According to the CDC, roughly 28% of U.S. adults 50 years and older were physically inactive in 2014. That level of inactivity rises with those who have chronic diseases or lower education levels.
As you get older, it becomes more important to stay physically active for the sake of both your physical and mental health. Staying at home all day can lead to depression, feelings of isolation, and anxiety. One way to promote fitness is with the use of specialized senior workout equipment.
Here’s how to find the best exercise equipment for seniors and what to prioritize.
Safety Considerations for Senior Workout Equipment
Before you decide on exercise tools for seniors, you need to consider the kind of safety measures you need. Not every senior citizen is capable of the same kinds of movements or has the same stamina. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t those with more mobility.
Equipment should be simple to operate, with easy-to-read instructions and controls. You may want to get something with adjustable settings for different fitness levels.
Opt for tools that offer low-impact exercise. This will help reduce strain on the user’s joints.
Finally, choose equipment that fits into your living space. Something like a full-size elliptical won’t be a good option if you plan to place the equipment inside a small office or your garage.
The Best Exercise Equipment for Seniors
Whether you’re hiking a trail or working out at home, it’s important to have the right kind of elderly fitness gear for your safety and comfort.
At the very least, you’ll need comfortable and breathable clothing. More than that, it helps to have equipment that’s:
- Portable
- Compact
- Accessible
Resistance Bands
One of the best senior exercise tips is to invest in resistance bands. Resistance bands are a lightweight and versatile option for people of all ages and fitness levels. They’re elastic and are used for strength training without stressing the joints.
Resistance bands come in a variety of sizes and resistance levels. Seniors can adjust their workouts as needed, such as using a stronger band for areas of their body that can handle the extra strain.
You can use resistance bands for the following:
- Leg strengthening
- Stretching
- Working out your chest
Mini Exercise Bikes
A mini exercise bike, also known as a pedal exerciser, is a small portable machine that allows for low-impact cardiovascular workouts. You may recognize them as the devices that have pedals you can use with your hands or feet, and you can place them on the ground or on your desk.
Pedal exercises are especially useful for seniors who may struggle to stand or walk for long periods. They’re used while seated, which means you can watch TV or even read a book while using one.
Treadmills with Handrails
Those who can afford more space can benefit from a treadmill with handrails. It’s one of the best fitness tools for elders who can still walk but need a little assistance. Seniors won’t have to worry about the weather outside, and they can use their treadmill at any time of the day.
It’s important that the handrails are sturdy enough to hold up seniors if they trip or lose balance. They should also use the emergency stop clip so the equipment turns off automatically.
Seated Ellipticals
Seated ellipticals are another option you can use while in a seated position. These provide a full-body, low-impact workout that’s gentle on your joints. It’s perfect for seniors who want to improve their fitness without the risk of high-impact activities.
In addition, a seated elliptical is a good option for anyone with balance or mobility issues. It functions much like a cycling machine except users can also work out their upper body.
Balance Balls
Seniors can use balance balls for seated exercises and stretching. They can help improve balance and core strength, which is important for preventing falls. Some examples of exercises you can do on a stability ball include the following:
- Planks
- Straight-leg bridge
- Push-ups
You may also use them alongside other exercise tools such as weights and resistance bands.
Light Dumbbells or Hand Weights
Light hand weights can help seniors build upper-body strength. They’re especially handy for seniors who haven’t worked out in years or are recovering from an illness or surgery.
Dumbbell exercises include bicep curls and shoulder presses. You can also incorporate kettlebells for more complicated movements.
It’s important not to push yourself too hard when it comes to weightlifting. Always prioritize more repetitions of lower weights if you want to maintain rather than build muscle. It’s safer for your joints and muscles.
Chair Yoga Straps
Yoga stretching straps differ from exercise bands in that they’re not primarily for strength building. Instead, seniors use them to improve flexibility and range of motion without straining their muscles.
You can find straps with multiple loops for a variety of workouts. They’re also useful for activities such as physical therapy, pilates, dance, ballet, and more.
Foam Rollers
An important piece of exercise equipment for seniors is the foam roller. Foam rollers are great for self-massage and muscle recovery. They can relieve tension and improve circulation, which promotes muscle relaxation and flexibility.
When using a foam roller, you want it to pinpoint sore or tight areas. Lower your body onto the foam roller to apply pressure for up to half a minute. You can roll it slowly back and forth to stimulate the area.
In addition, you can use a foam roller for basic exercises and stretches. It can target specific muscle groups, such as your calf or hamstrings.
Help Seniors Stay Fit and Safe
The best exercise equipment for seniors is something that can adjust for different fitness levels and provide a safe environment that reduces the risk of falls. Fortunately, senior retirement communities often stock their gyms with accessible equipment for their residents.
The Welstone At Mission Crossing is an independent living community located in Mission, KS. Our residents have access to a variety of amenities and community events, as well as home maintenance and more. Contact us with any questions and if you want to set up a tour.
