Exercise can have a profound impact on seniors’ health, independence, and quality of life. Studies have also demonstrated that routine exercise can significantly reduce falls in older adults, which is the leading cause of injury in this population.
Many seniors are no longer able to drive or otherwise commute to a normal gym. Home exercise equipment thus allows older adults to get all the benefits of exercise from the comfort of their own home.
The first factor to consider when weighing options for a home gym are your goals. Is there a specific area of the body to target for strength training? Is there a need for you to recover from an injury or illness that prevents the use of a particular muscle group? What are your long-term mobility and fitness goals? Is it simply your desire to increase overall exercise capacity, or is it aneedto facilitate the rehabilitation of a particular joint? The answers to these questions will impact the type of fitness equipment you ultimately choose.
The size of the equipment should, too, be considered when buying gym equipment. Do you have enough space in yourbasement for a treadmill? Do you prefer to exercise in the living room with a smaller, portable device? There are several options when it comes to home exercise equipment for seniors. Keep the size of the equipment in mind as you scroll through our list of favorites.
There are situations when exercise may be unsafe for seniors. This is why it is important to check out the safety features of these different types of equipment to see if they’re indeed designed for their use, especially since some products incorporate more senior-friendly considerations than others.
Some features to look out for include: large foot pedals, longer-than-standard handrails, as well as swivel seats and step-through designs that allow users to easily mount or dismount the equipment.
If you or an older loved one is not particularly tech-savvy, you’ll want to think about how much technology is involved in operating the machine. Most of the equipment on our list is are extremely simple to use. Most have senior-friendly features like large buttons, but some may require more technology awareness. There are ways by which technology can be of benefit to you, depending on your level of tech comfort. Some machines, for example, have optional apps that offer fitness tracking and exercise suggestions.
For the majority of older adults, a low-impact exercise machine (one that does not involve excessive strain on joints or bones) is the safest to use and the best at preventing injury. Keep in mind that the body changes with age. The workouts you do now may be different from what you used to do in your 20s. This is natural! When shopping, you don’t have to purchase high-impact machines with lots of resistance levels. What we have on this list will probably suit your needs. Even the treadmill excludes an incline feature to decrease impact.
Our seventh pick is the Home Rowing Machine by Vive Health. Rowing is an excellent activity for seniors because it is a low impact exercise that can still provide a full-body workout. It is an efficient way to complete moderate or vigorous workouts that can challenge your aerobic fitness while building strength at the same time.
It is also easily customizable and can be made to adjust to each user’s needs. There are 10 resistance settings and the workouts are versatile. Users can do a series of sprints at a higher resistance setting for a vigorous workout or decrease the resistance setting and complete a longer, steady-state workout. This model is also easy to store. Users can simply fold up the machine and roll it vertically into a closet.
Number 6 on our list is the Smart Magnetic Pedal Exerciser by Vive Health. This little machine has many of the same benefits as a rowing machine. It provides a low-impact cardiovascular exercise. It is quiet. It has 8 levels of resistance and has a large display. The main feature that sets the smart magnetic pedal exerciser apart though, is its size. This little machine is about a quarter of the size of a rowing machine. It’s ideal for those who may not have the fitness or strength to move a machine like the rower or a stationary bike, especially seniors who may have a higher fall risk.
The trade-off is as such: it can only work one major muscle group at a time (arms or legs). This may be a better fit for older adults looking to build fitness and strength while slowly working their way up to a full-body workout.
Earning the #5 spot on the list is the PhysioStep MDX Recumbent Elliptical Cross-Trainer with Swivel Seat by Healthcare International. This equipment has a robust design and can accommodate up to 500 pounds. This makes it ideal for long term use in a single location and is not designed to be moved frequently from one place to another. It’s ideal for moderate-intensity workouts that can be integrated into a long-term fitness plan for weight loss or fall prevention.
It is extremely versatile with 16 resistance settings and 18 pre-set programs designed to accommodate any level of skill and fitness. Its user-friendly design and versatility make it an ideal machine to use if you, or a loved one, are transitioning to home exercise from physical therapy or rehabilitation.
Endurance Fan Bike FB300B by Body-Solid comes in at #4 on our list. This great all-around home exercise equipment is an ideal investment for seniors because it is easy to use and provides a variety of strength and cardio workout options. It also has the capacity to strengthen both arms and legs at the same time. This makes it easy for older adults to get a whole-body workout.
This bike is highly recommended for older adults who are accustomed to using a stationary bike. It is best for those who have the balance, strength and flexibility to dismount the machine easily since it lacks a swivel seat feature. The 12-gauge steel structure shows that it is built to last. These features make this bike a great option for older adults without any major mobility problems looking to invest in a long-term piece of equipment.
For those of us that might not be great fans of exercising, starting a workout can be the most difficult part. We might lose interest halfway through or have many distractions stopping us from completing our routines. Luckily, the Cubii Go Under Desk Elliptical Machine is one portable solution that allows us to keep doing our favorite activities like watching TV, enjoying a movie, or working at the office while exercising. This compact elliptical fits under the desk and takes advantage of our multitasking skills to take care of our health.
No setup is required when using the Go Under Desk Elliptical Machine by Cubii. Take this elliptical with you anywhere due to its lightweight and compact dimensions. Start improving the blood flow of your legs and gaining important muscle strength back while reading a book or browsing the internet. This low-impact workout method will not harm your knees or ankles, and it's a great option for rehab after injuries.
Use the 8 different resistance levels programmed in the Cubii Go Under Desk Elliptical Machine to work out based on your goals and preferences. The included non-slip wheels will keep this elliptical in position while exercising so you can sit comfortably at your desk, sofa or porch. And to help you keep track of your results and measure your improvements, this device comes with an LCD monitor that updates in real-time, all while doing your favorite activities.
Runner up is the Endurance Cardio Walking Treadmill by Body-Solid. Not all treadmills are suitable for older adults, but this one has all the features you need to stay safe while you walk or jog. It has full-length handrails that are padded for user comfort and a built-in walking belt for added safety. It has a speed-limiting function so that the speed can only be increased by 0.1 mph increments at a time, as well as large LED displays and oversized buttons. Finally, it features a ramp at the end so that older adults don’t need to step down from the machine. This further boosts its safety profile.
The only major consideration is its size. It is more difficult to transport compared to some of the other items on our list. This unit is best for older adults who have a basement or large space to accommodate this item.
Our top pick is the Stationary Recumbent Indoor Exercise Bike by Vive Health. This is an excellent all-around fitness option for older adults looking to integrate more aerobic exercise into their daily routine. The lay-back seated posture is ideal for seniors with any history of back pain since this helps reduce stress on the back during exercise. The low-impact exercise is also helpful in reducing stress on the joints.
This high-tech home exercise equipment also has a built-in heart rate monitor that allows you to track heart rate during workouts. The information can be store you can review your progress over time. It also can be paired with the Vive Fit app for added convenience. Other senior-friendly features include the large, multifunctional display panel and padded seat for increased comfort.
A: Older adults over 65 should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, like brisk walking (or 30 minutes, 5 times per week). If an individual’s schedule doesn’t allow that, they can reap the same benefits by getting 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity (hiking, jogging, or running, if health and mobility allow). In addition to aerobic exercise, seniors should aim for 2 days per week of strength-training (e.g. lifting weights or doing yoga) and 3 days per week of activities that improve balance. Some activities can serve more than one purpose (e.g. yoga provides strength training and tests balance abilities).
A: It is possible for older adults to exercise too much, although the cut-off varies widely between individuals. Studies have demonstrated that over 7.5 hours per week of exercise is associated with heart problems. In general, exercise that results in injury, exhaustion, or other adverse effects (heart palpitations, etc.) indicates that an older adult may need to reduce the intensity of his workout.
A: Seniors should try to avoid any exercises that put too much strain on the joints and bones, such as high-impact exercises like running or jumping. These exercises increase their risk for injury and degenerative conditions like arthritis. Older adults should also avoid any exercises that put too much strain on the heart. Seniors should talk to their providers about what “max heart rate” is safe during exercises, and consider wearing an activity tracker to monitor these numbers while they work out.
A: As individuals age, the processes that help facilitate the transition from exercise to muscle-building slow down. These make it difficult to develop and maintain strength. This can lead to reluctance to exercise since the results are not always obvious. Given the number of physical and mental advantages though, it is important for older adults to maintain an active lifestyle even if it can be quite a challenge.
A: There are a number of exercises that can help improve older adults’ balance, but among the best and most popular is a martial art called tai chi. This is because it is a series of slow exercises requiring constant subtle shifts in weight that test balance and coordination. Balance workouts are especially important for older adults because they reduce the risk of falls. Some studies have shown that tai chi can reduce fall risk in this population by up to 45%.
A: There are many mental benefits to exercise. This is especially important in a population prone to neurological disorders like dementia. Research shows that physically active individuals are less likely to experience a mental decline and have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease,which is the most common type of dementia. It’s also a natural mood-lifter and can help older adults who suffer from depression.
A: It can be challenging to stay motivated to do home workouts regularly. It’s important to have a routineand to stick to it. Call a neighbor, family member, or friend, and ask them to hold you accountable. Another tip is to set realistic goals. You’re more likely to skip workouts if you feel your goals are unattainable. Finally, make sure you have the right equipment!
Older adults should incorporate exercise into their routines for a number of reasons, including decreased fall risk, lower chances of injury, decreased chances of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, improved mood, and many others. Since it can be so challenging for older adults to go to normal gyms, investing in high-quality home exercise equipment is especially important. As we outlined in this article, there are a range of commercial-grade exercise machines available for home purchase.
The main factor you need to determine before you make a selection is what type of exercise equipment you prefer, given any pre-existing mobility challenges: stationary bike, seated row, treadmill, or elliptical machine. We believe the best all-around model for low-impact exercise is the Stationary Recumbent Indoor Exercise Bike due to its low cost but high value and special features designed to accommodate older adults. These include a built-in heart rate monitor, layback posture design, and large display screen.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about our ten top picks for home exercise equipment for seniors! For more information about home exercise equipment, take some time to check out ourexercise fitness equipment and be sure to visit Caregiver University for more information about products and caregiver resources!
Dr. Ali is a physician by education and a writer by choice since 2005. He earned an MD degree in 2008 and later completed Harvard Medical School's lifestyle medicine training in 2012, before obtaining a PhD in holistic health elsewhere in 2013. He brings more than 15 years of experience working in a remote environment. Now a digital nomad, he’s currently a health and wellness writer.