SAN DIEGO, Jan. 4, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Specialty Health (ASH), one of the nation's leading health and wellness companies, announced that Sterling Life Insurance Company has selected the Silver&Fit(R) senior exercise program for its members throughout the United States.
Upon enrollment to the Silver&Fit program, members receive a no-cost membership at a nearby participating fitness club. Their Silver&Fit membership includes all of the standard amenities offered by that club's standard membership, such as access to weight equipment, cardiovascular equipment, and where available, pools, saunas, and whirlpool facilities.
Members who are not able to participate at the fitness club or simply prefer to work out at home may participate instead in the Silver&Fit Home Fitness Program. Upon enrollment, members receive a home fitness kit that may focus on exercise, walking, aqua aerobics, Pilates, yoga, tai chi, or stress management. Each kit includes tools to help members perform exercises at home. Home Fitness Program members may receive DVDs or Internet access to a variety of fitness classes, all of which are designed specifically for seniors.
All Silver&Fit members receive The Silver Slate(R) quarterly newsletter, access to the SilverandFit.com Web site, and a toll-free hotline to provide information and answer questions about the program.
"Sterling chose ASH to provide the fitness benefit for our members because of their willingness to work with us to ensure the network of fitness clubs meets our members' needs," said Jill Johnson, Vice President of Operations for Sterling. "We are also pleased to be able to offer a Home Fitness Program to those members who prefer not to join a club."
Silver&Fit was developed to assist seniors in beginning or continuing a regular exercise program. Regular exercise has shown to be an important element in preventing some medical conditions, including high blood pressure and heart and lung disease. Cardiovascular and strength training can also help seniors improve their balance and become more flexible, preventing common slips and falls and speeding up the recovery period from such injuries. Access to the network of exercise facilities is provided through ASH subsidiary American Specialty Health Networks, Inc.
About Sterling Life Insurance Company
Established in 1958, Sterling Life Insurance Company is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best, and is dedicated to providing a variety of affordable healthcare solutions to Medicare beneficiaries. Sterling is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia had has offices across the country. Sterling is a subsidiary of Munich-American Holding Company. For more information, visit www.sterlingplans.com.
About Silver&Fit and American Specialty Health (ASH)
ASH is a national health and wellness company that provides population health management programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide.
Based in San Diego, ASH has 700 employees and covers 15.3 million members in specialty network management, fitness, and wellness and prevention programs. For more information, visit ASH at ASHCompanies.com or call 1-800-848-3555.