The Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors With Bad Knees 2023

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This article is our review of the best exercise equipment for seniors with bad knees.

Do you have pain in your knees? Doing specific exercises is probably good for you. But always first consult your doctor, before doing any kind of training.

As a personal trainer, I often see seniors suffering from bad knees. If your knee hurts, then the tips in this article might help you stay active and fit as long as possible. Moving helps avoid the health problems that come with inactivity.

In the next paragraphs, I will discuss the most common causes of knee pain and the best exercise equipment.

Any movement is beneficial to your overall health and well-being, especially when you get older. But some forms of exercise help improve your knee health better than others, like strength, flexibility, and aerobic exercises.

Top Pick
Aerobic

Best Aerobic Exercise Equipment

Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Magnetic Smart Elliptical

Knee-friendly exercise machine

Minimum step-up height is 6.5 inches

Eight levels of resistance

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If you choose to do aerobic exercises, try the Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Magnetic Smart Elliptical. The minimum step-up height is 6.5 inches, so it is easy to get on and off the machine.

Also, it offers eight levels of resistance and has a stride length of 11 inches.

Top Pick
Flexibility

Best Flexibility Exercise Equipment

URBNFit Exercise Ball

You can sit or lean on them

Weight capacity of 600 pounds

Anti-burst feature

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If you want to focus on flexibility exercises, try the URBNFit Exercise Ball. These balls can provide additional support, as you can sit or lean on them. They have an anti-burst feature and a weight capacity of 600 pounds.

A piece of equipment you probably would not expect here is a set of dumbbells! Doing strength exercises with dumbbells is beneficial when you have pain in your knee, as it improves your knee strength [1].

Top Pick
Strength

Best Strength Exercise Equipment

DMOOSE Neoprene Dumbbell

Weight ranges from 2 to 20 pounds

Neoprene coating

Ergonomic Grip

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If you are looking to improve your knee strength, I recommend the DMOOSE Neoprene Dumbbell. These dumbbells are a great tool for starting a strength routine, as they have a wide weight range, from 2 to 20 pounds.

Plus, they have a neoprene coating and ergonomic grip that makes them comfortable to use and easy to hold.

What makes your knee go bad?

Knee pain can have many causes, including those described below. Always consult your doctor when you experience knee pain, and follow your doctor’s advice.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, which affects over 32.5 million US adults. And the risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age [2].

According to Mayo Clinic, knee pain or weak knees may result from an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Or it may also be the result of a medical condition, such as arthritis, gout, and infection [3].

To keep your knees healthy and prevent further injury as you get older, you must work on strengthening and stretching your muscles [4]. Maintaining a healthy weight will also help reduce stress on your knees.

Experts recommend exercises focusing on strength, flexibility, and overall fitness if you have arthritis or want to improve your knee health [5].

However, always remember to consult your doctor and personal trainer before starting any new exercise program.

All my recommendations below provide strength, flexibility, and aerobic exercises to help you improve your knee health.

Keep reading to know more about these exercise machines.

Table of Contents

• Best Aerobic Exercise Equipment
  • Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Magnetic Smart Elliptical
• Best Flexibility Exercise Equipment
  • URBNFit Exercise Ball
• Best Strength Exercise Equipment
  • DMOOSE Neoprene Dumbbell
• What makes your knee go bad?
• 16 Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors With Bad Knees
  • Strength
    • Weights
      • DMOOSE Neoprene Dumbbell
      • PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells
    • Leg Extensions and Leg Curls
      • XMark Leg Exercise Machine
      • Valor Fitness CC-4 Adjustable Leg Extension Machine
  • Flexibility
    • Exercise Ball
      • Trideer Exercise Ball
      • URBNFit Exercise Ball
    • Resistance Bands
      • Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
      • DMOOSE Pull Up Resistance and Workout Bands
    • Leg Stretcher
      • Valor Fitness CA-27 Adjustable Leg/Adductor Stretcher
      • AmazeFan Leg Stretcher
  • Aerobic or Endurance
    • Elliptical Trainer
      • Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Magnetic Smart Elliptical
      • Niceday Elliptical Machine
    • Stationary or Recumbent Bike
      • YOSUDA PRO Magnetic Exercise Bike
      • Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
    • Low-impact Treadmill
      • Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Strider Treadmill
      • XTERRA TRX1000 Treadmill
• What to look for in the best exercise equipment for seniors with bad knees?
  • Type of Exercise
  • Impact on Joints
  • Safety Features
  • Durability
  • Budget
• Which exercise equipment is best overall?
  • Strength
  • Flexibility
  • Aerobic or Endurance
• FAQ About Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors With Bad Knees
• What to do next?

16 Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors With Bad Knees

Strength

When the muscles that support and protect your joints get stronger, they can support and protect them better. 

When it comes to strength exercise for seniors with bad knees, it is best to start with lighter weights first to build up your strength. Do not lift any weights too heavy for you, as this can cause further injury.

Try not to do strength exercises that focus on your leg muscles for two days in a row to help your body recover, since you have bad knees. 

Weight training can help you build up muscle and improve your strength. Weights like dumbbells are available in wide weight ranges, so you can start with lighter weights and work up to heavier ones as you get stronger.

Leg extension and leg curls can help strengthen your hamstrings and target your quads, which can relieve knee pain [6]. 

Before you start using these machines, it’s important to ask your doctor if you can do these workouts. If strength exercises are too difficult for you, I recommend trying flexibility or aerobic exercises first.

Weights

DMOOSE Neoprene Dumbbell

Fixed dumbbells like DMOOSE Neoprene Dumbbells are a great way to start your weight-lifting routine. You can also use these dumbbells to focus on your upper body, so you don’t put too much strain on your knees.

These neoprene dumbbells are available in various weights, from 2 to 20 pounds. Weight sets including three dumbbells and a tree rack are also available.

Use the lighter weights first, and build your strength before you gradually shift to heavier weights.

These dumbbells have hexagonal shapes to avoid the dumbbells rolling away when you set them down. It has a neoprene coating, and its handles have an ergonomic grip so that it’s comfortable to hold.

I recommend using fixed dumbbells, especially if you are new to working out. These dumbbells are easier to use and less intimidating than other equipment.

PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells

If you have already built up your strength and your knees are stronger, try using adjustable dumbbells like PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells.

These dumbbells have a weight range from 5 to 50 pounds and in 2.5 pounds increments. You can upgrade the weight to 70 or 90 pounds, but I suggest asking your trainer or doctor first before doing so.

Adjustable dumbbells like PowerBlock are trickier to use, as they are bulky and require you to remove/add weights when adjusting. Always be mindful of the equipment, as they are bulky, and you might bump your knee on it if you are not careful.

Insert the magnetic selector pin to your desired weight when you want to adjust it. There is an empty hole below the handles where you can put the 2.5-pound adder weight.

Leg Extensions and Leg Curls

XMark Leg Exercise Machine

If you want to focus on working out your legs, consider a leg extension and leg curl machine, like XMark Leg Exercise Machine. 

Unlike dumbbells, this machine has a seat so you can focus on exercising your legs without having it carry your body weight.

The backrest of this leg exercise machine is fully adjustable. You can also adjust the thigh pad to 12 positions, and the press arm to 20 positions.

The adjustability of this machine is helpful, especially if you are a senior with bad knees. You can do your exercise comfortably and in proper form, without having to worry about straining parts of your body.

Plus, the parts of this machine, such as the thigh pad and seat, have foam padding that provides comfort and support for your body.

The weight holder size is 2 inches, so you can use Olympic weight plates for resistance.

Valor Fitness CC-4 Adjustable Leg Extension Machine

If you’re looking for a more affordable option for a leg extension machine, but still want professional quality, the Valor CC-4 Leg Extension Machine is my recommendation.

Like Xmark, Valor Fitness is also adjustable and has foam padding, but it has fewer adjustment options. You can adjust the backrest to 6 positions and the thigh pad to 8 positions.

The maximum user weight capacity of this machine is 350 pounds, and it can hold up to 150 pounds of weight plates. The weight holder size is 1 inch, so you can fit standard weight plates.

You can also use Olympic weight plates for this machine, but you have to buy a 2-inch weight plate post separately.

Flexibility

According to the Center for Spine and Orthopedics, tight muscles have a higher risk of injury [7]. Stretching exercises can relieve stiffness and increase flexibility, which allows you to move in a wider range of motion.

You can perform stretching exercises without any equipment. But if you want to add more challenge, add resistance bands, a leg stretcher, or an exercise ball to your training.

You can use resistance bands to improve mobility and flexibility. These are great for beginners and seniors, as they are easy to use, and you can do various exercises with them.

If you need extra support when doing stretches, a leg stretcher can help you. Since you are in a seated position when you use it, you are not putting a lot of pressure on your knees. You can also control the stretch, and do it gradually.

Exercise balls increase body flexibility and joint mobility. They can also support you when doing stretches, as you can sit on or lean against them.

Exercise Ball

Trideer Exercise Ball

A great way to get started with flexibility exercises is with the TRIDEER exercise ball. This exercise ball has a weight capacity of 330 pounds.

And it has a honeycomb structure and burst-resistant feature that makes it deflate slowly when punctured—making it safer for seniors to use.

These are available in 5 sizes: 45, 55, 65, 75, and 85 cm and in 6 colors. So you can choose the right size and color for your needs, especially if you are tall, you’ll need bigger-sized balls.
And the same way if you are short. 

You can also use these exercise balls as an office chair to improve your posture, and prevent lower back pain.

So if you are suffering from knee problems and can’t do exercises without support, this exercise ball is a great way to get started.

URBNFit Exercise Ball

If you need an exercise ball with a higher weight capacity or slightly bigger than the Trideer Exercise Ball, then I recommend the URBNFit Exercise Ball.

These exercise balls have a maximum weight recommendation of up to 600 pounds, which is almost double what the Trideer Exercise Ball can hold.

The URBNFit Exercise Balls also come in various sizes, from 18 to 34 inches in diameter and in 11 colors. It comes with a pump and two air plugs to help you inflate it quickly and easily.

These balls also have anti-burst features for your safety. So if you need a bigger ball with a higher weight capacity and affordable price, I recommend the URBNFit Exercise Ball.

Resistance Bands

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

Resistance bands are for you if you want to combine strength and flexibility exercises. So I recommend the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands.

These bands have five resistance levels, from 2 to 30 pounds. Resistance bands are great for your knees, as they provide light resistance and are not too strenuous.

You can choose from the following resistances:

• Green (Extra Light): 2-4 pounds
• Blue (Light): 6-8 pounds
• Yellow (Medium): 10-12 pounds
• Red (Heavy): 15-20 pounds
• Black (Extra Heavy): 25-30 pounds

These bands have a length of 12 inches, and come with a carry bag. Resistance bands are great for recovery and rehabilitation, so I recommend them for seniors with bad knees.

DMOOSE Pull Up Resistance and Workout Bands

If you need longer resistance bands, check out these DMOOSE Pull-Up Resistance and Workout Bands. These bands are longer than Fit Simplify, so you can target both your upper and lower body.

These pull-up resistance bands have six resistance levels. You can choose from 5 to 175 pounds of resistance.

DMOOSE resistance bands have a circumference of 81.9 inches. The width of these bands also varies by resistance level.

Since they are longer, they offer higher resistance levels than Fit Simplify resistance bands. You can choose from the following resistances below.

Leg Stretcher

Valor Fitness CA-27 Adjustable Leg/Adductor Stretcher

If you want to stretch your legs without moving too much, use the Valor Fitness CA-27 Adjustable Leg/Adductor Stretcher.

With this equipment, you can stretch your leg up to 180 degrees and increase your flexibility. You can stretch your legs by turning the wheel crank in front of the seat.

This leg stretcher has calf support, so you can’t close your legs and keep your ankles in place. It also has a seat and leg rests with foam padding, so you can sit comfortably during your workout.

You can also adjust the backrest between 110 & 105 degrees.

This equipment sits on the floor, so it is accessible for seniors and people with limited mobility.

AmazeFan Leg Stretcher

If you want an affordable leg stretcher, try the AmazeFan Leg Stretcher. Like Valor Fitness, this equipment sits on the floor. However, it does not have a seat, backrest, leg rest, and foam padding.

But you can still stretch your legs with it. You can stretch up to 180 degrees.

The AmazeFan Leg Stretcher has three bars connected to the end. The two long bars are for your legs, and the shorter bars are for the handle you use to stretch.

This equipment also has calf support to keep your legs in place while you stretch. You have to sit on the floor to use this stretcher, but you can place a yoga mat underneath you for comfort.

AmazeFan Leg Stretcher is also a better option if you have limited space, as it is smaller than the Valor Fitness. And you can fold it for easy storage.

Aerobic or Endurance

Aerobic exercises improve your cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Since you are a senior with bad knees, a low-impact exercise at moderate intensity is the safest way to start [8].

Aerobic or endurance exercises help control your weight and increase your stamina and energy.

An elliptical machine is a knee-friendly exercise machine that effectively burns calories and engages your upper body. The moving handles for your arms actually help and give additional force, reducing strain on your legs.

Stationary and recumbent bikes are great for working out your legs. When you use a bike, you are in a seated position, so you can work out your legs without having to support your weight.

Treadmills can be hard on your knees, but there are low-impact treadmills that are gentler on your joints. Some treadmills actually use a shock-absorbing mechanism to reduce the impact on your knees and other joints.

Elliptical Trainer

Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Magnetic Smart Elliptical

The Essentials Series Magnetic Smart Elliptical from Sunny Health & Fitness is a low-impact machine that’s easy on your joints and knees. This elliptical machine is easy on your knees, but still gets the results you want.

This elliptical has 8 resistance levels, giving you options for how intense you want your workout to be. The pedal step height can be as low as 6.5 inches, which allows you to get on and off the equipment with ease.

This elliptical is also a great option if you are short or have limited mobility, because the stride length is only 11 inches. You don’t have to stretch out your legs too far to operate this equipment.

However, the weight capacity of this machine is only 220 pounds. So if you are on the heavier side, check out the elliptical below, which is better suited for heavy people.

Niceday Elliptical Machine

If you need an elliptical with a higher weight capacity than Sunny & Health, I recommend the Niceday Elliptical Machine.

This elliptical has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, making it an excellent choice for heavier users. It offers up to 16 resistance levels, so you have many resistance options for your bad knees.

If you are tall or want to stretch your legs more, try this elliptical, as it has a stride length of 15.5 inches.

Also, it has a smooth and quiet operation controlling the sound at 20 decibels. It comes 90% pre-built, so you can quickly assemble the machine in 30 minutes.

Stationary or Recumbent Bike

YOSUDA PRO Magnetic Exercise Bike

YOSUDA PRO Exercise Bike is the perfect bike for those with physical conditions that make it difficult to walk and run, such as old age, injury, or disability.

Bikes have seats, so you can work your legs without straining your lower body with your weight.

You can adjust the seat and handlebars forward, backward, upward, and downward to find the perfect position. The inseam height ranges from 27 to 35 inches, so your legs will be comfortable.

You can also adjust the resistance of the bike to make it easier or harder to pedal, depending on your knee condition.

This bike can hold up to 350 pounds of weight. And it has a quiet magnetic drive system that controls the sound at 20 decibels.

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

If a stationary bike like YOSUDA PRO Magnetic Exercise Bike is too difficult for your knees, try the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike. 

Recumbent exercises are easier to use, as the seat has a backrest and the pedals are in front of you. 

You will sit in a reclined position and pedal with your feet. This position prevents back pain and other problems when you are cycling for a long time.

You can also adjust the seat forward or backward to find the most comfortable position. The inseam height ranges from 30 to 38 inches, and the weight capacity is 240 pounds.

This recumbent bike offers eight resistance levels. The bike comes with pulse sensors, a wide cushioned seat, and a self-leveling pedal with an adjustable strap.

The adjustable strap keeps your feet in place, which makes it easier to pedal and avoid slippage.

Low-impact Treadmill

Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Strider Treadmill

If you want to use a treadmill, but have bad knees, low-impact and low-deck-height treadmills are for you. 

Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Strider Treadmill has a step-up height or deck height of only 3 inches, so you can get on and off the equipment with ease.

The running surface measures 20 x 47 inches, giving enough room for your legs to move around. The speed ranges from 0.6 to 9 mph, not too fast, to cause further problems on your knees.

This treadmill has a shock absorption system, reducing the impact on your joints and allowing you to exercise for longer periods.

There are nine workout programs to choose from. However, there are no incline options on this treadmill. So this treadmill is also a great option if you have a low ceiling as the step-up height is low and no incline options. 

XTERRA TRX1000 Treadmill

If you want an incline option in your treadmill, I recommend the XTERRA TRX1000 Treadmill. There are three levels of manual inclines for you to choose from.

Like Sunny & Health, this treadmill has a low step-up height of 5.02 inches. Also, it has a deck cushioning system to reduce strain on your joints.

This treadmill has a speed range of 0.5 to 10 mph and a running surface of 16 x 50 inches. If you want a faster speed and longer running surface than Sunny & Health, XTERRA is the treadmill for you.

XTERRA offers 13 workout programs: 12 presets and one custom program. So you can get more out of your treadmill workouts.

The weight capacity of this treadmill is 250 pounds.

What to look for in the best exercise equipment for seniors with bad knees?

Type of Exercise

Before trying out any exercise, it is important to consult your doctor first, and to let your fitness coach know your existing condition. Doing an exercise program without proper guidance can lead to injury and even worsen your condition.

Experts recommend strengthening, flexibility, aerobic, and body awareness exercises if you want to improve your knee health. 

However, any movement, no matter how small it is, can help improve your overall health, especially when you get older.

Strengthening exercises, such as lifting weights and resistance training, can help improve the strength of your muscles and reduce knee pain. Before doing any strength exercise, you should consult your doctor and ensure it is safe for you.

Flexibility exercises, such as stretching and yoga, can help increase the range of motion in your joints. Tight muscles are prone to injury, including knee injuries.

Aerobic exercises, such as walking or running, can help strengthen your heart and lungs. Body awareness exercises are also recommended for seniors with bad knees, because they improve balance and coordination.

Before buying any exercise equipment, ask yourself first and do some research if you can use this machine to improve your knee health.

Impact on Joints

Exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. But some exercise can put too much pressure on your knees, which can be painful for seniors with bad knees.

Exercise machines like ellipticals are knee-friendly because they place less stress on your joints. There are also exercise machines with features that reduce the impact on your joints, like the cushioning system of treadmills.

Try to avoid exercises that involve jumping, lunges, and deep squats, as these can put too much pressure on your knees.

If it is hard for your knees to do some exercises, you can use supports like exercise balls or focus on your upper body while doing small movements on your lower body.

Safety Features

Ensure your equipment has safety features. For example, the emergency stop buttons on treadmills or the feature of exercise balls that deflate slowly.

You can also look for machines with safety locks to prevent accidents and injuries. You should always choose a machine with safety features to ensure your safety.

Durability

Always check the maximum weight recommendation of the machine to ensure it can support your weight.

You should also look for a machine with high-quality materials and a long warranty period. This will help determine the durability of the equipment and ensure it lasts for many years.

Budget

You should set a budget before you start looking for an exercise machine. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the best one for your needs.

You can try using resistance bands and dumbbells first if you are on a tight budget. These equipment are more affordable, but they can help you get a good workout.

Which exercise equipment is best overall?

Strength

If you want to focus on strength exercises, I recommend fixed dumbbells like DMOOSE Neoprene Dumbbells. These dumbbells are a great tool for starting a strength routine.

You can use them for many exercises, as they have a wide weight range, from 2 to 20 pounds. They have a neoprene coating and ergonomic grip that makes them comfortable to use and easy to hold.

Flexibility

If you want to do flexibility exercises, I recommend the URBNFit Exercise Ball. This exercise ball can support your knees, as you can sit or lean on them.

It has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and has an anti-burst feature that makes it safe to use. These are available in different sizes, from 18 to 34 inches in diameter, and in 11 colors.

Aerobic or Endurance

If you choose to do aerobic exercises, try the Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Magnetic Smart Elliptical. The stride length is only 11 inches, so you don’t have to stretch your legs too far to use the machine.

The minimum step-up height is 6.5 inches, so it is easy to get on and off the machine. Also, there are eight resistance levels, so you can adjust the intensity of your workout.

FAQ About Best Exercise Equipment For Seniors With Bad Knees

What to do next?

If you are a senior with bad knees, it is vital to ensure that you are doing the right exercises. These exercise machines can be a good way to start.

Talk with your doctor or physical therapist if you need more specific advice about what exercises will be most helpful for you. You may need to have some tests done first so that they can see what kind of condition your knees are in.