Smithtown's Cecilia Gomez, 93, wins national acclaim for her work in the gym

At 93 years old, nothing stops Cecilia Gomez.

At least five times a week, as soon as the 5-foot cancer survivor passes through the doors of Smithtown Gold's Gym with her walker in hand, she is greeted by — and greets — all, from the front desk staff to about 30 men and women in her SilverSneakers class before taking her place in the center of the room.

For more than 30 years, gym-goers and staff have seen Gomez, who once came with an oxygen mask, religiously attend class despite undergoing cancer treatments and suffering from congestive heart failure. 

But she always shows up with a smile.

"She has inspired every single person in our classroom," SilverSneakers instructor Chen Kurz said. "Every time that she’s coming in, it’s literally a party. ... It’s extremely joyful to be around her."

Her infectious energy and dedication are among the many reasons SilverSneakers recognized Gomez with its 2025 Member of the Year Inspiration Award on Tuesday, surrounded by SilverSneakers representatives, gym staff, members, friends and family.

"I love this program," Gomez said. "I can’t live without this."

Gomez was selected out of 800 nominations nationwide and was one of five finalists to win an online popular vote, SilverSneakers senior brand manager Marisa Farias said.

Kurz nominated Gomez, the oldest participant in the class, for her ability to inspire all who cross her path.

"You say ‘Cecilia’ and I smile," Kurz said. "She can come here and say, 'Oh I’m sick, I’m not feeling good.' But in a second, as soon as she hears the music, she’s dancing and having an amazing time."

Lifelong habit of exercise

Established in 1992 as a fitness solution for seniors, SilverSneakers offers a range of classes at 22,000 partner locations like gyms and community centers nationwide, as well as online programming. 

The SilverSneakers class at Gold’s Gym in Smithtown incorporates a combination of dance and strength-training exercises to a playlist of songs — one of Gomez’s favorite things about the class — including the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, ABBA and more.

Participants get their heart rates up with aerobic movements as well as using light weights and resistance bands.

"She inspires by doing," friend and SilverSneakers classmate Peri Wallack, 80, of Kings Park, said. "She doesn't try to impress anybody. She just does her thing and she exercises and she moves her body parts and her mind."

For Gomez, staying active has been a lifelong habit.

"Since I was in high school, I was in exercises every week," she said.

Originally from Colombia, Gomez said when she moved to Smithtown about 35 years ago, she "ran" to Gold’s Gym and has been a member ever since.

'She doesn't let anyone sit still'

Gomez’s daughter, Pat Schneider, 60, said her mother enlisted her, her husband and her children to become gym members and lead an active lifestyle.

Gomez even inspired her granddaughter-in-law to train for a marathon, Schneider said. 

"She said, ‘If I'm going, you're going,’" Schneider said about her mother. "She drags us to everything. ... She doesn't let anyone sit still."

Schneider said her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, oral cancer and lymph node cancer. While undergoing immunotherapy, Gomez suffered congestive heart failure and was on an oxygen mask for about a month.

When she was released from the hospital with an oxygen tank, Gomez said, instead of going home, she came straight to the gym.

“Anytime that I am sick now, I come back right away," Gomez said.

Coming to SilverSneakers five times a week for both the social and physical aspect made all the difference in her recovery, Schneider said.

"Her heart failure numbers have gone up for the better," Schneider said. " ... She breathes better than we do."

Gomez said she recommends exercise to everyone. And has no plans to stop.

"They can do it because I bet you nobody is older than I am. And if I do it, everybody can do it," she said. "Don't be afraid. Come here and be happy."