As we get older the effects of aging become more obvious. It’s a natural process. Our joints become stiffer and ache more than they used to.
For many, muscle loss and fat gain are inevitable. We slow down. Even if you have an athletic background, you just can’t do what you used to do.
Still, it doesn’t have to be that bad. The best exercise equipment for seniors can help you get in shape, lose weight, and feel good.
There’s a lot to choose from, so let’s check it out!
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
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Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors
- Merax Electric Folding Treadmill – Best Budget Treadmill For Seniors
- Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill – Best Walking Treadmill For Seniors
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 – Best Under Desk Elliptical For Seniors
- Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical – Best Elliptical For Seniors
- NordicTrack Vr21 Commercial Recumbent Bike – Best Recumbent Bike For Seniors
- Pexmor 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike – Best Overall Exercise Equipment For Seniors
- Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best Budget Rower For Seniors
- SPRI Xertube Resistance Bands – Best Tube Bands For Seniors
- Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands – Best Loop Bands For Seniors
- Marcy MWM-988 Multi-Function Home Gym w/150lb Stack – Best Single Stack Home Gym For Seniors
- Gold’s Gym XRS 50 Single Stack Home Gym – Best Budget Home Gym For Seniors
- AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights – Best For Seniors
- Weider Ultimate Body Works – Best Budget Bodyweight Home Gym For Seniors
- The Chair Gym – The Total Body Workout – Best For Seniors with Poor Mobility
Reviews – The Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors
Treadmills
A treadmill is a good exercise option for seniors. Walking and jogging are two of the best ways to get a good cardiovascular workout. The beauty of a treadmill is that you can do it indoors.
The options are there to make it harder, from adjusting the incline to using hand weights. The best treadmills can be easily folded and wheeled out of the way when not in use.
1. Merax Electric Folding Treadmill – Best Budget Treadmill For Seniors
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The Merax Electric Folding Treadmill is a compact folding design with transportation wheels for easy storage.
It has a multi-function display that tracks exercise performance, including heart rate.
There’s a jack for headphones, and there are regular speakers.
The Merax has a large exercise area with an anti-slip belt design for good traction while walking or jogging.
There are 12 preset workout programs and a quiet 1.5hp electric motor.
Additionally, there are cup holders, an emergency stop key, and the user weight capacity is 240 lbs.
The excellent price point and quality features make the Merax Electric Folding Treadmill the best budget treadmill for seniors.
PROS
- Space Saving, Foldable Design
- Features 12 Preset Workout Programs
- Large Exercise Area
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Quality Is Poor
2. Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill – Best Walking Treadmill For Seniors
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The Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill supports a user weight of up to 295lbs.
It has a low deck for easier accessibility. It also has a large exercise space designed to absorb shock to reduce joint impact while exercising.
There’s no-slip, full-length handlebars, and an emergency stop clip.
There’s an easy to use information console with a “mode” button so users can personalize their exercise goals.
Speed can be adjusted easily with the “Quick Speed” buttons.
Due to the handle design, this treadmill does not fold, but it tilts and has transportation wheels to move it easily as needed.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill is designed for easy, safe use by seniors. That makes it the best treadmill for seniors.
PROS
- Low Deck Height For Easier Access
- Full-Length Handlebars
- Exclusive Deck Design Lowers Joint Impact
CONS
- Some Users Have Discovered Missing Nuts & Bolts, Delaying Assembly
Ellipticals
An elliptical machine is a good choice of exercise equipment for seniors because it provides a no-impact workout. They are mainly a lower-body machine but some ellipticals can provide an upper body workout. Under-desk designs are a good choice for any senior with limited mobility.
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 – Best Under Desk Elliptical For Seniors
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The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical features 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
The belt drive magnetic resistance system is designed for smooth, quiet operation.
There’s also a digital monitor that tracks exercise performance.
The Under Desk Elliptical has a compact design and includes an easy to grab handle so you can move it anywhere.
It’s designed to fit under any chair, and it features large, non-slip pedals. No assembly is required.
These features make the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 the best under desk elliptical for seniors.
PROS
- Compact Design Fits Under Most Chairs
- Easy To Grab Handle – Can Be Moved To Any Chair
- Comes Fully Assembled
CONS
- May Not Fit Well In Tight Spaces, Such As Around A Home Office Desk
4. Teeter FreeStep LT1 Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical – Best Elliptical For Seniors
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The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical provides a zero-impact workout and is designed for seniors who may be suffering from arthritis.
The seated exercise position reduces stress on the back and joints, as well as overall body fatigue.
Still, the FreeStep provides a full workout even though users are in a seated position.
The stride motion is easy on the knees, back, ankles, and hips. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with the upper body handles.
The resistance is adjustable, and there’s an easy to read display that provides workout information.
The seat height and handlebars are also adjustable, and there’s a water bottle holder.
The machine does not fold, but there are transportation wheels so the FreeStep can be moved out of the way.
These features make the Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical the best elliptical for seniors.
PROS
- Zero Impact – Easy On The Back, Hips, Knees & Ankles
- Provides A Upper And/Or Lower Body Workout
- Seated Design Ideal For Seniors
CONS
- May Be Too Pricey For Some Users
Exercise Bikes
Exercise bikes are a good, low impact option for seniors. It’s especially good for users with a sore back, hips, knees, or ankles.
Exercise bikes can be used year-round yet can provide the feel of riding an outdoor bike.
There’s more than one design, from recumbent to foldable. Your choice of this type of exercise equipment for seniors will depend on factors such as budget, space, and any health concerns.
5. NordicTrack Vr21 Commercial Recumbent Bike – Best Recumbent Bike For Seniors
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The NordicTrack Vr21 Commercial Recumbent Bike is a commercial quality exercise bike that’s a good choice for seniors.
It has a user weight of up to 350lbs and offers a zero-impact workout.
It uses magnetic resistance and features a smooth, natural pedaling motion.
The recumbent design is a good choice for seniors, especially if they are new to exercising. It’s also a good design for users with mobility problems.
There are 32 onboard workout programs, built-in speakers, and a media shelf.
All of these features make the NordicTrack Vr21 Commercial Recumbent Bike the best recumbent exercise bike for seniors.
PROS
- 25 Levels Of Resistance
- 32 Workout Programs
- Smooth, Quiet Operation
CONS
- Assembly May Not Be Easy For All Users
6. Pexmor 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike – Best Overall Exercise Equipment For Seniors
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The Pexmor 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike is a compact option for seniors that do not have a lot of available space. It folds up for easy storage and has wheels for easy transport.
One of the outstanding features of this folding exercise bike is that it has arm resistance bands. This allows seniors to get a full-body workout. It also includes resistance bands so seniors can stretch their legs after working out.
There’s an adjustable seat back for good support, users can adjust the seat height, and it has 8 levels of resistance.
While it can be ridden upright, the semi-recumbent position makes it ideal for the older users.
These features make the Pexmor 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike our best overall for seniors.
PROS
- Provides A Whole Body Workout
- Features A Padded Adjustable Seat Back
- 8 Levels Of Resistance
CONS
- No Maintenance Manual Included
Rowing Machines
A rowing machine is a low impact exercise machine that can involve the entire body, so you lose weight, and you can tone up a little too. Many users may think of a rower as a machine that targets the back, but it also involves your core and leg muscles.
7. Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine – Best Budget Rower For Seniors
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The Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine features 10 levels of resistance and is manufactured from iron material for durability and strength.
It has a user weight limit of 265lbs and is designed for seniors that want to get in better shape.
The seat is well padded, the pivoting footplates are large, and they have adjustable straps for a secure fit. This machine has an easy to read display that tracks workout performance.
It is easy to use and features a single pull handle. Also, it folds and transports easily for storage.
These features make the Goplus Magnetic Rowing Machine the best budget rower for seniors.
PROS
- Easy To Use
- Easy To Fold And Store
- 10 Levels Of Resistance
CONS
- Does Not Monitor Heart Rate
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a versatile type of exercise equipment for seniors that can be used anywhere.
They are bands made from an elastic rubber material that you can stand on to hold in place while you exercise. They can also be anchored to a door frame or similar apparatus.
Resistance bands are inexpensive and completely portable.
8. SPRI Xertube Resistance Bands – Best Tube Bands For Seniors
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The SPRI Xertube Resistance Bands are color-coded to represent different levels of resistance.
They include attached handles and are made using durable rubber. They can be purchased with or without a door anchor.
Xertube Resistance Bands are gym-quality and fit in well with the exercise goals of seniors. They can be used by themselves or with other pieces of exercise equipment. They are completely portable, so seniors can use them indoors or outdoors, at home, or wherever they happen to be.
These features make the SPRI Xertube Resistance Bands the best tube bands for seniors.
PROS
- 100% portable – Work Out Anywhere
- Patented Rubber Sleeve Design Extends The Life Of The Band
- Gym Quality
CONS
- If Users Want Multiple Levels Of Resistance, They Will Have To Be Purchased Separately
9. Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands – Best Loop Bands For Seniors
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The Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands are a loop design that comes in a set of 5 color-coded resistance levels.
There’s also an exercise ebook to help seniors get started, and there’s a travel bag included.
These bands can be used by themselves or part of any exercise program. They’re portable and can be used anywhere.
They are a good choice for at-home physical therapy and are helpful for seniors with a sore back, knees, or legs.
These features make the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands the best loop bands for seniors.
PROS
- Easy To Use Loop Design
- 5 Color-Coded Resistance Levels
- Includes Ebook
CONS
- Some Users Find They May Rip Easily
Single Stack Home Gym
10. Marcy MWM-988 Multi-Function Home Gym w/150lb Stack – Best Single Stack Home Gym For Seniors
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The Marcy MWM-988 Home Gym is a single stack weight machine that comes with multi-grip press arms and a lat pulldown bar.
The padded seat includes a leg attachment and arm curl attachment.
The MWM 988 features a 150 lb. weight stack, so this is a machine that will work well for seniors that want to get in shape. It’s well suited to seniors that still enjoy bodybuilding-style training. It’s also well suited to circuit training because you can move quickly from exercise to exercise.
The Marcy MWM 988 features heavy-duty 14-gauge steel construction.
It’s a relatively compact design, but it’s not a moveable machine. This means you’ll want to make sure you have a designated place for it in your home.
The Marcy MWM 988 is the best single stack home gym for seniors.
PROS
- Dual Action Press Arms Allows Flys & Presses
- Made From 14 Gauge Steel
- Includes Preacher Curl Unit & Leg Unit
CONS
- The 150 lb. Stack May Be Too Light For Some Users
11. Gold’s Gym XRS 50 Single Stack Home Gym – Best Budget Home Gym For Seniors
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The Gold’s Gym XRS 50 Single Stack Home Gym has 280 lbs of vinyl plate resistance and has a user weight capacity of 300lbs.
The XRS 50 features a chest press/fly station, leg extension/leg curl unit, high pulley, and low pulley.
There’s also an exercise chart designed by a personal trainer. It’s a good choice for seniors that want a safe, easy to use home gym.
With this machine, seniors can strength train, circuit train, or train to get in shape.
The XRS 50 is a compact design but still requires a specific amount of space so make sure you have enough room available.
The features and price point make the Gold’s Gym XRS 50 the best budget single stack home gym for seniors.
PROS
- 280lbs Of Weight
- Users Can Perform A Complete Full Body Workout
- Exercise In Safety
CONS
- Vinyl Weight Stack May Not Be Durable For Extended Use
Dumbbells
12. AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights – Best For Seniors
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The AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights come as a 20lb set.
The set is broken down into two 2lb, two 3lb, and two 5lb pairs of dumbbells. There’s also a convenient storage rack.
These dumbbells are a good choice for seniors that want to use weights by themselves or with another piece of exercise equipment. They are a good way to get in shape and offer a good range of weight for the senior user.
The neoprene design is durable and means that these dumbbells can be used indoors or even outdoors.
However, users will need to allow space for the storage rack. Still, it fits well in a small exercise area.
These features make the AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights the best dumbbells for seniors.
PROS
- Durable Neoprene Design
- Includes Storage Rack
- 20lbs In Three Weight Increments
CONS
- May Not Be Enough Weight For Some Users
Bodyweight Home Gym
13. Weider Ultimate Body Works – Best Budget Bodyweight Home Gym For Seniors
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The Weider Ultimate Body Works is a budget-conscious version of the popular Total Gym. It’s similar to Total Gym because it uses body weight and a height-adjustable gliding board for resistance. It takes things one step farther and includes a cable system that adds 50lbs of extra resistance.
The Ultimate Body Works operates by using a pulley system and handle. You can do over 50 exercises with this machine, including core exercises, various types of presses, arm work, back work, and rowing for cardio.
It folds up and you can store it in a closet or under a bed. It’s a good choice for seniors that want an easy-to-use way to get in shape.
These features and the excellent price point make the Weider Ultimate Body Works the best budget bodyweight home gym for seniors.
PROS
- Provides A Complete Full Body Workout
- Features Up To 50 lbs. Extra Resistance
- Folds For Storage – Space Saving Design
CONS
- Not As Stable As Competing Total Gym Models
- Not Well Suited To Taller Individuals
- Not For Serious Exercisers
Chair Gyms
14. The Chair Gym – The Total Body Workout – Best For Seniors with Poor Mobility
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For some seniors, mobility may be an issue. If that is the case, the Chair Gym is an ideal solution.
The Chair Gym is designed to provide a total body workout and comes with upper and lower body resistance band handles, a 50-exercise instruction book, a DVD, and a 7-Day Meal Plan booklet.
There’s also a “Twister Seat” that goes on the Chair so you can easily work your abs.
The Chair Gym comes fully assembled and is extremely easy to use. Since it’s basically a folding chair, it’s also easy to fold and store.
These features make The Chair Gym the best home gym for seniors with poor mobility.
PROS
- Ideal Workout Device For Anyone With Limited Mobility
- Provides A Complete Workout
- Includes Numerous Accessories
CONS
- May Not Provide Enough Resistance For Some Users
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors?
Before deciding on the best exercise equipment for use by seniors, you should consider the following factors.
Exercise Goals
While keeping the advice of your medical professional in mind, you should decide what your fitness goals are.
Some seniors may have a bodybuilding/athletic background and want to continue to train this way, within reason of course.
Other seniors may simply want to exercise to promote good health and perhaps lose weight, and others may be exercising as a form of rehab.
Whatever your goal is, this guide contains the best exercise equipment for seniors.
Common Concerns
The most common areas of concern for seniors are joint-related issues. Especially knees, ankles, elbows, and sore backs. You’ll need to keep this in mind when choosing your exercise equipment. Of course, you will want a low impact machine or device, preferably one that can help your joints feel better.
Most seniors can benefit from mild cardio exercise for both heart health and weight loss. Even if you are choosing a single stack home gym, you can either add an inexpensive piece of cardio equipment or train using a circuit-style program. Each of the pieces of exercise equipment in our guide offers low to no impact, and many of them allow the user to exercise sitting down.
Things You Should Consider
Price
Your price range will play a major role in your choice of exercise equipment. This guide offers choices that can fit any budget.
Space
You may have enough space for a home gym, or you may only be able to use a corner of a room. You may also need to store the equipment when it’s not in use. There are choices in this guide from compact and foldable for easy storage to choices that will require a designated space.
Experience
As noted above, your exercise experience has a lot to do with your choice of exercise equipment. Your goals are influenced by your experience. For many seniors, your goals may also be a result of your medical practitioner’s suggestions, and/or rehab needs. There’s something for everybody when choosing exercise equipment. This guide is the place to start so you can make an informed choice.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of exercise equipment seniors can use to get in shape.
The best overall choice for seniors is The Pexmor 3 in 1 Adjustable Folding Exercise Bike. It’s our best because it provides an excellent low impact cardio workout and offers resistance bands so users can exercise their upper body. With this unit, you can strength train and perform cardio at the same time.
If you want something that’s designed for mobility problems, The Chair Gym is the best choice. This unit provides a complete workout while you remain seated in a comfortable folding chair. It folds up like a folding chair and can be stored anywhere.
If you want exercise equipment that’s inexpensive and portable, you may be looking for resistance bands. The SPRI Xertube Resistance Bands are the best tube bands for seniors. They offer different color-coded resistance levels and have handles attached. They can be used literally anywhere, and are grateful or traveling.
Just because you are a senior doesn’t mean you have to shortchange your fitness goals. Even if you’ve never really exercised, it’s never too late to begin. This is the guide that can get you off to a great start. Happy Training!
