Five days a week, Cristina “Cris” Brawner shows up at the Anytime Fitness in Eden Prairie ready for a group workout.

On this Friday morning in August, Cris and the others work through a variety of exercises focused on strength, balance and flexibility. The “Defy Aging” circuit workout includes kettlebells, resistance bands and ropes. In just 30 minutes, Cris and all the women in the group have gotten in a great workout and are ready to tackle the rest of their day.

“The workout appears easy, but it isn’t!” Cris says. “Our trainers encourage us all the time. If we have the slightest ache or pain, they’re in tune with that. They can adjust the exercises for us.”

Cris, 74, says these daily workouts have helped solidify her healthy lifestyle. And it’s her positive, motivational attitude that led to her being named one of 10 national finalists for the 2022 SilverSneakers Member of the Year award.

Building community and camaraderie

Cris says she started working out at the Anytime Fitness in Eden Prairie soon after it opened in 2019. She says she makes it a priority to go every weekday. And she’s used her SilverSneakers benefit through her Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Medicare Advantage plan to gain access to the class.

“I was so happy when this facility opened,” she says. “It’s very close to where I live. And I like the class a lot.”

Cris says she’s always led an active lifestyle. The class she takes now gives her something to look forward to each day.

“Exercise has helped my longevity. It also helps with my schedule,” she says. "It’s important to have a routine. Sometimes I drag in here a couple of minutes late. But by the time we’re halfway through the workout, I’m glad I’m there.”

She’s also developed a strong bond with the other women in the class. They meet weekly for coffee and conversation outside the gym at a nearby grocery store.

“They’re very positive,” says Cris. “I think their positivity and outlook is really ideal. It goes beyond just exercise. They’re wonderful women.”

“The workout appears easy, but it isn’t! Our trainers encourage us all the time.” – Cris Brawner, finalist for SilverSneakers Member of the Year

Encouraging others

The trainers at Anytime Fitness mention many reasons for choosing to nominate Cris for the SilverSneakers Member of the Year award. Most noteworthy is her welcoming nature. She regularly goes out of her way to greet newcomers and help them feel part of the community they have created.

“Every time there is a new member joining a session for the first time, she’s always introducing herself and making conversation with them,” says Anytime Fitness trainer Brandy Soumpholphadky. “That’s one thing I love about her.”

Even though the workouts may be tough at times, Cris also finds ways to keep everyone motivated.

“During our sessions, you see her good humor coming out, making everyone laugh, as always,” says Anytime Fitness trainer Kayla Stadem.

“I see Cris as an extension of our team because she embodies so many of our core values. She does an incredible job helping others to embrace them, as well,” says Anytime Fitness trainer Ky Simon. “She goes above and beyond when showing support for our community both inside and outside the gym.

“One of the coolest things about Cris is her support for the community, not just inside the gym, but outside, as well.” – Ky Simon, Anytime Fitness Trainer

“I’m still in disbelief”

Cris says she was shocked to find out her trainers nominated her for SilverSneakers Member of the Year.

“I’m still in disbelief. I thought it was a joke at first,” she says. “Then it came to the 10 finalists being announced and I was like, ‘What!? How does that happen?’”

The trainers say Cris is completely deserving of the award.

“I think in order to be that memorable and to be that important in the community, you have to be one incredible human to make such a great impact,” says Kayla. “Cris is incredible.”