We know you don’t want to lose mobility or find it challenging to get to the top of the stairs when you get older and slow down. However, lack of adequate exercise will inevitably curtail your freedom and make you increasingly dependent on others. There is some good exercise equipment for seniors that will let you do your training, maintain fitness, and manage your weight.
There are plenty of options to suit your level of fitness, physical requirements, and personal situation. We take a close look at the best exercise equipment for seniors at home and make recommendations specifically for aerobic, flexibility, balance, and strength training.
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we selected five machines for the all-important cardio workouts, along with a golf driver, a yoga mat, and a strength trainer. However, you should consult your doctor before doing any extensive exercises.
1. Slim Cycle Stationary Bike—Best for Endurance or Aerobic Activities
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One effect of regular aerobic exercise is the reduced risk of heart failure. Add to that the benefit that comes from basic strength training, and as a result, an age-related decline can be significantly delayed. With exercise machines for the elderly, like an exercise bike, you can achieve that at home.
We put the Slim Cycle at the top of the list because older adults that want to stay in shape are advised to adopt different types of exercise, aerobic, flexibility, balance, and strength. This machine is designed to be multi-purpose.
This upright position exercise bike provides for a high-intensity cardio-vascular practice that engages your whole core, gets the heart going, and helps consume calories.
The bike is also adjustable to a recumbent state to serve as low impact exercise equipment senior citizens can use in a more comfortable position.
Elastic arm resistance bands provide for strength training of your upper body muscles. The resistance force is adjustable.
A digital control unit will time and monitor your exercise sessions so that you can measure virtual distance cycled, speed achieved, calories burned, as well as getting accurate heart rate measurements.
The maximum weight limit is 300 pounds.
Pros
- The integrated arm resistance bands allow you to achieve two exercise goals at the same time.
- Adjustable cycling resistance.
- Straps to keep your feet in place.
- Seat cushioned with memory foam for a comfortable ride.
- Folds flat for easy storage.
Cons
- Heavy to move as it weighs 43 pounds.
- It can be a little harder to climb on for older, less flexible people.
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Bike—Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors
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A similar type of equipment is the Sunny Exercise Bike, which has a comfortable seat fixed in a reclining position and is easier to mount.
To make the best use of a recumbent bike, you want to be able to adjust seating height and distance from the pedal.
The Sunny Health comes with a few commendable features. Two handles positioned either side of the seat make it easy to keep your balance and use maximum strength to push your legs. Pulse sensors are integrated into the handles to measure your heart rate and calculate your performance.
Resistance is maintained magnetically, and that can be adjusted manually with an indexed knob through eight settings, or digitally, if a display is installed, to one of 16 graduated levels.
The Performance Version has several standout features. A color digital display monitors time, speed, cycles per minute, miles traveled, and energy produced and consumed. You can also mount a tablet to view training videos, watch video shows, or even browse the web.
It supports up to 300 pounds.
Pros
- Tablet holder (performance version).
- Magnetic tension adjustments (performance version).
- Digital console (performance version).
- Foot straps.
- Comes with transportation wheels.
Cons
- Seat not height adjustable.
- Time-consuming assembly required.
- May be uncomfortable for larger people.
3. Schwinn Fitness 170 Bike—Best for Upright Exercise
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As a fully upright exercise bike, this model is geared more towards higher intensity exercise; this is the most effective riding position to maximize performance if your body is supple enough to sit upright comfortably.
The bike from Schwinn has a cushioned seat and elbow rests to keep you in the optimal position. When sitting upright, a more effective kick can be developed for more intensive workouts.
A large monitor gives all the standard readings for speed, distance, and calories consumed as well as the heart rate measured in the handgrips. Connect an MP3 player to play music through the integrated speakers. There’s even a 3-speed air fan built-in.
The resistance load is controlled electronically with 12 profiles and nine heart programs. Up to four users can each track their own training plan. A USB input allows data exchange with SchwinnConnect or MyFitnessPal devices; the USB ports can also be used for charging.
Maximum 300-pound weight limit.
Pros
- The digital display comes standard.
- Advanced training programs.
- Comes with transportation wheels.
- Quick to assemble.
Cons
- LCD is not backlit, making it hard to decipher in bright conditions.
- Hand rests are not well-cushioned.
4. NordicTrack T Series Treadmill—Best Treadmill for Seniors
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To get your walking fix, no matter what the weather and the traffic outside, the best exercise equipment for seniors can be a treadmill. The NordicTrack T Series Treadmill has the size and features to make this possible for any fitness level.
Extensive medical research has shown that regular walking exercise is critical for seniors and is essential as the aging process progresses.
Treadmills are well suited to high-intensity interval training reputed to have excellent fitness benefits. Because speed and incline can be automatically varied, a custom training program can make even short times spent on the machine worthwhile.
Speed and incline can be set manually or follow one of the preset programs to ensure an effective workout cycle. Speed settings go from a leisurely 0.5 miles per hour to a sprinting speed of 10 miles per hour. The incline rises to 10 degrees.
The proprietary training program comes with a complimentary subscription. Use it with an iPhone or Android app by placing the phone in the console holder to follow recordings with professional trainers that are synced with the training machine.
A padded walking deck absorbs impact and protects your knees.
Hand pulse meters have been mounted on either side at elbow height to measure your heart rate.
A backlit display and dedicated program buttons round off a well-designed fitness machine.
For storage, the deck can be released to fold the unit into a standing position with transport wheels.
300 pounds maximum weight.
Pros
- Full-size 22 X 55-inch surface.
- Up to 10-degree incline settings.
- Smooth and quiet motor.
- Comfortable for barefoot running.
Cons
- Setup is not easy without professional help.
- Heavy to move.
- Training programs require a costly subscription.
5. Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser—Best for Leg Exercise
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For people in need of physiotherapy or simply looking for a more gentle training regime, this pedal exerciser is a great leg exercise equipment for elderly people. By slowly going through the cycling motion, blood circulation, and muscle toning in your legs can be improved. You can even do this while watching television or reading a book.
Best used with an upright chair, or even an office chair, with the unit, tucked under your desk. The non-skid pads will keep the machine in place even when speed increases.
As strength improves, the resistance can be increased to raise the physical effort required. A digital display shows all the statistics, including revolutions per minute.
Pros
- Can also be used as an arm exerciser.
- Quick and easy storage.
- Lightweight.
- No weight limit.
Cons
- No integrated heart rate monitor.
- Not for intensive workouts.
6. BalanceFrom GoYoga+ All-Purpose Exercise Yoga Mat and Knee Pad—Best for Flexibility Exercises
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The benefits of yoga need little promotion. Since it’s traditionally performed as a group exercise, bringing it home without the benefit of supervision requires good preparation. But if you’re experienced or use a professionally taught video recording, with the right mat, yoga can do wonders to improve your flexibility.
Strength and balance exercises like this are of immense benefit to prevent falls in older people.
The GoYoga+ mat delivers the comfort, stability, and slip resistance you would expect. It’s made from durable, anti-tear material that’s water-resistant and easy to wash.
As a bonus, a separate knee mat is also included. Quick straps are provided to make storage and transport hassle-free.
Pros
- High-density, extra thick foam (12 inches).
- Wash with soap and water.
- Choice of seven colors.
Cons
- Thicker than regular yoga mats.
7. Golf Swing Trainer—Best for Balance Exercises
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Could the best exercise machine for seniors be a golf club? Flexibility exercise to stretch your muscles and help your body stay limber is an important part of any fitness regime.
Playing golf itself is a great way to maintain a sense of balance along with a supple body. But you don’t need to join a club and invest in expensive gear to get some exercise benefits. Vice versa, this Golf Swing Trainer will do wonders for your game, if you’re a regular golf player.
Essentially this is a stick weighted like a golf club but without the head on the end.
Take a look at how your whole core twists in a slow-motion video of a golf swing. A dozen practice swings in the morning can magically release your spine and render it limber.
The generous flex in this stick, very unlike a real golf club, encourages a smooth tempo and maximum flexion as you swing it like a pro, driving right from your lower body.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to select a size to suit your height and proficiency.
Pros
- Elegant way to exercise your back and body core.
- Quick exercise.
- Bonus if you’re already a golf player.
Cons
- Risk of injury if you’re not warmed up.
- Does not provide for a varied exercise.
8. Fitness Insanity Resistance Bands Set—Best for Strength Exercises
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Resistance bands are all the rage for serious weight trainers as much as for physiotherapy; the bands can be used in a variety of ways to exercise any part of your body.
Strength exercises complement aerobic and flexibility training to tone and strengthen muscles.
The bands can be mounted in a variety of positions to exercise your spine, hips, stomach, upper, and lower body.
The full pack includes a selection of five resistance bands made from durable rubber tubes rated from 10 to 50 pounds, with straps and stainless steel carabiners. By combining these bands, you can achieve up to 150 pounds of resistance.
A door anchor is also included, or you can attach it to suitable fittings in your home. You can even hook the ends to furniture or opposing limbs, for example, by standing in the middle of the band.
They come with a guide and a wall poster.
Pros
- Very easy to use anywhere.
- Packs lightly to take on trips with you.
- Very adaptable exercise equipment.
- Use for strength, endurance, and flexibility training.
Cons
- Only two handles supplied so cannot have different alternative configurations ready to go.
- Fixed band length may make some exercises needlessly difficult.
Staying active at home
It is very important for the elderly to keep an active lifestyle. With the best exercise equipment for seniors used fifteen minutes every morning and afternoon, you will have your freedom and independence within reach.
What’s going to work for you? Let us know in the comments and do share if you like this.
