MVP Sports Club

[Sharonenright]

Is MVP Sports Club, either Brownwood or Spanish Springs, a good alternative to the Village recreation facilities? I have heard that the Village facilities are so crowded that they are not available. Is MVP better? Do you enjoy using the facilities and the classes? How much does it cost?
My husband and I are planning to buy in the Villages in a month or so.
Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[Dan9871]

Some times of day Brownwood is crowded but most of the time it isn't bad. Some courses are popular but you should be able to find one you can easily get into. Our health insurance pays for our membership now but before it did it was around $110/month for my wife and me. There are other gyms just outside of The Villages that are less expensive. But MVP though is really very nice.

We've gone to various free exercise classes around the Villages. During the high season, some courses get full and people are turned away. The rest of the year usually most can take everyone who goes to a session.

[Sharonenright]

Some times of day Brownwood is crowded but most of the time it isn't bad. Some courses are popular but you should be able to find one you can easily get into. Our health insurance pays for our membership now but before it did it was around $110/month for my wife and me. There are other gyms just outside of The Villages that are less expensive. But MVP though is really very nice.

We've gone to various free exercise classes around the Villages. During the high season, some courses get full and people are turned away. The rest of the year usually most can take everyone who goes to a session.

Thank you for sharing your experience.
Are most people there really fit? Would a very out of shape person just starting out feel like a rhino in a herd of gazelles?

[Arlington2]

Some are in very good shape and others (most) are like the rest of us. If you can get past your own body inhibitions you will easily fit in. Classes are structured to go at your own pace, so don't try to keep up with others that have been there awhile. Push yourself just enough to keep coming back. During high season and even during the summer at times the treadmills and other equipment get crowded. Visit a couple of times to find your best time.

[Polar Bear]

...Would a very out of shape person just starting out feel like a rhino in a herd of gazelles?
Simple answer. No. :)

[Sharonenright]

Thank you for your kind responses. :ho:

[thelegges]

Thank you for sharing your experience.
Are most people there really fit? Would a very out of shape person just starting out feel like a rhino in a herd of gazelles?

No, not out of place, But if you have never worked out, I would use a private instructor couple of times, to introduce you to machines and a workout plan.

[jeriteri]

Last time I checked, Social Security Silver Sneakers was accepted at MVP.

[biker1]

With a "corporate membership" through one of the clubs, the cost for a couple is around $80 per month.

Some times of day Brownwood is crowded but most of the time it isn't bad. Some courses are popular but you should be able to find one you can easily get into. Our health insurance pays for our membership now but before it did it was around $110/month for my wife and me. There are other gyms just outside of The Villages that are less expensive. But MVP though is really very nice.

We've gone to various free exercise classes around the Villages. During the high season, some courses get full and people are turned away. The rest of the year usually most can take everyone who goes to a session.

[biker1]

I don't think so. I believe it is accepted at Anytime Fitness. If you belong to UHC Medicare Advantage, you can go to MVP for no additional cost.

Last time I checked, Social Security Silver Sneakers was accepted at MVP.

[biker1]

When you join, they will give you one "training session" for free.

No, not out of place, But if you have never worked out, I would use a private instructor couple of times, to introduce you to machines and a workout plan.

[Mudder]

I do go to MVP for spin classes because it's free with my health insurance. However the Regional Rec centers have fitness rooms with machines, etc...there are also several outdoor fitness machines at various locations thru out The Villages.
There are hundreds of various types of exercise classes at all rec centers and all sports pools. Yes may be a little crowded in winter but not impossible to take part. Also walking trails and the cart paths are for walking, running, whatever.
So yes, MVP is nice and I'm happy I can go there but most of the time I'd rather exercise outside or try many different classes at the rec centers. Since you'll be here soon New's a great time to try out all the classes before you pay for MVP. I know some people use it all the tine, others like me only go for spin class because you can only do so much in 24 hours!
And definitely every body does any activity they want.
You need to get a rec guide at any rec center.

[CWGUY]

Last time I checked, Social Security Silver Sneakers was accepted at MVP.

:ohdear: Not correct

[Polar Bear]

Last time I checked, Social Security Silver Sneakers was accepted at MVP.
:ohdear: Not correct
Unfortunately, CWGUY is correct.

[Arlington2]

The UHC Advantage plan switched from Silver Sneakers to Optum Fitness as a benefit and is accepted at MVP and most surrounding fitness clubs (but not TV rec fitness center). Silver Sneakers still exists with other insurances and is accepted at many area fitness centers but not MVP or TV rec centers.

[John_W]

I've been an MVP at Brownwood member since May 2014. The first couple of years we paid as a couple it was $102 a month and with tax it was $109 and was automatically paid with a credit card. In the third year I joined Straight Gun Club (Villages Club) and our membership dropped to $75 plus tax. Then my neighbor joined and gave them our name and it dropped to $70.

In January of last year 2018, about a year and a half ago, United Health which we belong and there is no premiums, created the Optum Group and the gym became free for both my wife and me. The regional rec centers do have a small workout gym, my neighbor belongs and he pays $375 a year. I went once and found the room was about the size that you would find at a condo or motel, ten people and it seemed crowded.

For 4 years we went Mon-Fri five days a week. Last year we stopped going on Tuesday and Thursday, it seemed to become almost like a job. Now just going M-W-F it's more enjoyable and you have a day in between for your muscles to rest.

The average age of a Villager is 70, you find all shapes and sizes at MVP. Some have been in shape all their lives and others are just now picking it up, like golf, starting something new with their new lifestyle.

Right now it is fairly comfortable with the amount of people and you can get a free 3 day pass at the front desk just for asking. My wife takes Zumba 3 days a week and her 10:15 class has had 70 people at one time in April. In the floor area January thru April it is very crowded and maybe you might have to wait 10 minutes for a treadmill, they'll have someone taking names and you'll find classes tight but you will get in. The workout benches in the free weight area use to have only 3 benches, now they have 5 or 6 depending on their use, so I usually can get a bench when I arrive at 10 am, sometimes I might wait five minutes. There use to be just two stationary bikes, now there four, since they started the United Health plan MVP has tried to keep up.

https://s3-media4.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/xLTtEVybyi-WxC04RfJI-A/o.jpg

https://s3-media4.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/aCiNYKTBnjY8EHVvPaGu5w/o.jpg

https://s3-media2.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/ifrnR6uTyJn-z6fFJJ1a3g/o.jpg

https://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/LyDv6gh2EAtLQDfRPsostQ/o.jpg

https://s3-media1.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/ro4HQ_JTNA5Dk8nKxC1QBw/o.jpg

[Chatbrat]

I go to MVP SS for personal training twice a week, I like the layout @ SS for training way better than Brownwood--the trainers a room set aside for training, which doesn't happen in Brownwood, also they have Nu Step machines which are not available in Brownwood

Most important the MVP staff @ all locations are trained for emergencies @ rec centers you are on your own, my wife was injured @ a rec center when she was not given any instruction on how to use a machine--she , goes to MVP Brownwood ,now

[Velvet]

Great idea posting the photos, I couldn’t make out the brand of weight equipment Precor? Nautilus? Are there any hip abductors, can’t quite make it out from photo. Dumbbell weights in ladies weight sizes?

[Dan9871]

Great idea posting the photos, I couldn’t make out the brand of weight equipment Precor? Nautilus? Are there any hip abductors, can’t quite make it out from photo. Dumbbell weights in ladies weight sizes?

At Brownwood, they have some lighter weight bars, 25lb, besides 45lb bars. The smallest plates are 5lb. They a mix of machine brands but I don't think I have seen any of the brands you mentioned.

[thelegges]

When you join, they will give you one "training session" for free.

True, but it’s a here is what is available, not a evaluation of your strengths weaknesses, duration of peak calorie burn, health issues that may be impacted by workout. Even though we are in the gym 7 days a week, once a month we do a 4 hour personal trainer tweak.

[Velvet]

For ladies there must be 5 lb and 8 lb and 10 lb and 15 lb dumbbells for exercises eg. shoulders... a lot of gyms are a bit short on these weights and they are not even expensive but I suspect that there would be less injuries if the correct weights are available especially to an older population.

There is a difference in how easy it is to work out on different brands of machines, some are a lumpy chore and others (high end) are smooth as silk.

[Sharonenright]

Great information! Thank you. :bigbow:

[Sharonenright]

...
Even though we are in the gym 7 days a week, once a month we do a 4 hour personal trainer tweak.

If I may ask, how much does the personal trainer cost?

[Velvet]

I would say ask about their background.

[biker1]

Yes, that is why I put quotes on "training session". If you know what you are doing it is still worthwhile. I learned a few things. It is what it is.


True, but it’s a here is what is available, not a evaluation of your strengths weaknesses, duration of peak calorie burn, health issues that may be impacted by workout. Even though we are in the gym 7 days a week, once a month we do a 4 hour personal trainer tweak.

[John_W]

If I may ask, how much does the personal trainer cost?

I can't put in a link because I had to login to see the info, so it wouldn't show up for you. Once you join you can have your own account page and get points for attending and for classes. I use to get about 500 points a year which was worth $50 off my monthly fee. Now that I don't pay, so I can use the points toward training, massages and merchandise. I find classes like "Group Power" are way better than any training I've seen. I watch trainers all morning, most of the people taking training are new and can't do much. I think taking classes would be more beneficial. Look into Mon-Wed-Friday Group Power at 10am, that's a good workout. I did for three years 3 days a week. There are a lot of classes with professional instructors all day long, get a schedule when you visit.

One-on-One Training
Live with passion, train with purpose.

Sessions 30 min 60 min

1 Session $40 $70
5 Sessions $180 $325
25 Sessions $810 $1,463

[Sharonenright]

I can't put in a link because I had to login to see the info, so it wouldn't show up for you. Once you join you can have your own account page and get points for attending and for classes. I use to get about 500 points a year which was worth $50 off my monthly fee. Now that I don't pay, so I can use the points toward training, massages and merchandise. I find classes like "Group Power" are way better than any training I've seen. I watch trainers all morning, most of the people taking training are new and can't do much. I think taking classes would be more beneficial. Look into Mon-Wed-Friday Group Power at 10am, that's a good workout. I did for three years 3 days a week. There are a lot of classes with professional instructors all day long, get a schedule when you visit.

One-on-One Training
Live with passion, train with purpose.

Sessions 30 min 60 min

1 Session $40 $70
5 Sessions $180 $325
25 Sessions $810 $1,463

Great information. Thank you!

[FMF Doc]

Great information. Thank you!

Also if you are a member you can join plus one. For $40 a month you can get one massage a month if you like massages.

[thelegges]

If I may ask, how much does the personal trainer cost?

I would say ask about their background.

Lifetime personal trainers have been with company for close to 18 years, all have degrees in health and fitness. I get point that takes $$ off my sessions. My yogi charges $10 for two hour group session, or 30 for personal. Since they are company employees they still are paid their salaries. My personal guy charges $20 an hour and works out with me, he doesn’t get to stand around. Because of him I have stopped using an elliptical, just not tracking as well as I should

[Shortie]

There are 6 fitness centers in TV. A lot of people want to go to them because they are close to their house. A great deal of members are there 4 to 7 days a week. Most stay for 30 minutes. The fees are (single) $47.50/ month; $127.50 for 3 months; $214.00 for 6 months and $ 3??.00 (don't recall) for a year. There are memberships for a couple also. I like going there for the exercise and the social aspect, if you go the same time each day, you see the same people. The staff will help with instructions, no personal trainers.

[rjn5656]

Silver Sneakers is not accepted, but Renew Active which is part of many UHC plans(but not mine) is.

[Froggy22]

If you join the SLB (Sumter Landing Bike) it cost $10 for the year on line. MVP will give you a substantial discount with a no contract membership If I can recommend you I will get $5 off a month. You can do the same for everyone you recommend you will get $5 off a month. Contact me if your interested 631.678.7544 Jeff

[John_W]

There are 6 fitness centers in TV. A lot of people want to go to them because they are close to their house. A great deal of members are there 4 to 7 days a week. Most stay for 30 minutes. The fees are (single) $47.50/ month; $127.50 for 3 months; $214.00 for 6 months and $ 3??.00 (don't recall) for a year. There are memberships for a couple also. I like going there for the exercise and the social aspect, if you go the same time each day, you see the same people. The staff will help with instructions, no personal trainers.

The six Villages Rec Centers fitness rooms are $363.49 for 12 months. MVP has the same social aspect, I probably know 20 people by name at Brownwood and I don't even go out of my way to socialize. I see some people at Brownwood never lift a weight, it's like they go to drink coffee and meet other people, which is OK if that's their thing because there is plenty of room.

Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/fitnesscenters.aspx)

[jeriteri]

I don't think so. I believe it is accepted at Anytime Fitness. If you belong to UHC Medicare Advantage, you can go to MVP for no additional cost.
Yes you are right. I did some research and found that UHC The Villages has a RENEW PROGRAM that covers fitness centers around our area. Was so surprised at how many there are. If you have The Villages Insurance call the number on the back of your card and they will walk you through the site to get your
CONFIRMATION CODE.

[retiredguy123]

I visited MVP in Brownwood today. It was crowded and noisy. The membership cost is $100 initiation fee and $63 per month. If you want to rent a permanent locker, the cost is $15 per month. Also, you are required to provide a credit card for them to charge every month, which I do not like at all. I think it is a good facility, if you want to participate in a lot of classes. However, if you just want to use a few machines, I think it is very expensive, especially since, sometimes, there is a wait time for certain machines.

[npwalters]

If you join the SLB (Sumter Landing Bike) it cost $10 for the year on line. MVP will give you a substantial discount with a no contract membership If I can recommend you I will get $5 off a month. You can do the same for everyone you recommend you will get $5 off a month. Contact me if your interested 631.678.7544 Jeff

Hi, do you know what the cost is with the discount?

[tophcfa]

I visited MVP in Brownwood today. It was crowded and noisy. The membership cost is $100 initiation fee and $63 per month. If you want to rent a permanent locker, the cost is $15 per month. Also, you are required to provide a credit card for them to charge every month, which I do not like at all. I think it is a good facility, if you want to participate in a lot of classes. However, if you just want to use a few machines, I think it is very expensive, especially since, sometimes, there is a wait time for certain machines.

That seems rather expensive to me based on a comparison to my YMCA membership up north. I pay $48 per month and they have just about every workout option one could imagine, including a regulation indoor lap swimming pool and all kinds of classes. And during mid day they are never crowded. Some days I am the only one in the pool or using the exercise equipment.

[biker1]

There are lower cost options than MVP. The monthly cost for MVP is $80 per couple with corporate discount (we belong to SLBC). I don't recall what the individual rate is. There was not an initiation fee as someone else claimed. It is missing a pool but I can swim laps at the sports pools so that is not an issue. I don't find MVP to be crowded but I choose to go at times when it is not crowded ;-)

That seems rather expensive to me based on a comparison to my YMCA membership up north. I pay $48 per month and they have just about every workout option one could imagine, including a regulation indoor lap swimming pool and all kinds of classes. And during mid day they are never crowded. Some days I am the only one in the pool or using the exercise equipment.

[John_W]

That seems rather expensive to me based on a comparison to my YMCA membership up north...

Everybody makes that mistake the first few years, how many times have you heard something say, "up north this was better". You have to realize you're in Florida, this is where you live. Here's a list of YMCA's in the area.

Ymca Locations & Hours Near The Villages, FL - YP.com (https://www.yellowpages.com/the-villages-fl/ymca)

MVP is convenient, it has classes, it's successful, and if you have United Health it's free. For those who don't and join a club, a couple is $80 a month.

If you're looking for a bargain, there is "To Your Health" in Lady Lake across from Oakwood BBQ, it's only been open about two years. They have an indoor pool, they have classes and from what I've read, is as little as $20 month with an automatic credit card. Unlike MVP, they are not golf cart accessible and you'll be with mostly others who are about half your age.

LOCATION | tyhspa (https://www.tooyourhealthspa.org/location)

To Your Health photos

to our health gym lady lake, fl indoor pool - Google Search (https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x88e7c0d522dc4215%3A0x223f18f1e8758502!2m22 !2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2! 1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e 115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp% 2FAF1QipPO0fdLMXwPDhuxzDZr5nY310qaDQ4PCtTbfuBS%3Dw 364-h176-k-no!5sto%20our%20health%20gym%20lady%20lake%2C%20fl %20indoor%20pool%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipN1mej5WiQ_R9r9H0sjzWKh5SXEm-pcU4tBvOPe&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHl7-Y24fkAhUwwFkKHWsVCeYQoiowJ3oECB0QBg)

[Love2Swim]

We belong to 24/7 which is on Route 301 near Rainey Trail. I don't recall the exact price, but I think it was about $600/year for a couple, which comes out to about $50/month. They have a nice silver sneakers type class weekdays at 10:00, and a good variety of machines, treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, stair climber, etc. No pool or permanent lockers.

[Polar Bear]

...MVP is convenient, it has classes, it's successful, and if you have United Health it's free...
Quick point of information...it’s not free for all flavors of United Health. :(

[John_W]

Quick point of information...it’s not free for all flavors of United Health. :(

Yes, you're right. It's the plan accepted by TV Health Care Centers. There is no premiums, for those 65 or older you can have free health care and free gym membership if you have UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage for patients age 65+.

Insurance Plans for Primary Care The Villages Health (https://thevillageshealth.com/for-patients/primary-accepted-insurance/)

Membership - MVP Sports (https://mvpsportsclubs.com/mvp-athletic-club-holland/membership/)

We belong to 24/7 which is on Route 301 near Rainey Trail. I don't recall the exact price, but I think it was about $600/year for a couple, which comes out to about $50/month. They have a nice silver sneakers type class weekdays at 10:00, and a good variety of machines, treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, stair climber, etc. No pool or permanent lockers.

If you had the United Health Care Medicare Advantage I mentioned above, you could get 24/7 Fitness for free.

https://www.myrenewactive.com/content/fit/member/en/secure/home.html#!/find-fitness-location

247Fitness-Center – Fitness The Villages Florida (https://247fitness-center.com/)

[Polar Bear]

Yes, you're right. It's the plan accepted by TV Health Care Centers. There is no premiums, for those 65 or older you can have free health care and free gym membership if you have UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage for patients age 65+.

Insurance Plans for Primary Care The Villages Health (https://thevillageshealth.com/for-patients/primary-accepted-insurance/)
...
We might be down to some minor...or possibly not so minor...misunderstandings here, but I do have one of the plans listed in your link and it is accepted by TV Health Care Centers. I have access to some fitness centers for free, but not MVP.

Plus, I'm not sure what you mean by "no premiums" and "free health care"?

[Dan9871]

We have neighbors who use Villages Health UHC Advantage and their plan does not give them free access to MVP. So if you go the UHC Advantage route check the plan you pick if you want free MVP.

[Polar Bear]

We have neighbors who use Villages Health UHC Advantage and their plan does not give them free access to MVP. So if you go the UHC Advantage route check the plan you pick if you want free MVP.
I can vouch for that.

[John_W]

We might be down to some minor...or possibly not so minor...misunderstandings here, but I do have one of the plans listed in your link and it is accepted by TV Health Care Centers. I have access to some fitness centers for free, but not MVP.

Plus, I'm not sure what you mean by "no premiums" and "free health care"?

It was all very simple to do. When I turned 65 four years ago, at the Medicare Store I signed up for a plan that was accepted by TV Health Care System. It was United Health Medicare Advantage for 65+. There is no premiums and I get health care from Dr. Raquet at the Brownwood Villages Office behind Traverse Shopping Center. I pay no premiums except for $40 copay for specialist.

In December 2017 United Health had a table set up at the entrance to MVP at Brownwood. They said if you have United Health you can get our membership for free. They said go the the Optum Group website, enter your info, and get a number. On January 2nd 2018 I gave the number to the front desk at MVP and filled out some paperwork. My monthly dues were returned at the end of the month and I've never been charged since.

I believe the Optum Group is now Renew, in fact every month I get a magazine called Renew. I would talk to a United rep and find out, if your a Villages Patient and 65+, why are you paying premiums and why is your MVP membership not free. In the beginning of this plan startup, MVP was signing up 200 new members a day. It really got out of hand, but since most of these new members were not motivated enough to pay to join, they drop out almost as quick as they sign up. MVP is a little more crowded, but it's manageable.

https://www.myrenewactive.com/content/fit/member/en/secure/home.html#!/find-fitness-location

[rsecord]

MVP is too crowed, we need more options in TV with the new homes now available.

[Chatbrat]

MVP in Brownwood ,with its one open floor is way too noisy, and they don't have any Nu-step machines, which I like to use-thats why I use the MVP in SS

[BostonRich]

I have just been recently checking out the local gyms.

MVP Spanish Springs is the most expensive and in the worst conditional of them all. Machines are getting worn, seats are torn, locker rooms facilities are dirty and crudely patched up, showers and shower curtains have mold and badly need attention. Can't they at least buy a $20 can of paint and paint the men's locker room door? This gym is $60 a month and going up around $6 a month in 2020. Starting next year you will not be able to use both facilities under one membership. It is free with United Healthcare and AARP United Healthcare supplement. This a full service gym with lots of programs and is very convenient for most Villagers.

On 441 in Baylee Plaza there is Anytime Fitness. It's $30 month for a 2 year commitment/$40 for 18 months/$50 month for an annual commitment. This gym is free with Silver Sneakers. Machines are in good shape. There are two showers (M+F) but no real locker rooms. There are also two tanning beds. It is not golf cart accessible.

And of course there are the recreation center gyms. Monthly (1-$44 / 3-$119 / 6-$210 / 9-$294 + tax) and annual ($363.49 + tax) memberships are available. This may be important if your insurance gives you a flat rebate towards an annual membership. I have heard these can get rather crowded and they are the only gyms with a 20 minute time limit on threadmills (if busy).

So a lot of your decision should be based on your insurance coverage if the membership costs matter to you. It may give you incentive to join one Medicare Advantage product over another.

[Polar Bear]

...MVP...It is free with United Healthcare and AARP United Healthcare supplement...
Over-simplification. It’s not free with all UHC plans.

Plus, I don’t think MVPin SS is dirty and nasty like you make it sound. It’s a very nice facility that offers a lot that other facilities do not...tons of classes for example.

[rsecord]

MVP is too crowded. Always waiting to use a machine or cardio equipment. Classes are also crowded.

[John_W]

I have just been recently checking out the local gyms.

MVP Spanish Springs is the most expensive and in the worst conditional of them all. Machines are getting worn, seats are torn, locker rooms facilities are dirty and crudely patched up, showers and shower curtains have mold and badly need attention. Can't they at least buy a $20 can of paint and paint the men's locker room door? This gym is $60 a month and going up around $6 a month in 2020. Starting next year you will not be able to use both facilities under one membership. It is free with United Healthcare and AARP United Healthcare supplement. This a full service gym with lots of programs and is very convenient for most Villagers.

On 441 in Baylee Plaza there is Anytime Fitness. It's $30 month for a 2 year commitment/$40 for 18 months/$50 month for an annual commitment. This gym is free with Silver Sneakers. Machines are in good shape. There are two showers (M+F) but no real locker rooms. There are also two tanning beds. It is not golf cart accessible.

And of course there are the recreation center gyms. Monthly (1-$44 / 3-$119 / 6-$210 / 9-$294 + tax) and annual ($363.49 + tax) memberships are available. This may be important if your insurance gives you a flat rebate towards an annual membership. I have heard these can get rather crowded and they are the only gyms with a 20 minute time limit on threadmills (if busy).

So a lot of your decision should be based on your insurance coverage if the membership costs matter to you. It may give you incentive to join one Medicare Advantage product over another.

On 441/27 in Lady Lake across from Oakwood BBQ is To Your Health Fitness Center. They've been open about two years, they have classes just like MVP, they also have a 60' indoor swimming pool. When they opened they were only $20 a month with automatic credit card, you'll have to call to get the latest rates. They are a local chain with about five locations in central Florida. Here's their website, they also have a facebook page.

http://tooyourhealthspa.yolasite.com/memberships.php

I've been going to MVP Brownwood for 5-1/2 years and for the past month it has been less crowded then it has been in the last two years. I've been able to get a treadmill about 10:30am without waiting, my wife's 11am Zumba class was moved from Room 3 to Room 2 doubling the size of the room. They now have 5 benches instead of three in the free-weight area. I don't have a problem with the crowding.

[Two Bills]

Would a very out of shape person just starting out feel like a rhino in a herd of gazelles?

It is the gazelles that feel out of place in TV. The rhinos feel right at home! :icon_wink:

[New Englander]

It is the gazelles that feel out of place in TV. The rhinos feel right at home! :icon_wink:

:1rotfl:

[Fast Freddy]

Point of Information: beginning January, 2020, the AARP United Health Medi-Gap plan I am signing up for will include Renue Active so we'll be able to go to a MVP at no additional charge. Checked out Brownwood MVP in the afternoon and there were plenty of empty machines. Looked clean. However, with these additional memberships it could get overwhelmed. Other near-by gyms were also included beginning in 2020 but not at the Rec. Centers.

[JoMar]

UHC HMO provides membership to MVP, UHC PPO does not, at least last time I checked.

[John_W]

Point of Information: beginning January, 2020, the AARP United Health Medi-Gap plan I am signing up for will include Renue Active so we'll be able to go to a MVP at no additional charge. Checked out Brownwood MVP in the afternoon and there were plenty of empty machines. Looked clean. However, with these additional memberships it could get overwhelmed. Other near-by gyms were also included beginning in 2020 but not at the Rec. Centers.

I've been going to MVP for free courtesy of United Health Medi-gap Villages Plan since January 2018, close to two years now. I've been an MVP paying member since I joined in May 2014. In November of 2017 UHC set up a table at the entrance to MVP to inform all Villagers who have United Health Villages plan and were over 65 that they membership would become free. We were told to go to a UHC Optum Group Website and put in your UHC card number and get an Optum number, which I did on January 1, 2018. Then the next day when MVP reopened I gave the front desk the number. They already charged my monthly dues as normal but three weeks later I got a charge-back on my CC and have never been charged since.

I've been receiving the Renew Magazine for about a year. I believe they changed the program name from Optum to Renew beginning of this year. This is the UHC plan that is accepted by The Villages Medical System, I go to the Brownwood medical facility and Dr. Raquet and pay no premiums. It's the best deal around.

As far as MVP increasing membership due to this plan, that ship has sailed. MVP Brownwood went from a nice quiet little gym to what it is now in the beginning of 2018. Most Villagers took advantage of this freebee back then and MVP was signing up 200 new members a day for quite awhile. They had to hire extra personnel just o give tours, they were coming in non-stop. It has really settled down the last month or so, even with the snowbirds Brownwood is tolerable now and I find many of those who joined because it was free, are not really dedicated to working out and have dropped out.

[New Englander]

I've been going to MVP for free courtesy of United Health Medi-gap Villages Plan since January 2018, close to two years now. I've been an MVP paying member since I joined in May 2014. In November of 2017 UHC set up a table at the entrance to MVP to inform all Villagers who have United Health Villages plan and were over 65 that they membership would become free. We were told to go to a UHC Optum Group Website and put in your UHC card number and get an Optum number, which I did on January 1, 2018. Then the next day when MVP reopened I gave the front desk the number. They already charged my monthly dues as normal but three weeks later I got a charge-back on my CC and have never been charged since.

I've been receiving the Renew Magazine for about a year. I believe they changed the program name from Optum to Renew beginning of this year. This is the UHC plan that is accepted by The Villages Medical System, I go to the Brownwood medical facility and Dr. Raquet and pay no premiums. It's the best deal around.

As far as MVP increasing membership due to this plan, that ship has sailed. MVP Brownwood went from a nice quiet little gym to what it is now in the beginning of 2018. Most Villagers took advantage of this freebee back then and MVP was signing up 200 new members a day for quite awhile. They had to hire extra personnel just o give tours, they were coming in non-stop. It has really settled down the last month or so, even with the snowbirds Brownwood is tolerable now and I find many of those who joined because it was free, are not really dedicated to working out and have dropped out.

Is that the UHC Advantage plan?

[John_W]

Is that the UHC Advantage plan?

All I can tell you is I went to the medicare store when I turned 65 four years ago and told them I wanted the plan that has no premiums and it accepted by TV medical offices.

My card has on the front: United Health Care The Villages (health plan 80840) group #82943. PCP - 0, Spec - $40 ER - $90. United Health Medicare Advantage 1 (HMO).

Initially we received cards that said members of Silver Slippers and were told we could go free to Anytime Fitness, Curves, and a few other smaller workout centers. Then in January 2018 as I mentioned in my previous post, they changed the name to Optum and included MVP, and I believe Optum is now Renew.

[New Englander]

All I can tell you is I went to the medicare store when I turned 65 four years ago and told them I wanted the plan that has no premiums and it accepted by TV medical offices.

My card has on the front: United Health Care The Villages (health plan 80840) group #82943. PCP - 0, Spec - $40 ER - $90. United Health Medicare Advantage 1 (HMO).

Initially we received cards that said members of Silver Slippers and were told we could go free to Anytime Fitness, Curves, and a few other smaller workout centers. Then in January 2018 as I mentioned in my previous post, they changed the name to Optum and included MVP, and I believe Optum is now Renew.

It's the same as my plan. It is an advantage plan. Thanks

[Chatbrat]

When you're commenting about MVP--it would be really helpful if you state which MVP you frequent--the Admiral goes to Brownwood, I go to Spanish Springs