Commissioners commend Seabright on national SilverSneakers honor
MILLERSBURG − Anyone who knows Cheryl Seabright is aware of her passion for her work with Holmes County's older adults. It is that lov, and the reciprocal affection her students feel for her, that have earned her the honor of being named SilverSneakers Instructor of the Year.
The Holmes County commissioners issued a proclamation recognizing Seabright on Monday. She is the owner/operator of Cheryl’s L.I.F.E. Fitness, 2448 State Route 83, Mechanic Township, where she holds her SilverSneaker classes.
SilverSneakers is a community fitness program for older Americans, with more than 15,000 locations across the nation, from national gyms to local community centers.
Seabright was recognized for her advanced health and wellness programs, along with serving as co-chair of the Fall Prevention Program. She has been selected as a Public Health Champion for Holmes County and earned the 2022 Esther Spreng Award.
"I was a physical education and health teacher by trade, and when I stopped doing that, I started teaching SilverSneakers for the senior population," Seabright said. "That's what my passion has always been. I earned my doctorate in exercise with the aging and elderly.
"This came available to me and I thought it was cool," she continued. "They come, we laugh, we have all kinds of fun."
A great honor, thanks to participants
Seabright said to be selected as Silver Sneakers instructor of the year is a great honor, which comes from her participants.
"They nominated me and sent stuff in, as they have the past two years," she said. "This is the third consecutive year I've been in the top 10 in the nation for SilverSneakers. They submitted a video. Our theme this year was 'We are family,' changing the words of the Sister Sledge hit song to say 'We are family, we are here with all of our friends. We are family. Get up and exercise.'
"If it wasn't for my people saying she deserves this award, and SilverSneakers people agreeing, I wouldn't be where I am," Seabright said. "I love it every day. They are truly family."
The SilverSneaker classes are anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and held daily. She holds her classic class at 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m.
Commissioner Joe Miller asked about the difference between SilverSneakers classes and Tai Chi. Seabright said Tai Chi is a more slow, controlled exercise that works the body a little differently.
SilverSneakers Classic class uses a resistance band and an 8-inch ball, along with a choice of hand weights, focusing on movement and cardio. The classes can be done from a chair or standing.
Seabright added her classes have no age restrictions, ranging from 50s, 60s into the 90s. She said she's had children who come to classes to see what their mom and dad are doing, only to find out it is harder than their own workouts.
We can't do this alone
Miller noted the importance of what Seabright is doing.
"We can't do life by ourself," he said. "As we get older, we've got to connect somewhere. This is wonderful stuff."
Seabright said some folks didn't want to be part of a group exercise class, but within a month they have become good friends with other members.
Commissioner Dave Hall noted some people without families need these types of services to become part of a family.
"Physical and emotional is a big part of this whole program," Hall said. "So many people I have spoken with have pointed that out. To be recognized nationally is something special."
Seabright said class members look out for each other, and miss someone when they don't show up for class.
The SilverSneakers awards presentation celebration will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 30, at Cheryl's L.I.F.E. Fitness studio.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Holmes SilverSneakers instructor wins top national honor
