It’s no secret that it’s important for everyone to exercise regularly in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While this is true for all people, it’s especially true for seniors. As we age, we experience a steady decrease in ease of mobility and joint movement. For seniors, regular exercise can strengthen muscles and joints and allow them to slow down the negative physical effects of aging. Naturally, a workout regimen for an 85-year-old woman needs to be different from that of a 25-year-old man. As such, it’s important for administrators at senior living communities to know which type of exercise equipment will most benefit the seniors they serve.

Stationary Bikes

A stationary bike can provide a great workout for seniors, provided it is easy to get on and off of and allows them to sit comfortably. Some exercise bikes require positioning that is not easy for an aging body, but a recumbent bike, such as the True CS400, is ideal for seniors who want to enjoy a low resistance bike ride from the comfort of an indoor workout facility.

Elliptical Machines

Elliptical machines are ideal for seniors because they minimize stress on the hips, knees, and back, which are areas of the body where seniors frequently experience chronic pain. Not only is the low impact motion of an elliptical machine ideal for the limited strength and mobility of seniors, but the armrests and handles also offer additional stability and the opportunity to simultaneously workout the upper and lower body.

Treadmills

When you think of a treadmill, you might imagine someone running hard and sweating through several miles of a hard workout. However, they are also ideal for seniors who enjoy walking as a form of exercise. The programmability of treadmills allows seniors to adjust the incline to mimic the terrain of an outdoor walk, while eliminating the heat and other obstacles that can present a fall risk.

It’s vital for seniors to get the right amount of exercise each day in order to maintain a strong, healthy body for as long as possible. As such, senior living communities should be outfitted with all of the equipment that seniors need to maintain an optimal level of exercise. If you manage or own a senior living community and need commercial fitness equipment for your workout facility, contact American Home Fitness today!