Activities & Recreation
The following list, while not complete, is a place to begin when looking for a variety of activities for older persons. Some activities are free, and some are not; costs vary.
Centers that offer fitness programs as their main focus or in addition to other activities for senior citizens are marked with an asterisk (*). The health and fitness clubs listed offer organized programs designed for seniors. Some charge both an initial enrollment fee and a monthly fee; others have an annual fee or charge by the class. Some offer senior discounts.
Some churches offer senior fitness classes and activities for people from the community. Some elderly-only public housing units also have activity centers that welcome members of the community as well as residents of the complexes. They offer a variety of activities, including occasional suppers, special and educational trips, classes, and communal volunteer opportunities. See Housing for locations and phone numbers. For a list of Knox County senior centers that offer a wide range of activities exclusively for seniors, see Senior Centers.
*In this section, asterisks indicate those organizations that offer senior-specific fitness programs.
*Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programs
470-7909
Arthritis Foundation Life Improvement Series classes are offered at locations throughout Knox County and East Tennessee. Aquatic and floor exercises, Tai Chi, Walk With Ease programs are all designed specifically for persons with arthritis and related conditions but anyone is welcome to participate. Gentle exercise and movements designed to decrease joint pain by improving flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and coordication. Call for current class schedules and cost.
Beck Cultural Exchange Center
524-8461
1927 Dandridge Avenue, 37915
Projects in oral history and reminiscence writing. Exhibits. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Free; donations accepted.
» website
*Body Recall
588-5350
A physical fitness/educational program of gentle exercise and movement developed for adults to improve muscle tone, flexibility, and strength. Classes three days/week in 10-week sessions. Low cost/donation; textbook required.
Erin Presbyterian Church
200 Lockett Road, 37919
*Court South
Water aerobics, exercise classes for seniors. Gentle Cardio Conditioning program includes aerobics, walking, strength training, wellness educa-tion, and social programs. Days vary. Membership fee.
South: 579-3600
2934 Alcoa Highway, 37920
West: 470-3600
8511 Walbrook Drive, 37923
» website
Covenant Health Passport
541-4500
1901 Clinch Avenue, 37916
Free membership program for adults 50+ focusing on healthy living: health screenings, seminars, and fitness programs. Offers discounts on Bodyworks fitness classes, and Lifeline; cafeteria and gift shop; and parking (at Fort Sanders Regional only). Special discounted members’ events.
» website
*Covenant Health's Bodyworks
541-4500
A group fitness program for seniors; includes low-impact aerobics, toning, and flexibility exercises. Classes throughout Knox and other counties. Call for class locations and schedules. Low cost.
East District Tennessee Senior Olympics
436-4990
Gatlinburg Community Center, 156 Proffitt Road, Gatlinburg, 37738
Olympic-style athletic event for adults age 50+. Events include golf, tennis, track and field, bowling, swimming, and many others. District events held each spring; winners qualify for state competition. Preregistration required.
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*Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center
531-5063
270 Fort Sanders West Boulevard, 37922
Senior Fitness class offers toning, cardiovascular activity, and floor work. Other classes seniors enjoy include Aqua, Go Low, Jointercize, and yoga. Membership fee.
» website
*Jump Start Health & Fitness Program
687-4537
Associated Therapeutics, Inc.
2704 Mineral Springs Road, 37917
Aquatic exercise, strength and conditioning programs, weight management, group fitness classes, yoga. Membership fee.
Knox County Recreation Department
215-6600
2447 Sutherland Avenue, 37919
Offers speakers and free or low-cost activities.
» website
*Knoxville City Recreation Department
215-4311
400 Main Street, City-County Building, Room 303, 37902
Offers a variety of senior activities, including dances, field trips, arts and crafts, and exercise programs, at recreation centers. Indoor swimming pools at South Knoxville, Dr. E. V. Davidson, and Knoxville Adaptive centers. Most activities free or low cost.
» website
Knoxville Jewish Alliance/Jewish Family Services
690-6343
6800 Deane Hill Drive, 37919
Regular programs, including speakers, luncheons, classes, and informal get-togethers. Information and referrals for individual and family counseling available, and eldercare consultations. Nonmembers welcome.
» website
*Mercy Gold
549-4653
a member of Mercy Health Partners
P.O. Box 1788, 37901
Free membership healthy living program for adults 50+. Offers educational and social programs, health screenings, free transportation to Knox County Mercy Health Partners facilities, valet parking discount, community help line, seminars, travel opportunities, and discounts at Mercy Health & Fitness Center and Mercy Lifeline.
» website
*Mercy Health & Fitness Center
859-7900
a member of Mercy Health Partners
7540 Dannaher Lane, Powell, 37849
Fitness program for people of all ages; some classes for seniors only. Exercise equipment and classes; walking groups. Community health education and exercise classes. Membership fee.
» website
National Park Passes
1-888-275-8747
For seniors and persons with disabilities, Federal Recreation Passes offer lifetime entrance to most national parks and TVA campgrounds and to other recreation areas that have entrance fees. Also offer 50% discount on some park fees for facilities and services such as boat launching and tours (some restrictions). Disabled persons can get the Access Pass for free with proof of medically determined permanent disability. Persons age 62+ can get the Senior Pass for $10 with proof of age and residency. Call, or check web site, for a list of locations and how to buy passes.
» website
Never-Ever Tennis
539-6714
Low-cost tennis classes each spring for seniors who have no or little experience. Also offers opportunities for anyone of any skill level to play or practice year round. No cost, but sometimes a minimal charge for indoor winter court fees.
*Senior Centers
For a list of Knox County senior centers that offer a wide range of activities just for seniors, see Senior Centers.
Seniors for Creative Learning
974-0150
Sponsored by O’Connor Senior Center and UT Professional and Personal Development
Organization of seniors (50+) dedicated to learning and sharing their love of learning with others. Sessions are offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Membership fees.
Wesley House
524-5494
923 Dameron Avenue, 37921
Luncheons, planned activities, and weekly trips for adults 55+. Low cost.
» website
*YMCA
Recreation; informal education. All branches offer exercise classes; most offer water aerobics. Active Older Adult classes, offered at locations around Knox County, are designed especially for seniors. Membership or pay-per-visit; financial aid available.
» website
Lindsay Young Downtown
522-9622
605 W. Clinch Avenue, 37902
Cansler Family
637-9622
616 Jessamine Street, 37917
Silver Sneakers, water aerobics, Go Low exercise.
Davis Family
777-9622
12133 S. Northshore Drive, 37922
Silver Sneakers, Senior Splash (not an arthritis class), Silver Stretch (yoga).
Bob Temple North Side
922-9622
7609 Maynardville Highway, 37938
Silver Sneakers, Senior Splash (not an arthritis class), Silver Stretch (yoga).
West Side Family
690-9622
400 N. Winston Road, 37909
Arthritis water program, Silver Sneakers, senior yoga.
*YWCA
Recreation, informal education, exercise classes.
» website
Downtown
523-6126
420 W. Clinch Avenue, 37902
Walking and toning, fitness center, therapeutic pool exercise class; class costs vary.
Phyllis Wheatley
546-0651
124 S. Cruze Street, 37915
Beautiful People program for seniors meets weekly for lunch, crafts, light exercise, and games (free). Walking, aerobics, other programs; costs vary.
*offers senior fitness programs
