Exercise Equipment for Seniors

Aging should never be an excuse for a sedentary lifestyle, no matter if you are over 50 or 60, “ age is just a number ” and a daily exercise program will always keep you active, fit, and healthy.

It has a positive effect on the human body, regardless of age. It helps you to stay functional and to maintain the treatment of your organs with precision. Workouts also help make you more productive.

But when it comes to the elderly, the overall strength automatically decreases a bit and the body becomes more fragile. This doesn't mean you have to stop exercising.

But choosing the right exercise equipment for seniors can give you a better opportunity to work on your fitness, stay active, and avoid serious injury.

When is a Fitness Device Good for Seniors?

The first question that arises is what characterizes a good senior fitness machine. Basically, the answer is simple and self-explanatory: when it takes into account their particular needs. What exactly do I mean by that?

Gentle on the Joints

A fitness machine for seniors should take care of the joints. I always say that everyone should pay attention to this, but it is especially important for the elderly.

With age, the joints can no longer withstand high loads, so it is important to train as gently as possible.

For example, on a treadmill - a classic - the joints are subjected to 3-4 times our own weight with each step. This is particularly damaging to the knee joint, which is already very stressed.

That is why it is better to use fitness equipment that does not generate impact forces and does not put a lot of stress on the knee joint.

The sequence of Natural Movements

A senior fitness machine should be based on a natural movement pattern. Our body prefers certain patterns for moving around. Each joint has a certain range of motion.

A fitness device for the elderly must therefore be designed to function within these ranges of movement and provide the most natural workout possible.

Security

The issue of security is also important. As minor falls and trips can become more of a problem with age, it is advisable to choose fitness equipment with age-appropriate safety measures. Depending on the equipment, it can be an automatic emergency stop system or simply grab bars.

Here we are going to see the best fitness equipment for seniors whether it is indoors, or for a workout at home.

1. Elliptical Trainer For Low Impact Workouts

Ellipticals aren't necessary for everyone, but they work wonders for the elderly. Stress is minimized on the back, knees, and hips. It is quite simply one of the least impactful fitness equipment for seniors.

Elliptical machines also have armrests that allow older people more stability. Completely, they work the upper as well as the lower body.

The most important part of this device is your body posture. Shoulders, head, and back should be kept straight and you should avoid bending over.

2. The Rower Machine

The indoor rower is arguably the best fitness equipment for seniors, and perhaps the best overall, ever invented.

Why that?

Because this machine alone solicits all the muscles of the body (80%) and allows you to work at low impact, that is to say without any risk for the tendons and the joints. Suffice to say that it is an argument of choice for a senior who suffers from osteoarthritis or overweight! In addition, the rower works the heart and respiratory functions. Whatever your age, your weight, your level of fitness, rowing is good for you!

3. The Exercise Bike

For people over 50, incline bikes are a great choice for gym workouts. Stationary exercise bikes come in two types: one of them is a traditional model where one sits on a regular bicycle seat while the other is a recumbent type that contains a seat.

Both are great choices for cardio training sessions, but since older people can stress their backs with the traditional model, lying down is a better choice. It offers the comfort of a seat and is much safer and easier to use.

You can easily get off or get on the bike. The recumbent bike is low-impact exercise equipment for the elderly and is very beneficial for those with joint problems. For more information visit the site.

In short, a must.

4. Treadmill

Finally, another way to stay fit regardless of age and lose weight is active walking.

Walking in old age can sometimes be difficult due to the changes and the inability to cope with rapid traffic. Sometimes the parks and other walking trails are also not very close to the house.

For these reasons, treadmills in gyms are good choices. Even during the harsh summer heat or cold winters that can seriously interfere with your workout routine, a controlled temperature in the gym can seriously simplify your life.

You can walk freely without obstacles at your own pace on a comfortable surface. The environment is serene, and you always have hands to support you.

Also Read: Physical Activities for Seniors

5. The Vibrating Platform

Finally, let's talk about a still relatively unknown fitness device: the vibrating platform. In my opinion, it deserves a lot more attention and is also ideal for the physical training of seniors. But one thing after another: what exactly is a vibrating platform?

It is a platform that transmits vibrations to the body. It induces a slight imbalance that activates the deep muscles, responsible for stabilizing the body. These muscles, we cannot normally control them let alone train them.

Still, they make up around 40% of our total musculature and play a decisive role, especially for older people, because, as I said, they provide stability and balance.

Thanks to the vibrating platform, we can work exactly these muscles. Vibration training also helps strengthen bones and improve blood circulation.

All of this works optimally if we combine it with normal physical training. For example, we can do knee curls or use dumbbells.

Final Thoughts

With fitness equipment, seniors - indoors or at home - can exercise on a daily basis and thus ensure long-term health. Above all, a senior fitness machine should be gentle on the joints, be based on the natural sequence of movements, and provide the necessary safety.