Wellness
SilverSneakers vs Renew Active: Comparing Medicare Fitness Programs
Both SilverSneakers and Renew Active offer free gym access to Medicare Advantage members. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose.
Staying physically active is one of the most important things you can do for your health as you age. Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, falls, depression, and cognitive decline. The good news? Many Medicare Advantage plans include free fitness programs that give you gym access, classes, and online workouts at no additional cost. The two biggest programs are SilverSneakers and Renew Active. Here's how they compare.
Head-to-Head Comparison
SilverSneakers: The Details
SilverSneakers has been around since 1992 and is the most widely recognized fitness program for seniors. It's offered through multiple insurance companies, making it available to a broad range of Medicare Advantage enrollees.
What You Get with SilverSneakers
- Free gym membership at 17,000+ participating locations
- SilverSneakers-branded fitness classes designed for older adults (Classic, Circuit, Yoga, Splash, BOOM)
- SilverSneakers GO app with on-demand workouts you can do at home
- SilverSneakers LIVE virtual classes led by certified instructors
- Access to fitness equipment, pools, and other gym amenities
- No long-term contracts — your membership is part of your health plan
Renew Active: The Details
Renew Active is UnitedHealthcare's proprietary fitness and wellness program, launched in 2019 as a replacement for the previous UHC fitness benefit. It offers a larger gym network and includes brain health training.
What You Get with Renew Active
- Free gym membership at 25,000+ participating locations (larger network than SilverSneakers)
- Access to premium gyms and studios not typically in the SilverSneakers network
- Fitbit Premium membership included (normally $9.99/month)
- BrainHQ brain training program — clinically proven cognitive exercises
- Online fitness classes and workout plans
- Option to use a home fitness kit if no gym is convenient
Which Program Is Right for You?
Check Your Plan
Not all Medicare Advantage plans include a fitness benefit. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage to see if SilverSneakers, Renew Active, or another fitness program is included. If your current plan doesn't include one, consider switching during the Annual Enrollment Period.
Disclaimer: SeniorPop is not affiliated with Medicare, Medicaid, or any government agency. Benefit availability varies by plan and location. Contact a licensed Medicare advisor for plan-specific information.