In such scenarios home workouts seem to be the best option, and having exercise equipment at home lends support to the idea of home workouts. Installing exercise equipment at home is beneficial in a way for older adults as they can workout according to their will and wish without having to step out of the comfort of their home. Weather conditions and other factors do not become a hindrance in the workout routine either. But is your brain in a tizzy as to which exercise equipment are the right choice for the elderly? Fret not, as we list down the 10 best exercise equipment for seniors to form a healthy workout routine in 2022.
10 Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors To Workout In 2022
1. Best For Low-Impact Workout:Bosu Home Balance Trainer
Loss of balance with advancing age will be a thing of the past with the Bosu Home Balance Trainer for low-impact workout. It makes your workouts more challenging and fun as you learn to move with control on a dynamic surface that is not very stable. Also known as “half ball”, this is perhaps one of the best home gym equipment for seniors that helps in doing workouts such as cardio workout, endurance training, muscular strength building, flexibility exercises, bodyweight exercises, etc. This low-impact exercise equipment for seniors supports user weight of upto 300 lbs and comes with a hand pump and downloadable owner’s manual. Watch this video to get a detailed review of the product. Pros
Helps improve balance Aids in doing various workouts Eases movement with control Manual and pump included Can take user weight upto 300 lbs
Cons
Does not retain air and deflates quickly The base might come off in a few months
2. Best Portable:LANOS Workout Bike For Home
Exercising at the comfort of home is made easier for seniors with the Lanos Workout Bike For Home. This 2-in-1 recumbent bike has 10 magnetic resistance levels for the user to set according to their need. With an LCD display screen, this home exercise equipment for seniors allows you to monitor and track the results of your workout session. It comes with a manual and instruction video to allow for easy assembly and its ultra-quiet design makes sure you workout without causing disturbance to others. Owing to its light weight and space saving design, it is perhaps one of the best portable exercise equipment for seniors. Pros
Portable and convenient Easy to assemble and customize Ultra-quiet design Built-in LCD monitor display Space-saving design Supports user weight upto 330 lbs
Cons
The machine may start making squeaking noises after some time.
3. Best Adjustable Settings:DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
Workout anytime and anywhere with the DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser. This portable sitting exercise equipment for obese seniors has 8 resistance settings and fits under your desk to facilitate a mini workout even while at work. The bi-directional pedals have velcro straps to adjust according to user comfort and the removable LCD display comes with 6 functions to help you keep an eye on your speed, time, calories burnt, heart rate, and more. So, whether it is for rehabilitation or for fitness purposes, this is one of the best pedal exercise machines for seniors. Here’s a video to help you know more about this product. Pros
Portable Easy to set up Whisper quiet operation Bi-directional pedals Adjustable straps for comfort Removable LCD display
Cons
The pedals start to come off in some time due to improper threading.
4. Best Water-Resistant:Yes4All Foam Exercise/Balance Pad
Make your workout sessions extra productive with the Yes4All Foam Exercise/Balance Pad. Made with premium-quality TPE foam, this portable exercise equipment for seniors aids in gaining balance and strength while you workout. This anti-slip foam pad is multipurpose and can be used as a cushion for physiotherapy. It comes in 2 sizes for convenience of the user, is sweat and water proof and can be cleaned after use. Whether rehabilitation, physical therapy or aiding in workouts, this fitness equipment for seniors comes in handy every time. Pros
Slip resistant Water resistant Lightweight Multiple uses Enhances workouts Easy to clean
Cons
Mya be a little thin
5. Best Ergonomic Design:JEEKEE Recumbent Home Exercise Bike
Home workouts will seem easy as a breeze with JEEKEE Recumbent Home Exercise Bike. With a long frame, this exercise equipment for balance for senior citizens has 9 seat positions to fit users in the height range 4’9” – 6’5”. It has 8 neodymium magnets which enhance the resistance of the bike, making for a smoother and quieter workout. A large seat and backrest keep your spine and tailbone from strains and the recumbent design helps build endurance and strength while improving the blood circulation and keeping the joints pain-free. You can also track your workout using the LCD display screen which adds to making this one of the best exercise peddlers for seniors. Pros
Ergonomic design Smooth belt system Quiet while operation 8 resistance levels LCD display for tracking
Cons
Some may find the assembly difficult.
Eva Rodriguez, a NASM certified personal trainer and a Certified Life and Weight Loss Coach, mentions, “Recumbent bikes allow you to exercise your thighs, calves, and glute muscles with less strain than an upright bike. Since recumbent bikes put less strain on your joints, this piece of equipment is ideal if you have arthritis or joint pain.”
6. Best Foldable:Barwing 4-In-1 Foldable Exercise X-Bike
Barwing brings to you the 4-in-1 Foldable Exercise X-Bike. The whole family can use this senior exercise equipment owing to the different settings and adjustments provided that can be customised according to the user. It has 16 magnetic resistance levels, 8 seat height levels, 2 seat angle adjustments, and 3 posture adjustments for workouts, namely- upright, recline, and folding. With an X shape steel body, this seated exercise equipment for seniors and young adults alike is easy to assemble, takes up less space, and is portable. Pros
4 exercises in 1 equipment Multiple settings and adjustments Foldable Portable LCD display Comes with a phone holder
Cons
The seat may become wobbly after a few uses.
7. Best Easy To Use:LifePro FlexStride Plus Elliptical Trainer
Convenience is key when older adults work out, and LifePro FlexStride Plus Elliptical Trainer offers just that. This leg exercise machine for seniors is compact and can be transported easily to use anywhere. It has 8 resistance levels that are calibrated, keeping in mind the user’s needs. Elliptical machines are great for overall exercising, and you can use this compact elliptical for seniors to burn calories, boost metabolism, and improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage after a workout session while tracking all this on the LCD monitor provided on the workout equipment. Pros
Portable 8 resistance levels Wide non-slip pedals LCD display monitor Compact and convenient
Cons
Tends to slip away while pedalling
8. Best Non-Slip Handle Bars:Sunny Health & Fitness Recovery Walking Treadmill
The Sunny Health & Fitness Recovery Walking Treadmill, as the name suggests, is for those who are recuperating and need to be careful in their workouts. This exercise equipment for the elderly and young adults has a low-lying deck with shock absorption that does not strain the joints while you work out. The digital monitor on the front helps you track the calories, time, speed, distance covered, mode, etc. while the padded handrails keep you from slipping mid-workout and provide additional support. With a 2.5 peak horsepower motor that can run at a speed range of 0.6 mph to 5 mph, this is perhaps one of the best home exercise equipment for seniors and young adults alike. Pros
Portable Non-slip padded handlebars Low lying shock-absorbent deck Digital display panel Strong motor Emergency stop clip
Cons
The self-installation process can be time taking and tedious.
9. Best For Fitness:HARISON Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Seniors can now work out at home with ease and convenience with the HARISON Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike. This sitting exercise machine for elderly people helps to improve the strength of the whole body and maintain fitness. This stationary bike has 14 magnetic resistance levels and the slide rail at the bottom lets you adjust the seat according to your convenience. With a tablet and water bottle holder, your entertainment and thirst are taken care of, while the LCD display screen on this elderly exercise equipment lets you track the progress you make as you workout. Pros
Portable and convenient Heavy-duty steel frame 14 resistance levels Adjustable seat and backrest LCD display screen Features tablet and bottle holder
Cons
The equipment may be noisy.
10. Best Multipurpose:Healthy Seniors Chair Exercise Program – Resistance Bands
The Healthy Seniors Chair Exercise Program brings to you a set of resistance bands for therapy and workouts. This exercise equipment for seniors at home is developed by a physical therapist specifically for people looking for rehab and older adults. One box of this chair-based exercise contains an exercise guide booklet, a set of handles for better grip, and a set of resistance bands. One can build strength, stability, flexibility at their own pace, using either the low-intensity band or the medium intensity band according to one’s convenience. So whether it is pilates, yoga, warm-up, regular workout, or recovery and therapy, this upper body exercise equipment for seniors helps you do it all while sitting on a chair. Pros
Portable Easy to use Low impact and safe Multipurpose Exercise booklet provided Handles provided Great for gifting
Cons
The bands might start coming apart upon rigorous usage.
Choosing The Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors- Buying Guide
Before you purchase exercise equipment, it is best to try it out at a fitness centre/gym or some place else. It makes one aware about the equipment they are about to buy. It is important to ensure that the equipment is compatible to one’s height and weight to reap the maximum benefits of workout and avoid the risk of injuries. When you set out to buy exercise equipment, you should make sure that it comes with a guide with a clear set of instructions to help the user assemble the machine without any problems. The exercise equipment that you wish to buy should be easy to operate and should not end up confusing the user as to how it should be used. Make sure to read the user manual or watch instructional videos to make sure you are using the equipment the right way. Before buying an exercise equipment for oneself, one should chalk out a routine and fit the machine into it so that you reap the maximum benefits of the workout done on it.
Tips To Stay Away From Injury While Using Exercise Equipment
Full-body fitness should be the goal rather than just cardio, balance, flexibility, or strength training alone. Do not overdo any exercise. Know your limits and stick to it strictly. Drink lots of fluids pre and post workout to prevent dehydration and other problems. Take adequate breaks in between exercises to avoid strain and overexertion. Wear comfortable clothes that won’t get in the way of your exercise or get stuck on to the equipment and cause an accident. Always read the user’s manual or watch an instruction video before trying out new equipment to know how to operate it. If the exercise equipment has been installed at home, make sure to double check the stability to avoid accidents.
Exercising and keeping oneself fit is very important for people of all ages. But as one grows older, the physical capability and strength of the body tends to reduce, hence limiting the scope of heavy workouts. Moreover, venturing out to the gym and the park for exercising and walking also depend on many factors like weather, means of transport, or simply the willingness of the individual to step out. But a man has to do what a man has to do to stay agile and active despite advancing age. Hence, developing a workout routine at home is necessary and exercise equipments for seniors come in as a respite. So, all you have to do is pull your socks up, play a groovy track and get going on the best exercise equipment for seniors right at the cozy comfort of your home!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shreya Vishwanathan, is a fitness enthusiast who loves to review different products. She went through numerous user reviews and on multiple online forums and websites to curate this list of the best exercise equipment for seniors to help them stay in good shape. She also considered parameters like safety, quality, ease of use, and functionality before shortlisting the products. The products listed in this article help improve the strength of the body and maintain fitness. Is treadmill good for seniors? Yes, treadmills help set up an easy home workout routine for seniors as they can choose the speed and time of walking without having to worry about the weather conditions and other factors. What exercise equipment should older adults avoid? Using weights for deadlifts and squats, using the leg press machine, extensive stair climbing, and long runs are things that older adults must avoid to keep away from injuries. What are the pros and cons of exercise equipment for seniors? Using exercise equipments at home with advancing age might have its advantages and disadvantages. Let us have a look at them both to help decide better before making a pick for oneself: Are ellipticals good for seniors? Yes, an elliptical is an ideal workout device for seniors who want to stay fit and need mobility. You can opt for the LifePro FlexStride Plus Elliptical Trainer to boost your metabolism and overall wellbeing. Is riding a stationary bike better than walking? Cycling can be better for burning calories and it can help you increase your lower body strength whereas, walking is a cost-efficient method to maintain bone density. Riding a stationary bike will give you the same effects as riding a bike with the added bonus that it puts less pressure on your joints. Are weight machines good for seniors? Yes, weight machines are good for seniors to maintain muscle mass and improve bone and joint health. Are manual treadmills good for seniors? A manual treadmill needs more muscle mass to operate and burn more calories, but they are technologically simple. Some seniors find it easier to use while others don’t. How often should a senior work out? A senior is usually recommended to work out for 30 minutes 5 days a week. What workout can help seniors improve their balance? You can use the Yes4All Foam Exercise/Balance Pad to perform workouts such as single limb stance, rock the boat, back leg raise, etc. What are some tips for working out at home? Choose a safe place for your workout to prevent accidents. Use gym equipment and your workout devices only after you know the correct way to use them. Keep your equipment clean and have somebody available at earshot when you work out so that you can easily seek help if there is any mishap.
