentle."

“When I am out of town, I hate missing my classes. “

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to participate in various adult fitness classes at the SRC of BGSU. Every class I have taken and continue to take, has been very beneficial and enjoyable. From the pool classes to strength and conditioning to yoga and to dance… all have been taught by enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and caring instructors and have provided me with health and fitness benefits that my doctors and myself have definitely noticed.”

“It’s Great! It’s Fun! I Love It!”

"The BGSU Rec Center Older Adult Fitness classes are inclusive for older adults of ALL abilities. The staff and students make everyone feel welcome and valued no matter what stage you are in with regard to exercise ability. We are all encouraged to work at our own level and to get fitter, regardless of our starting point. And they make it FUN!"

"I have been in the strength training class for a year and a half, love it, and hate to miss it. Strengthening my core has nearly eliminated my back pain. I know I would not be exercising like this at home on my own. My husband and I totally enjoy the dance exercise class. It is wonderful for us as a couple. These classes are never the same old boring routine, and I feel that participating in these classes is gaining us the maximum enjoyment in our retirement years. I am amazed at my strength, flexibility, and endurance. We are privileged to have this in Bowling Green."

"By far the best classes I’ve ever taken. The instructors are outstanding!  They keep it fun and ‘do-able’, even as they motivate us each day to increase our strength, stamina, and flexibility. Highly recommend!"

"I look forward to going. The instructors are knowledgeable making exercising worthwhile and enjoyable. The  participants add to the fun. A great way to start your day in the pool, strength training and with yoga."

"My morning classes at rec center are the highlight of my day. My health has improved as I am more flexible, have less joint pain, and have more active lifestyle. The instructors are enthusiastic and knowledgeable and keep us moving in the right direction. I have made many new friendships and enjoy our time together exercising, talking and laughing. Overall I feel great being a part of these classes."

Updated: 08/14/2024 04:22PM