The Top 5 Home Exercise Equipment for Seniors Reviewed
Looking after our health becomes ever more important as we age and this applies to our health both physically and mentally. Whilst actually visiting a gym may not be doable for seniors, there are many ways that you can introduce exercise into your lifestyle from the comfort of your own home.
Depending on your needs, there are different forms of exercise that you can adopt. You may begin with more gentle options such as walks, however, there is a range of home exercise equipment that allows you to explore a little more with the exercises that you can complete.
It is crucial to consider your own needs to ensure that you invest in the best home exercise equipment for you. We have browsed the market selecting some of our top picks of the best exercise equipment available that is ideal for seniors. Below, we have also included a handy buyer’s guide with all of our top tips for choosing the best products.
Are you in a hurry? We have selected our top pick for you below.
Best Home Exercise Equipment for Seniors
1. BalanceFrom Gofit All-Purpose Dumbbells
Lifting weights can bring many benefits to the health of seniors. Not only can they help to strengthen bones, but they can also help to relieve the pain caused by arthritis and joint issues. On the other hand, weight lifting can help with weight loss too.
The BalanceFrom GoFit all-purpose dumbbells are available in pairs or a set. Choose from a 4-pound pair, a 5-pound pair, or a 32 pound or 50 pounds combined set. With a variety on offer, you can select the weighted dumbells that cater to your needs and capabilities. Opting for the complete set provides you with a rack for storing your dumbbells when they are not in use, so you always know where they are.
With a cast iron construction, these are durable dumbbells that are ideal for both indoor and outdoor workouts. They also have a neoprene coating which allows you to maintain a secure grip so you can work out without the fear of your dumbbells flying out of your hands.
Constructed with a hex shape you can be assured that your dumbbells aren’t going to roll away from you when you place them on the ground.
These dumbbells are great for muscle strength exercises but can also be a great accompaniment to other exercises, helping you to build your muscle strength as you go.
Each of the dumbells have their weight clearly stated on the tops for clear identification for the weight that you want to choose for your workout.
2. Potok Resistance Band Set
Resistance training is a great way for seniors to improve their balance, flexibility and muscle strength. Impressively, resistance bands can be used virtually anywhere due to their small size but positive influence on muscle training and development.
The Potok Resistance bands are available in a set of three offering different levels of resistance which can be identified via the different colored bands. The weights increase from light to heavy, so you can opt for the band that suits your capabilities and the workout you are completing.
Each of the bands are 4ft long and 6″ wide with great versatility to adapt to the needs of different individuals. You may choose to fold them, wrap them, or tie them.
These resistance bands are great for upper and lower body workouts helping to train your hips, shape your legs, and build abs. The use of these resistance bands can be a great form of physical therapy and rehabilitation too, helping to build your muscle strength gradually.
There are two length options available too, a 4ft set or a 6ft set, which allows you to opt for the best set for your exercise and workout needs.
3. Lanos Folding Exercise Bike with 10-level Adjustable Magnetic Resistance
Using an exercise bike is another great way of exercising from the comfort of your home. As an aerobic activity, the use of an exercise bike helps to improve endurance and heart health, while also helping to reduce the risk of developing other health issues such as diabetes. Ultimately, the use of an exercise can also improve your mood which is likely to help you feel positive in yourself.
The Lanos 3-in-1 folding exercise bike can be used in one of three different positions. An upright position that boosts your heart rate and improves your cardio, a recumbent position for those who prefer a reclined and more comfortable position, or the semi-stationary position.
Impressively, this bike can be enjoyed by a range of seniors with a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs and a height range of 4’5″ and 6’7″. It has also been designed with a cushioned seat and backrest for maximum support allowing you to enjoy a comfortable experience on your exercise bike.
There are also 10 levels of magnetic resistance to choose from which effectively allows you to customize the settings of the bike to suit your exercise needs. You can choose between different intensities increasing from 1 through to 10. If you fancy pushing yourself a little one day you can raise the intensity or this can be done gradually when you feel confident to do so.
The bike conforms to a user-friendly design with a digital motor that clearly displays the stats and progress of your ride, this includes the distance, speed, calories burned, the time, and the heart rate pulse. Impressively, you can track your heart rate through the built-in handlebars. For some, the size of an exercise can be off-putting, particularly if you are restricted in the space that you have available. As a foldable bike, when it isn’t in use, it can be folded in half and stored upright allowing you to easily store the bike in a way that is going to consume a minimal amount of space.
4. LifePro Waver Vibration Plate Exercise Machine
A vibration machine provides a safe and easy alternative to a traditional workout, with there being many benefits upon the health of older individuals in particular.
The LifePro Wave Vibration Plate Exercise Machine is a great way of improving your fitness and flexibility, helping to build muscle while burning fat and cellulite. Several benefits can be felt through a vibration platform.
Alongside the vibration plate itself, you will also receive loop bands and resistance bands allowing you to do some exercises that will benefit your upper and lower body. Additionally, you will also receive a remote control for a user-friendly experience and a user guide with free access to online workout videos that will aid you in your fitness journey if this is something that you are likely to find beneficial.
There is a range of speed settings from 1-99 allowing you to cater the workout to your ability level allowing you to increase the speed when you feel ready to do so. The screen also allows you to keep track of your results and progress.
If you are recovering from an injury and are a little cautious about beginning to exercise again, this vibration machine incorporates injury recovery workouts and customizable vibrations which allows you to build up your confidence and strength at your own pace. The anti-slip rubber grip also allows you to maintain a secure balance on the board without the fear of falling so you can concentrate on your workout.
5. GoPlus 1100W Electric Folding Treadmill
Walking on a treadmill is a great way of getting your daily exercise, helping to burn calories and improve your balance.
The Goplus electric treadmill is a simple but effective machine that is great for seniors. You can keep up with all of your progress by simply glancing at the LED screen which displays the speed, distance, and time that you have been walking/ running for along with your heart rate and the calories that you have burned. You can also increase the speed or incline of the treadmill according to your preference and capabilities. With 12 special training programs available too, you can opt for a more immersive way of exercising if you would prefer.
You may not want to have your treadmill out all the time as it can consume quite a lot of space. The Goplus folding treadmill has wheels for easy maneuverability and it can also be folded in half so it isn’t going to take up a lot of space when it isn’t being used.
When investing in a machine of this kind you would expect it to be made out of good quality materials that are going to withstand frequent use well. The steel frame is strong and durable and the treadmill itself has a weight capacity of 220 lbs.
In terms of safety, this treadmill features a safety key that can be attached to you and the machine for added assurance if you want to feel extra secure when using the treadmill. Aside from this, the handrail features an emergency stop button that can be pressed when needed.
Home Exercise Equipment for Seniors Buying Guide
If you are a senior that is looking for home exercise equipment there are several factors that you will need to consider beforehand. Some seniors may find themselves more capable of using particular exercise machines and equipment than others and this can be down to several reasons. It is important to ensure that you select the equipment that caters to your needs while allowing you to enjoy some exercise.
We have listed these criteria for you below.
The Type of Exercise
The equipment that you invest in is going to be largely dependent on the type of exercise that you are likely to be completing. For example, if it is cardio-based exercise, investing in a treadmill or exercise bike is likely to be the most useful option for you. If you are looking to focus on weight training, you are likely to find it beneficial to invest in a set of dumbbells or hand weights. If you are more likely to focus on resistance training, a set of resistance bands is going to be beneficial for you.
The Type of Equipment
There is a range of equipment available on the market that can be used by seniors, however, it is important to ensure that it is used in the correct way to prevent the occurrence of any injuries. This can vary from heavy-duty machines to resistant bands and each works effectively to deliver many different health benefits, working to help you in different ways. Aside from the equipment that we have mentioned above, some seniors may enjoy using a yoga mat, a stability ball, a rowing machine, and more. It is safe to say that there is a great variety in the equipment available that is suitable for use by seniors.
Your Capabilities
As mentioned previously, some senior individuals may be more able to use certain pieces of equipment more than others. This can be down to many factors including health issues or injuries etc. If this is the case, you are likely to benefit from building yourself up gradually to using these pieces of equipment. Introducing them into your routine gradually before building it up when you are ready is going to be more beneficial for you in the long run. You will also find that most pieces of equipment have different settings that allow you to customize the workout to your abilities and you can then increase this over time when you feel ready to do so.
Storing the Equipment
Now when it comes to storing your exercise equipment, of course, some items are going to be harder to store than others. For example, a resistance band is going to consume hardly any space, however, a treadmill is going to take up a considerable amount more. If you are restricted in the space that you have available, you are likely to benefit from investing in equipment that can be folded away after use for easy storage, consuming a minimal amount of space.
It is also important to evaluate the space that you have available beforehand otherwise you may find yourself investing in a piece of equipment that is too big for the room that it is intended to be used in. Whilst this isn’t going to be an issue with resistance bands and yoga mats etc, it is an important factor to consider if you are thinking about investing in a more substantial piece of home exercise equipment such as a treadmill.
Safety
Of course, it is crucial to abide by the safety guidelines of the equipment that you invest in. In the case of treadmills and exercise bikes, it is important to choose a machine that is made from heavy-duty, durable materials that are going to withstand daily use well without becoming damaged as this may pose a potential risk to your safety. Following the safety instructions will also minimize the likeliness of any injuries occurring as a result.
The Weight Capacity and Height
Exercise bikes and treadmills will often state the weight capacity and height range of the individuals that they are suitable for. This effectively caters to the needs of different individuals allowing them to enjoy exercising on the machine or piece of equipment that they choose.
The Price
The price of the equipment is likely to be the most influential factor for some individuals. Some may feel that investing in a more expensive piece of equipment will encourage them to use it more frequently, however it is important to select the equipment that caters to your needs and your budget at the same time. Also, ensure that you don’t compromise the quality of your equipment for the price. If it is something that you are likely to be using regularly, you want it to be built well to avoid it becoming damaged after the first few uses. However, if you do have a budget in mind there are many options available to suit this. Of course, equipment such as resistance bands and dumbells are going to be considerably cheaper than an exercise bike or treadmill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should seniors exercise?
It is suggested that seniors aged 65 and above should introduce around 2.5 hours of moderate exercise into their lifestyle every week. When looking at your daily engagement of exercise, this averages out to roughly 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. However, if you are likely to be completing more vigorous exercises then it is advised to slightly reduce the amount of exercise that you complete. It is also important to ensure that you do not over-exercise as this can lead to exhaustion, injury, or other health-related issues. It is necessary to introduce exercise into your routine in moderate amounts.
How does exercise help seniors?
Exercise can bring many health benefits to seniors. Those who exercise regularly tend to have improved and digestive functioning with better blood pressure and a lower risk of many other health issues including heart disease and obesity.