Maintaining regular physical activity is important for people of all ages. For senior citizens, exercise can play a key role in promoting good circulation and muscle strength to increasing energy, balance, and mental focus. It can also help seniors feel better by reducing stress, depression, and anxiety. There are lots of ways for seniors to get started with an exercise program, whether by joining a fitness center, taking a class at a senior center, or purchasing exercise machines and other equipment for the home. Many types of fitness equipment are designed specifically for the needs of the senior citizens to ensure an enjoyable and safe exercise routine.
Treadmills
Seniors should consider cardiovascular exercise machines. Walking is a great, low impact form of cardio exercise for seniors. Treadmills make it easy to walk anytime, no matter the weather outside. They can be easily adjusted to suit one’s pace and often include extra features for monitoring heart rate and calories burned. More active and physically fit seniors can benefit from the ability to adjust speed and incline on a treadmill for a more challenging workout.
Exercise Bikes
Recumbent exercise bikes are also popular among seniors looking for a cardiovascular exercise machine. These stationary bikes offer a reclined sitting position, which can be more comfortable for some seniors. Different levels of resistance can be set to make a workout easier or more challenging. A recumbent exercise bike is especially ideal for those who become easily bored by an exercise routine. Because of the sitting position and minimal bouncing of the body, it is easy to read, watch television, or listen to music while exercising on a recumbent exercise bike. This makes it more likely that a senior will enjoy and keep up an exercise routine.
Ellipticals
Recumbent Ellipticals, or “seated ellipticals” are another great choice. Check out the Octane choices like the xr6c and xr6000s. The later has a swivel seat for ease of entry and exit.
Exercise is Important
Exercise is important for everyone’s health, including seniors. There are many choices of exercise machines that are well suited to the physical needs of older individuals. It is quite possible for a senior citizen to remain fit and active throughout their golden years. By setting up an exercise routine including both strength and cardio equipment, seniors can promote good health while feeling stronger and better about themselves.
Benefits of Exercise for Seniors
Everyone wants to be strong and active. But for seniors exercise is vital to live a long healthy life. The benefits of exercise for seniors are improved immune and digestive functions, lower blood pressure, higher bone density, and lower risk for diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Exercise can also enhance your mobility, flexibility and lower your chances of injury. It is recommended that people above age 65 get at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise and at least two sessions of muscle strengthening activity every week.
That’s not a lot of time if you enjoy the exercise and have the right workout equipment. Take for example, the treadmill. The True Fitness CS200 Treadmill has a soft system belt that decreases the impact on joints, so it’s perfect for seniors who want to walk or jog. The recumbent elliptical is another great exercise machine that uses more muscles than other seated equipment. The recumbent bike takes less effort to balance and move the pedals and puts less pressure on your joints.
Don’t forget that stretching and weight lifting is also great exercise and can be done in your home. These exercises help older adults sleep better, be happier and have better focus.
