Best Exercise Equipment for Seniors in 2024

What to Look For in Exercise Equipment for Seniors

When shopping for exercise equipment, look for tools that can support your balance, reduce the risk of falls, and alleviate unnecessary strain on your body. Free weights or a rowing machine might be a great option if you’d like to strengthen and build muscles. Personally, I prefer a combination of strength and cardio, but you can’t overdo it or you’ll risk injury and thus, less movement.

>> Read More: The Best Fall Detection Devices

Alternatively, elliptical machines can be a great exercise tool because they’re gentle on the joints and come with handlebars for those with balance or dexterity issues. While your exercise routine might be different from someone else’s, there’s no single correct way to approach it. As long as you’re getting some exercise and making progress using exercise equipment, you’re on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

Our Favorite Exercise Equipment for Seniors

Elliptical Machines

An elliptical machine is great for older adults with joint pain or arthritis because it doesn’t put strain or pressure on the body. Supported by handlebars that move forward and backward, an elliptical machine can help you jog, climb, walk, and enjoy a low-impact workout from the comfort of your home. An elliptical machine is an alternative to treadmills and is designed to help boost stamina, support balance, and build muscles and core strength. What’s more, it can help burn calories and aid in weight loss.

An elliptical machine is great for exercising both your upper and lower body and working out your glutes, stretching your hamstrings, and tightening your muscles. Gentle on the joints, an elliptical machine has supportive handlebars that are connected to a foot pedal for better balance and control. The machine operates by moving in a forward and backward motion through a comfortable gliding movement that’s easy on the knees and joints, since you’re not hitting the ground at every interval. For seniors, an elliptical machine is a safer choice because you’re able to hold onto the handlebar and stop as often as you need. After I injured myself running up and down hills at the park, I switched to ellipticals to maintain my stamina while giving my joints a rest. That was great news for my hamstring tendinitis, which healed in a few months with some physical therapy.

Our Favorite Elliptical for Seniors

Designed by physical therapists, The SOLE E25 Elliptical is a state-of-the-art elliptical that’s great for older adults with arthritis, hip pain, and joint pain. This elliptical has 20 incline levels to choose from, along with a heavy-duty frame that’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

What’s more, this elliptical is equipped with pulse monitors and a chest strap to monitor your heart rate and overall health metrics. You can easily stream music, thanks to Bluetooth technology and a USB port to charge your smart devices. The SOLE E25 Elliptical is priced at $1,149.99 and includes SOLE+ workouts — free videos with over 3,000 workouts to choose from. All levels are represented, and workouts range from 10 to 60 minutes, so you can work out for as long (or as little) as you’d like.

Another option, if you can’t afford the $1,149.99 upfront, is to finance it with Shop Pay, which starts at $103.80 per month for 12 months with 15 percent APR. The other option is paying $392.95 per month for three months with the same APR. However, if you have the money, I’d recommend paying for it all at once to save anywhere from $28.86 to $95.61 in interest. To learn more about ellipticals, check out our rundown of the best ellipticals for seniors.

Treadmills

A treadmill is a type of exercise equipment that consists of a durable deck or belt that lets users run or jog in continuous motion. It usually has shorter handlebars and a security key that you can attach to your waist as a safety feature. A treadmill is great for an aerobic workout or even high-intensity interval training. Many smart treadmills have pulse and heart rate monitors, along with LCD screens and incline and speed settings. I love putting on a reality show while I’m running on a treadmill, as it distracts me from the lactic acid burning up my thighs!

Treadmills are used for exercising several parts of the body, ranging from the glutes to the quads and abs. They’re also particularly great for seniors looking to boost cardiovascular health and burn calories without stepping outside or going to a gym. I appreciate treadmills on rainy days in particular, as I hate the feeling of running in wet socks (not to mention the blisters).

Our Favorite Treadmill for Seniors

Can you buy a treadmill on Amazon? The answer is yes. My recommendation is LifeSpan’s TR2000i with the 3000i touch screen. This 73-inch treadmill can go up to 12 miles per hour and includes an incline so you can activate those glutes (incline the treadmill up to 15 percent to do so!). It also has a seven-inch color touch screen LCD display, a bottle holder, and a heart rate monitor. Plus, if you’re just getting started, choose from 38 preset programs. These were great to use when I was just learning how to run (believe me, it gets easier!).

The treadmill costs $1,644.99 if you pay upfront, but if you want to pay over 12 months with 0 percent APR, pay through an Amazon Store Card at $137.08 per month. If you want a smaller monthly payment over four years, you can pay $65.10 per month with Affirm, although there will be an APR of 10 to 36 percent, which is pretty steep. The Amazon Store Card is definitely the better option if you need to finance this treadmill. Note that this product is only available on Amazon and not on LifeSpan’s website, which only sells one commercial model as of October, 2023.

To learn more about treadmills, be sure to check out our rundown of the best treadmills for seniors.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are elastic bands that are great for strength training and cardio exercises. They’re lightweight, adjustable, and great for creating resistance and building muscle and core strength. They can improve your balance and challenge your muscles. When I was healing from my hamstring tendinitis, I used resistance bands to strengthen my thighs without further aggravating my knees.

You can use resistance bands as an exercise tool to work out your arms and quads. Additionally, you can perform squats while placing your resistance bands below your shins and use it as a way to work up a sweat. There are also anti-slip resistance bands for added security. They’re a great physical therapy tool and can help strengthen dormant muscles without putting immense pressure on your joints.

Our Favorite Resistance Bands for Seniors

The resistance bands from the brand Healthy Seniors are a great option for seniors that spend a lot of time sitting on a chair. If you want to avoid a sedentary lifestyle, the Healthy Seniors Chair Exercise Program with two resistance bands is ideal for seniors who want to strengthen their muscles or support recovery.

These resistance bands are great for seniors who wish to do simple arm and leg stretch exercises right from their chair, but they can also be used as rehab bands for individuals in physical therapy. Along with a durable pair of thick handles, these resistance bands help build arm, leg, and core strength while being great for on-the-floor yoga exercises. Currently, these bands are priced at $25.99 on Amazon, a very affordable way to increase your strength.

Stability Balls

A stability ball, also known as an exercise ball, is a great piece of exercise equipment that consists of a large ball that you use to support your body and enhance core strength. A stability ball can also be used as a replacement for a chair because it motivates your muscles to work harder and improve your balance. In general, a stability ball can be a helpful exercise tool for seniors because of its versatility, flexibility, and circular shape. It can help seniors improve their posture simply by sitting or rolling on it. It can also be used for leg lifts and gentle crunches. I like using stability balls for lower ab exercises, although these may be too tough on the bones of older adults.

Our Favorite Stability Ball for Seniors

The DYNAPRO Exercise Ball is made out of eco-friendly PVC, and it comes in a variety of fun colors like black, gray, blue, pink, red, yellow, and even mint. This stability ball stands out from others on the market because it’s made from a thicker material that protects it from sharp objects. Since it has a nonslip matte surface, you can enjoy your workout and know that you can work on a variety of different exercises without falling or slipping. Pricing is based on the size of the ball, measured in centimeters:

• 45 centimeters: $17.99
• 55 centimeters: $19.99
• 65 centimeters: $23.99
• 75 centimeters: $27.99

Again, unlike a treadmill or an elliptical, stability balls and resistance bands are very affordable ways to improve your fitness (even while watching that episode of The Golden Bachelor!).

Pull-Down Machines

A pull-down machine is a type of exercise equipment that uses a pulley system to work out your upper torso, arms, back, shoulders, and triceps. It’s a great fitness tool for active older adults who are looking for a more rigorous workout and would like to strengthen their muscles. (I hope to be that active as I age). They’re particularly beneficial for older seniors because they support back muscles and give you a comprehensive upper-body workout. Additionally, since these machines are used while seated, they’re relatively low-impact.

Our Favorite Pull-Down Machine for Seniors

The GDLF LAT Pull Down Machine is an affordable at-home pull-down machine for older adults. It weighs 71.9 pounds and comes with a variety of adjustable foam rollers to match your height. This particular pull-down machine helps work out the upper muscles of the body and helps build resistance to prevent your body from being lifted by the pulley station. Currently, it’s available for $169.99 on Amazon, but again, you have two financing options:

• Amazon Store Card: Six payments of $28.33 per month, 0 percent APR
• Affirm: 12 payments of $17.08 per month, 10 to 36 percent APR

Yoga Mats

Yoga mats are a great way to stay grounded and focus on floor workouts without putting too much pressure on your joints. There are a variety of exercises you can do on a slip-free yoga mat. Some of these exercises include crunches, squats, tree poses, backward bends, planks, and other ab and lower-body workouts. Even just stretching on a yoga mat can be relaxing; I love doing it before I go to sleep, especially if I’ve had a stressful or tense day.

Our Favorite Yoga Mat for Seniors

The Brybelly Crown Sporting Goods 15 mm Extra Thick Yoga Mat offers durability and protection during your floor workouts and yoga sessions. At 15 mm, this yoga mat is much thicker and softer than traditional yoga mats, which are usually around four to six mm thick. With a moisture-resistant surface, you can enjoy deep stretches and get the right support for your joints with its nonslip and thick foam material. Currently, this yoga mat is available from Walmart for the following prices based on color:

• Black: $61.27
• Blue: $56.92
• Pink: $34.54
• Red: $37.99

Wrist Weights

Wrist weights are small weights that are strapped around your wrist (or ankles) and typically weigh less than three pounds. They are especially helpful for seniors with difficulty gripping weights, and they are a great alternative to dumbbells. The goal of wrist weights is to enhance resistance and elevate your heart rate through simple aerobic exercises. You can even wear them on long walks like I do; after a few minutes, I stop noticing them and still receive the strength benefits.

Our Favorite Wrist Weights for Seniors

Bala Bangles are a great lightweight option for older adults who want to add resistance to their existing workouts. Weighing two pounds, these weights can be used as either ankle or wrist weights. They come in a variety of colors so you won’t misplace them, including:

• Black
• Dark blue
• Light blue
• Orange
• Peach
• Pink
• Yellow

One bangle costs $65. You can buy it on the Bala website directly, or on Amazon. Personally, as a Prime member, I chose Amazon to avoid paying $9 for shipping.

Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes are helpful exercise tools that provide reclining support as opposed to an upright riding position. A recumbent bike might be a good option for older adults who enjoy watching TV shows on their tablets while simultaneously getting in a good workout. With a recumbent bike, you have the flexibility to do other tasks while riding in one spot. I’ve read entire books while getting my cardio in!

A recumbent bike is mainly used to work out your lower body — glutes, hamstrings, calves, and quads. Unlike a regular bike, a recumbent bike puts less strain on your body. You can also control settings and resistance levels. A recumbent bike might be a good idea if you tend to lose steam on regular bike rides. You can build your stamina with recumbent bikes and adjust settings to your liking.

Our Favorite Recumbent Bike for Seniors

The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike is a great exercise bike for older adults who might not feel comfortable going to a gym. This recumbent bike features a comfortable lumbar-support backrest and a contoured seat that’s perfect for longer workouts. What’s more, this particular bike features a seven-inch LD display that works with Bluetooth. There’s also the option to add on digital subscriptions to the JRNY or ZWIFT apps if you want adaptive workouts, on-demand classes, coaching, virtual destinations, or virtual competitions.

On the Schwinn website, the bike is priced at $799, or $45 a month through 18-month financing with no interest if you pay it in full during this time period. You can add in-home assembly for $149, as well as three or five year warranties for $79 or $109, respectively. I recommend adding the in-home assembly if nothing else; in my experience, it was totally worth the money, as it took less than an hour to get it up and running without me having to lift a finger.

To learn more about recumbent bikes, read our guide to the best recumbent bikes for seniors.

Rowing Machines

Rowing machines are a great at-home exercise tool to have if you’re looking to strengthen your body and to have more energy throughout the day. A rowing machine is used to work out both the lower and upper body along with core muscles. It’s a great tool for active seniors because it can help burn a lot of calories, increase heart rate, and build muscle and stamina. As a former crew athlete, I love how rowing machines let me get a great workout in without having to actually be out on the water.

The best way to use a rowing machine is to take a seat on the adjustable seat and put your feet on the footrests. Once you’re strapped in, you can pull the handlebar toward your chest and feel the resistance. Overall, a rowing machine can help exercise your abs, obliques, shoulders, arms, and upper and lower body. Plus, you can always adjust the resistance to match a low-impact workout that works for you.

Our Favorite Rowing Machines for Seniors

The Concept2 RowErg is our favorite rowing machine because it’s suitable for a variety of fitness levels and is a great at-home rowing device. This rowing machine is great for improving heart health and working out nearly every muscle group in the body. Some of the additional features of this rowing machine include a device holder, a PM5 monitor to track health metrics, and the option of either standard or tall legs with different seat heights.

The RowErg is priced at $990 with standard legs that are 14 inches high, or $1,155 with tall legs that are 20 inches high. The tall legs make the seat higher, making it easier to get on and off, which could be good for seniors with mobility issues. You can buy it from the Concept2 website directly and be protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Foam Rollers

A foam roller is a large cylindrical foam tube that you can use to increase flexibility and reduce soreness or tightness in the body. It’s an effective exercise tool for older adults with back and shoulder problems or muscle aches. If you’re in recovery or are looking to loosen the stiffness in your joints and back, foam rollers can be a helpful tool. You can also use them as a warm-up tool before your workouts or yoga sessions. Although foam rollers can be painful, it’s the good kind of pain that makes me feel much better afterward, in my experience.

Our Favorite Foam Rollers for Seniors

The Gaiam Deep Tissue Foam Roller provides a comfortable and deep stretch while alleviating pressure points and tension in the body. Its firm design and durable hollow center make it a comfortable choice for older adults with back, shoulder, or neck pain. What’s more, it comes with a helpful exercise guide containing exercises to perform using the roller. Buy the roller for $34.98 on the GETACTV website; if you give them your email address, you can get 15 percent off, bringing the price down to $29.73.

Free Weights

Free weights are useful for building strength, doing aerobic exercises, and enhancing muscle mass. They’re considered “free” because they aren’t attached to anything. You can lift them up and find the right weight for your exercise routine. There are a variety of different types of free weights. These include dumbbells and kettlebells. With free weights, you can do biceps curls, resistance exercises, squats, and other arm exercises. Personally, I love using free weights with my Peloton workouts, especially if Cody Rigsby is doing the instructing.

Our Favorite Free Weights for Seniors

The Gruper Adjustable Handbells are our favorite free weights because they’re durable and feature an ergonomic design that’s easy for seniors to use. For older adults, these particular free weights provide high-quality material for an easier grip. These free weights are 11.8 inches in length and have anti-slip handles for safer workouts. They’re a step up from traditional dumbbells because they have a top cap that you can unscrew to insert different counterweight blocks. The options are:

• 2.6 pounds
• 4.8 pounds
• 6.4 pounds
• 8 pounds
• 11 pounds

Bottom Line

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control(CDC), per week, adults ages 65 need at least:

• 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity like brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity like running, jogging, or hiking
• Activities that improve balance
• Two days a week of muscle strengthening

That being said, according to the 2020 National Health Interview Survey, only 11 percent of women and 15 percent of men ages 65 and over are meeting these aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines, the lowest percentage of any age group.

I want to emphasize how important it is to eat a proper diet and make exercise a daily habit for longevity and physical and mental well-being. You can start by thinking of gentle beginner exercises to get moving and your heart pumping. Whether it’s investing in a resistance band or joining a friend for a yoga session, you will be more energized and can reduce the risk of heart disease and other conditions.

To learn more about our favorite ways to exercise, check out our other guides:

• Best Medical Alert Systems
• Best Bicycles for Seniors