When it comes to choosing great equipment for a healthy workout routine for seniors, it’s important to factor in a few additional requirements like safety and simplicity.
To figure out what kind of machines and equipment are best suited for seniors, our team got together with a physical therapy specialist.
We spent a few weeks testing out different machines for cardio exercises and strength with a few of our senior clients to see which would have the most benefits.
And here is a list of the best exercise equipment we were able to find.
Our Top Home Gym Equipment For Seniors (September 2023)
1 - Rogue Echo Bike (Editor's Choice)
Based on the feedback I got from multiple clients in their 70s and from the testing results I saw with some of them, the one piece of home exercise equipment for seniors that I would recommend the most is this Rogue Echo Bike.
Not only did the stability give users confidence that they were safe using it, but it also seemed to promote a good posture to avoid unnecessary joint strain.
Stationary exercise bikes are an excellent way to get the heart pumping without causing much strain on your joints [1]. And that allows you to get to higher intensity levels without risking injuries.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Stationary Bike
- Size : 58.875"L x 29.875"W x 52.75"
- Weight Limit : 350 lbs
- Commercial-grade durability will last for many years of training
- Excellent choice for aerobic exercise with no repetitive strain impacts on joints
- Easily adjusted from slightly higher blood flow to cardio and strength training
- Connects with different smartphone apps to keep track of your training data
- It’s a bit heavy piece of fitness equipment
2 - Sole Fitness E25 Elliptical Machine
Another great way to burn calories with less impact on joints is with an elliptical trainer, and this Sole Fitness model can be the ideal choice for someone who doesn’t need all the bells and whistles on a cardio machine.
But my testing showed that you get a lot of good training data and feedback to help you improve your fitness.
With entry-level elliptical machines like this, you still have a great choice of intensity settings.
Just keep in mind that it’s a heavy piece of equipment, and you’ll want to place it on a yoga mat to protect your floors.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Elliptical Machine
- Size : 34"D x 66"W x 23"H
- Weight Limit : 325 lbs
- Very affordable elliptical with some advanced display features
- Great for getting the entire body moving and targeting multiple muscle groups
- Uses a magnetic resistance mechanism to reduce noise levels
- It’s not easy to move aside, so make sure you pick the right spot for it
3 - Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine
Next up, we would recommend this Concept 2 rowing machine, which is possibly the easiest one we’ve found for use and adjustment.
The display isn’t cluttered with options, and you’ll easily adjust it to get a more intense lower and upper body workout.
It’s also a great option to target more muscles with higher intensity while not causing strain on joints [2].
You can even use it to tone and build up muscle mass.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Rowing Machine
- Size : 24"D x 96"W x 14"H
- Weight Limit : 500 lbs
- Easily set up for different intensities to train and strengthen the whole body
- It’s quite a small machine that won’t require a lot of space at home
- Collects and displays training data in an easy-to-understand way
- The assembly can be a bit tricky and requires two people
4 - Schwinn Recumbent Bike
Next on our recommendations for the best home exercise equipment for seniors is this Schwinn recumbent bike.
It’s like a regular stationary bike but has a larger seat with a backrest that allows you to keep your back in a better posture [3].
What our testing team highlighted is that it’s very easy to adjust to your height and preferred leg angles, and there’s a cool display that shows you different outdoor scenes that make it seem like you’re cycling outside.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Recumbent Bike
- Size : 27.7"D x 64"W x 49.9"H
- Weight Limit : 300 lbs
- Easily adjust the seat for maximum comfort and ideal leg angles
- Ideal for seniors with back issues as the seat is ergonomically designed
- Large screen allows you to view scenes to get the impression of cycling outdoors
- The heart rate measuring contacts aren't very accurate
5 - Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill
Treadmill workouts are great for cardio, and the main reasons we chose this one is due to affordability and a good shock absorption system that reduces the strain on joints.
You can also easily fold it up to get it out of the way, so it doesn’t take up a huge amount of space.
I got a few of my senior clients to try it out and also see how they found the heart rate sensors.
These seem to be pretty accurate and allow you to better adjust your workouts for ideal heart rate zones and better fitness levels.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Treadmill
- Size : 64.5"D x 28"W x 50.5"H
- Weight Limit : 240 lbs
- Simple to use entry-level treadmill is easy to configure for different workouts
- Includes a pulse sensor to check your heart rate zones
- Allows for speeds up to eight miles per hour
- The weight limit is a bit on the low side
6 - Body Champ Upright Exercise Bike
This is slightly different from a recumbent exercise bike but offers similar advantages for getting into a posture that is easier on the lower back.
It’s a great piece of exercise equipment for seniors who like the flexibility of different types of training, from an exercise bike to an elliptical.
And you can achieve these with one machine.
The only thing we heard a lot of people mention is that the assembly process could be more straightforward.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Upright Stationary Bike
- Size : 60” x 28” x 64”
- Weight Limit : 250 lbs
- It can be used as an elliptical machine as well
- Easily adjust the resistance levels by turning a knob
- Allows you to get into different leg positions similar to recumbent exercise bikes
- The assembly process is quite tricky and requires at least two people
7 - LifePro Under Desk Elliptical
Next on our list of best home exercise equipment is one of the cheapest options available that also takes up practically no space.
Designed for people who sit at a desk all day, you can simply place this in front of any chair and get your legs into an elliptical workout movement.
Such a chair exercise program is ideal for seniors who might feel less comfortable on a machine.
You could also use some wrist weights to improve upper body levels or use the resistance bands included.
Read More: Best Under Desk Ellipticals
Quick Facts:
- Type : Under Desk Elliptical
- Size : 18.5"D x 22.7"W x 12.9"H
- Weight Limit : n/a
- An inexpensive way to exercise your legs while sitting on a chair
- Easy to adjust resistance level with a simple knob turn
- Includes resistance bands to help you train your arms and shoulders
- It may require a yoga mat to stop it from moving
8 - DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
This piece of exercise equipment for seniors is a lot more like a cycling movement, and the small size means that it’s easy to store out of the way when not in use.
You simply sit on a chair and start pedaling like on a stationary bike.
We were quite surprised at how well this kind of chair exercise program can work to get the heart rate pumping.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Under Desk Pedal Exerciser
- Size : 10.24” x 24.02” x 20.08”
- Weight Limit : n/a
- Comes with an easy-to-read display to track training performance
- Easy to hide under a desk and bring out for regular workouts
- Sturdy design and great non-slip feet mean you don’t need a yoga mat underneath
- Some resistance bands included would make this a better deal
9 - Gazelle Fitness Glider Cardio
Here is another piece of exercise equipment for seniors that is very easy to set up and move around and even folds up to keep it out of the way when not in use.
Our experience with testing it was very positive, as it allows for a great range of motion in the legs.
It’s also a very smooth movement that will suit a lot of seniors with joint issues.
But keep in mind that you’ll be limited by your stride length for intensity as there is no resistance setting.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Fitness Glider
- Size : 43” x 29.25” x 53.7”
- Weight Limit : 250 lbs
- Provides a smooth motion that reduces all strain on joints
- Allows for long and short strides to add more movement into legs
- Easy to set up and folds down to store it out of the way
- Doesn’t allow for different intensity settings
10 - LANOS Workout Bike
The final exercise equipment for seniors we would recommend is another one in the category of recumbent bikes.
This one is a smaller size, and it’s also foldable to make it a lot easier to move out of the way.
Our testing team immediately highlighted that the seat was very comfortable and put you into a good posture to reduce strain on the back.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Size : 26.5"D x 19.5"W x 47"H
- Weight Limit : 300 lbs
- Great height adjustment settings allow you to quickly change for different users
- The comfortable seat provides great back support and balance
- Uses a magnetic resistance system that is very quiet and effective
- We found the foot straps to be a bit difficult to get a perfect fit
Buyer’s Guide
Next, I want to briefly show you what you need to focus on before you buy home exercise equipment. There are some important things to keep in mind as a senior.
Who Should Buy Home Gym Equipment?
Any senior who wants to maintain cardiovascular health and strong bones and muscles should consider building a home gym setup.
Exercise plays a key role in maintaining skeletal muscles, and it can also boost growth hormone levels to strengthen bones [4].
“With resistance training, the force of muscle pulling against bone appears to be enough to stimulate bone growth even if the actual stress placed on the bone is moderate.”
- Erin Pereira, PT, DPT at VeryWellFit.com
But unlike younger people, buying the best home exercise equipment for seniors needs to factor in a reduction of strain on the knee and hip joints. And that’s why we carefully picked the above workout machines.
Assess Your Fitness Goals First
Before you choose exercise equipment for seniors, you need to look at what your goals are.
If you just want to keep your body moving and increase your heart rate once a day, then an under-desk elliptical might do the job.
But if you want to do some strength training for muscle mass, then you need a machine that will ideally allow you to set a great range of resistance levels.
Account For Injuries And Weak Points
This is one of the most important things to consider in assessing exercise equipment for seniors.
Knee and hip joint problems are very common, but you may also need to account for lower spine issues and problems with shoulder joints.
The more you can reduce the impact on joints and the back, the better it will be for your overall health.
And it will make sure you don’t add to existing injuries and weak points.
“Although some forms of exercise may be too rough for patients experiencing low back pain (such as running or even biking on the road), riding a stationary exercise bike allows patients to engage in exercise without jarring the spine.”
- J. Talbot Sellers, DO at spine-health.com
Work Out Your Budget
Even with a small budget, you can still buy some basic workout equipment like an under-desk elliptical.
But keep in mind that a limited budget also means a limit to the workout flexibility and intensity you have.
If you want to do a bit of strength training with a higher intensity setting and regular cardio as well, then you’ll need to up your budget to one of the more advanced machines.
Start With Basic Home Exercise Equipment
I would generally advise that people build up their home exercise equipment. You can easily start with exercise mats and wrist weights or resistance bands for low-impact strength training.
But those wrist weights won’t give you many options for cardio.
One of the more basic machines you’ll find is an under-desk elliptical. I listed two of these above, and they are an inexpensive way to give you some flexibility for cardio.
Pick Flexible Cardio Equipment
When it comes to choosing workout equipment, you want to choose one that gives you a wide range of intensity settings.
On the one hand, a rowing machine is great for working out your lower and upper body, but it can be straining on the back, but this is most often down to bad techniques [5].
For great flexibility in how much intensity you add as well as low impact on joints, you should definitely consider stationary or recumbent bikes for seniors.
Be Careful With Free Weights
One thing I would caution seniors against is working out with free weights [6]. While they are a great way to build up strength and avoid muscle wasting, there is a higher level of risk if you don’t get the form right.
My physical therapist specifically highlighted that she often had seniors come to her because of damage from training with free weights. And she also recommended doing cardio workouts with an exercise machine.
And if you want to do weight training, then make sure you work with a personal trainer first to make sure you get the movements right for your exercise routine.
Plan Around Available Space
You don’t need a huge amount of exercise machines to do regular exercise for seniors to burn fat and improve your fitness levels. Whether you want to lose weight, boost your cardio health, or just have a more active lifestyle, even limited floor space will help.
What I would suggest, though, is to measure out your space first and then decide what size restrictions you might have for cardio exercise equipment.
The good news is that we picked the machines above that don’t require a huge amount of space, especially the Rogue Echo bike.
Simply find a corner of a spare room, and it won’t even be in your way for daily life.
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FAQs
What Is The Best Home Exercise Machine For Seniors?
An exercise bike is probably the best home exercise equipment for seniors. It has a low impact on the joints and allows you to increase the intensity level high enough to get the heart and muscles working at an optimum level.
Is A Treadmill Or Elliptical Better For Seniors?
An elliptical machine is better than a treadmill for seniors, for the most part. Even a high-end treadmill with good shock absorption will add some strain to joints, and you can almost completely avoid that with an elliptical.
How Long Should A 70-Year-Old Woman Walk On A Treadmill?
A 70-year-old woman should work or jog for about 30 minutes on a treadmill five days a week. For further improved physical fitness, you can easily double that, but it also depends on possible injuries that might limit it.
What Exercises Should Seniors Not Do?
Most seniors should not do high-impact exercises. While some might still have the muscle mass and bone density to deal with impacts, it’s generally safer at an older age to avoid anything that could cause injury.
What’s The Best Exercise Equipment Seniors Should Consider?
Based on our research and testing out dozens of machines with a group of seniors, we would advise that you invest in the Rogue Echo bike as the ideal way to get and stay fit.
It’s a commercial-grade machine at a very affordable price. And the choice of intensity settings and pre-programmed workout plans are great to give you some diversity.
My oldest client recently bought one and has found that it’s significantly helped him with weight management, and he feels more stable while out and about than he has in many years.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue Echo Bike
- Commercial-grade durability will last for many years of training
- Excellent choice for aerobic exercise with no repetitive strain impacts on joints
- Easily adjusted from slightly higher blood flow to cardio and strength training
- Connects with different smartphone apps to keep track of your training data
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- It’s a bit heavy piece of fitness equipment
About The Author
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I appreciate the focus on safety and low impact exercises for seniors. As a fitness enthusiast, I like to incorporate resistance bands into my workout routine.