Meet Sharon: Staying active, having fun and inspiring others

Sharon Johnson from Catonsville, Maryland, loves to stay active. She keeps a busy schedule filled with activities she enjoys. She bowls in two leagues every week, plays pickleball and takes classes like yoga, dance, cardio kickboxing and boot camp.

No matter what she's doing, Sharon looks for ways to keep moving and feeling her best.
"I like making my body feel good," Sharon says. "I may need to make a few adjustments along the way, but my goal is to keep moving."

Her dedication to staying active recently earned her a special honor. Sharon was named the 2026 SilverSneakers® Member of the Year Activity Award winner.

SilverSneakers®, a fitness program included with her health plan, helps Sharon stay active in ways that fit her lifestyle. She visits local fitness centers and joins online classes when she's at home.

When Sharon had surgery, online classes helped her stay active while her range of motion was limited. She was able to keep moving in a way that worked for her.

Sharon says you don't have to make big changes all at once to become more active. In fact, she believes starting small is the best way to build healthy habits that last.
"Believe in yourself and say, 'I want to get started. I want to get a little bit healthier today,'" she says.

One thing that helps Sharon stay motivated is exercising with friends. Sometimes she invites someone to join a class with her.
"It's always nice to have someone by your side," Sharon says. "You can encourage each other and stay on track together."

Sharon calls this having an "accountability partner." She says working out with someone else can make it easier to stay motivated.

Like everyone, Sharon faces challenges from time to time. But she doesn't let setbacks stop her.
"I never say never," she says. "There's always a way forward. Start small and keep going."

Her family and friends inspire her, too. Their encouragement helps keep her motivated and confident. Sharon is happy that they are proud of her and want her to inspire others.

Sharon also believes in taking care of her health in other ways. She plans to keep up with her yearly health screenings and keep doing her best.

Today, Sharon hopes her story reminds others that every step counts. Whether it's taking a walk, joining a class or trying something new, a healthier lifestyle can start with one small step.

Start where you are. Keep moving forward. And discover the joy of staying active, just like Sharon.