It is easy to think for seniors that workout or getting in shape is the word only relevant to young people. But that is far from the truth.
It is natural to lose the amount of muscle and joints get weaker as one gets old. But the proper workout is necessary to slow down muscle loss and improve cardiovascular health.
Apparently, every elderly has a different health condition. In this article, we will introduce a wide spectrum of equipment that can cover the various needs of seniors.
1. Total Gym XLS
Total Gym XLS is above average home gym equipment. Initially, Total Gym targetted the workout market of rehabilitation.
So it is well suited for Pilates workout. As it is designed to utilize the user's body weight, it is especially good for seniors who want to be in great shape without free weight lifting. If you decided to start a workout for your health or you are a beginner,
Total Gym is a safer way to go rather than a weight lifting machine.
The machine itself is very compact, but you can perform over 80 exercises. Another good thing is it comes with FREE streaming service of Total gym TV,
so you can follow along with Total Gym Workout Programs.
Total Gym XLS is pre-assembled and comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame and a 6-month warranty for parts.
Pros
Cons
2. Bowflex Blaze
Bowflex home gym has several different machines, but Bowflex Blaze is the most affordable version. Don't get me wrong. 'Affordable' does not mean it is not good.
If you are advanced or want to build up muscle, Bowflex Blaze can be a good option for a home gym. Bowflex's innovative Power Rod Weight System is different from a typical stack of the weight disc. The feeling might be different than a normal-weight system.
Power Rod gives you more resistance when it bends whereas typical weight gives you the same resistance throughout the exercise. That can be very helpful in preventing injury for the elderly. Also, Blaze comes with a sliding chair. So you can perform aerobic rowing along with strength training.
Pros
Cons
3. Schwinn 470 Compact Elliptical Machine
The elliptical machine is much safer than a treadmill as there is no worry to fall over. Also, it gives less impact on the joints, which makes elliptical machines good for seniors who have bad knees.
Schwinn 470 Compact Elliptical Machine has all the features you need to perform a not-boring cardio workout. It syncs with the downloadable Run Social App, so you can run through 19 locations with 27 routes along with people in real-time. Schwinn compact elliptical includes 29 workout programs and 25 different resistance levels.
Elliptical Pros
Elliptical Cons
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5515 Magnetic Rowing Machine
The rowing machine is also another good option for seniors who want to get in shape but have bad joints. You can burn calories with less impact on your joints.
The rowing machine provides a full-body workout and is good to build all major muscle groups.
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-RW5515 Rowing Machine has an adjustable magnetic resistance system with 8 different levels.
It is foldable and comes with a wheel, so you can save space when you are not using it.
Even though it has a foldable and compact design, it has 48 inches of the extra-long slide rail. So it can accommodate any size of rowers.
The seat is fully padded, and a handle is a non-slip foam.
Rowing Machine Pros
Rowing Machine Cons
5. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
The recumbent bike is another great option for the elderly who want to get in good shape but have bad joints. A Recumbent bike has back support,
so it reduces the risk of a back injury.
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike comes with a Bluetooth connectable console. It syncs with the trainer app and downloadable ride social app. You can perform a less boring cardio workout with other people in real-time. Schwinn 270 comes with 29 programs and 25 different levels of resistance. Even though it takes up a bit of space, it can be a great option for seniors.
Recumbent Bike Pros
Recumbent Bike Cons
6. Sunny Health and Fitness Underdesk Magnetic Cycle Mini SF-B0891
Here is a great alternative to a recumbent bike. If the size of the recumbent bike is a burden for you, a space-saving pedal exerciser can be a good option. You can perform lower body workouts while you are sitting on a couch, or desk chair with a low impact on knees.
Sunny Underdesk Magnetic Cycle has 8 different levels of magnetic resistance. The Belt-driven mechanism and flywheel make leg workout smooth.
This compact under-desk pedal is 20.5 inches long and 10.5 inches tall. You can also utilize this machine for upper body workout by putting it on the desk.
Pedal Exerciser Pros
Pedal Exerciser Cons
FAQ
1. What is the best exercise machine for seniors?
The most common issue for seniors is a joint issue. Exercise equipment, which gives a low impact on the joint such as an elliptical, a recumbent bike, or rowing machine is good equipment for seniors. Above mentioned cardio machines are also great for improving cardiovascular health.
2. What is the best exercise machine for bad knees?
Low-impact exercise machines like an elliptical or a recumbent bike are recommended for seniors with bad knees.
3. What is the best gym for seniors?
The environment one can comfortably perform workout without distraction is the best for seniors. A home-based gym filled with proper equipment for specific age can be a very good option for seniors.
4. What exercises should seniors avoid?
A body-weight workout or low impact on joint workout is usually good exercises for the elderly. High-intensity workouts like squats with weights, deadlift, or high-intensity interval training should be avoided.