A growing shift in the wellness and fitness industry has made exercise more accessible for everyone. Once bulky exercise equipment has evolved into sleek, multifunctional equipment that snugly fits into the comfort of your home.
Growing older brings about a new set of experiences and slowing doesn’t have to be one of them. Staying active encourages good health and mobility, and fosters independence and strength, seamlessly improving our ability to perform everyday tasks with ease.
Moving into a smaller space shouldn’t deter us from continuing to live an active lifestyle.
Thanks to innovative designs, there’s an abundance of compact exercise equipment perfect for older adults to incorporate into their fitness routine, including:
- Folding treadmills
- Resistance bands
- Recumbent bikes
- Compact ellipticals
These designs save space while offering low-impact, joint-friendly workouts accessible for all strength levels.
Folding Treadmills
Cardio crunched into compact running or walking on treadmills has been a favorite home workout for years. Traditional treadmills are heavy and bully, taking up a lot of space.
Enter folding treadmills. They have all the advantages of a traditional treadmill but in a compact, sleek, and space-saving design. Their handrails and adjustable speeds make them friendly for older adults of all speed levels.
With folding treadmills, you can continue to watch your favorite TV show or movie while making time for gentle exercise!
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are versatile in offering strength or flexibility depending on what movement you’re in the mood for. They focus on low-impact strength training, helping to improve muscle tone, balance, and flexibility while being gentle on your joints.
Resistance bands are light, compact bands that vary in intensity, making them a great workout tool to store in your closet or drawer, while accommodating all strength levels.
Recumbent Bikes
Older adults can continue to enjoy comfortable cardio in their homes with low-impact recumbent bikes.
Their reclined seats and back support make for a relaxed cycling session and adjustable resistance levels, catering to a variety of fitness levels. Many bikes also come with handy features like heart rate monitors, and distance trackers, making it easier to stay on top of your fitness progress.
Compact Ellipticals
For low-impact workouts, ellipticals mimic walking or running without unnecessary joint strain.
A compact elliptical goes a step further, offering the same benefits as a heavy, bulky, traditional elliptical machine, that keeps smaller spaces in mind, seamlessly fitting into apartment spaces or small homes.
A compact elliptical provides a comprehensive body workout, with handles for better stability, and different resistance settings, and can be used sitting down or standing.
Smart Tips for Choosing the Right Exercise Equipment
With so many tools and equipment readily available at your fingertips, finding the right kind of equipment suitable for your lifestyle and fitness goals can feel overwhelming at first.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Be mindful of your fitness level and any physical limitations before choosing equipment. For example, some machines are adjustable for sitting or standing or have handrails for balance and support.
- Look for equipment offering adjustable features, like resistance levels or incline options. They allow users to start easy and gradually increase the challenge as they build strength and confidence.
- Safety should be a key consideration. Prioritize equipment with features like sturdy handrails, non-slip surfaces, and emergency stop buttons for a safe workout experience.
- Test the equipment before buying. This helps you see if it’s comfortable to use and easy to operate. Gyms or fitness stores can provide demos or trial opportunities for this purpose.
- Make sure the equipment has clear instructions for maintenance and use. A user-friendly manual makes all the difference in verifying you’re safely and effectively using the equipment.
- Consider equipment with built-in tech, like heart rate monitors or activity trackers. These tools can motivate users by helping them monitor progress and stay engaged in their fitness goals.
- Set a budget and stick to it. Quality options don’t have to break the bank. Take the time to research brands and models to find safe, effective equipment at a price that works for you.
- Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine or equipment. They can offer advice tailored to your fitness, mobility, and health needs, helping you reduce the risk of injury.
Improve Your Strength at Arcadia at Limerick Pointe
Routine physical activity is beneficial for everyone, especially for older adults. It improves your overall health and well-being, making everyday tasks like carrying groceries, running around with your loved ones, and walking up the stairs easier as you grow older.
Along with the functional benefits, our Arcadia at Limerick Pointe community understands the unique needs and accommodations older adults require when it comes to their physical wellness.
We offer our residents an array of exercise equipment and classes tailored to their mobility, strength, and skill level. Our trained staff have experience in assisting residents in safely and effectively navigating workout equipment and new exercises based on their individual needs. Connect with our Arcadia at Limerick Pointe team to learn about our fitness program and how we support our residents on their health and wellness journey.
