Most often, we find the elderly are far more active and much healthier when compared to their children or grandchildren. This could be due to the active lifestyles that most of them lead. There are many senior citizens who have been working out for years and tend to remain in good shape dueto that. Hence it is important that they have a workout regime that helps them stay fit. Although there are some age-related problems that cannot be avoided, there are certain types of exercise equipment that are safe and will help prevent injuries in the elderly citizens. But the right equipment can only be chosen based on the fitness levels of the individual.

Recumbent exercise bikes Vs upright bikes

While investing in exercise equipment for seniors one must take a lot of things into consideration as there may be potential dangers while using certain types of equipment. The person’s physical and mental state must be taken into consideration before purchasing the equipment. The recumbent bikes are an excellent option for the elderly as they are very comfortable. A 30-minute workout (of moderate intensity) performed five days a week will be very beneficial for the senior citizens. Recumbent bikes are an excellent choice for the elderly as they offer back support.

Upright bikes are very uncomfortable and it can put a lot of strain on the back as well as the knee joints. Hence it is certainly not advisable for senior citizens. However as for people exercising who don’t want any impact work then the stationary exercise bike is one of the best there is to offer. A recumbent exercise bike is even better because you are exercising at a relaxed sit down position and for this reason they are popular with a lot of gym and health club goers.

Strength training equipment for upper back

Before undertaking an exercise regimen seniors must consult with the physician or trainer who can offer proper guidance based on the individual fitness levels. Due to the weakened back muscles senior citizens tend to have a hunched back. These muscles can be strengthened with the help of the seated row as well as the lat pull-down machine.

This exercise is performed from a seated position. Here, the bar would be pulled down from a seated position. Shoulder injuries can be avoided by pulling the bar down from the front of the body. The resistance is pulled towards the body while performing the row exercises. The shoulder blades get squeezed while the elbows bend while doing this exercise.

Choosing the equipment with care

A lot of things must be taken into consideration while choosing exercise equipment for the elderly. The equipment must be chosen with a great deal of care. You must check the comfort levels with the usage of the equipment, personal choices, strength, balance, age, vision etc. You must consider what exercise kind if what you can do if you are an elderly person. A consultation with a physician may be something that would be in order.

The equipment should preferably be used in an area where they can be supervised. It is important to have someone who can administer first aid, AED, or CPR in case of an emergency. To have someone “spot” you for the first few exercise sessions is not a bad idea. Someone to keep an eye on you as you cycle or lift weights is something you may want someone to do and it certainly does help you keep sociable as you get older

Types of equipment

There is equipment where the elderly can do weight-bearing exercises without having to change or carry weights. All this is done with the use of hydraulic technology and the user only has to the turn the knob to adjust weights.There is the balance gym which has even won an award from the International Council on Aging Innovation. This is a platform where the seniors use the resistance bands to practice strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic exercises.

Most of these exercise equipment are designed in such a way so as to facilitate getting in and out of them with ease and with the use of knobs that can be manipulated easily. The display text is also easy to read and understand. Aging is a natural process and that should not come in the way of exercising or maintaining fitness. There is a lot of equipment that is specially designed for seniors and this is a great way to stay fit.