A Senior’s Guide: The Best Home Gym For Seniors 2023

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This article is our review of the best home gym for seniors.

As a personal trainer, I worked with my fair share of senior clients. And while I love working with them, I know that they have different needs and limitations than younger people.

That’s why I created this article to help you find the best home gym machine for seniors. With that in mind, let’s jump right into it.

Table of Contents

• What exercises should seniors do?
• Best Home Gym Machine for Aerobic Activity
• Best Home Gym Machine for Muscle-Strengthening Activity
• Best Home Gym Machines for Balance Activity
• Best Home Gym Machine forMulticomponent Activity
• Best Home Gym Machine forFlexibility, Warm-Up, and Cool-Down
• 14 Best Home Gym For Seniors
• What to look for in the best home gym for seniors?
• Which home gym for seniors is best overall?
• FAQ about the best home gym for seniors
• What to do next?

What exercises should seniors do?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that inactivity increases as you get older [1]. Contrary to the belief that elderly people need less exercise than young people, various studies reveal it is never too late to get fit.

Physical activity is medicine for seniors [2]. Physical activities proved to reduce the risk of early death, depression, and chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure [3].

Although physical activity offers many benefits, around 31 million adults aged 50 or older were inactive in 2014 [4]. To address this issue, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released these guidelines for physical activity in 2018.

The guidelines recommend aerobic, muscle-strengthening, balance, multi-component, and flexibility activities to improve your health and quality of life.

Following these guidelines, I chose some home gym machines that support these kinds of activities. Before using any of these machines, consult your doctor first if you can do these exercises, especially if you have a chronic illness. 

Exercises for Seniors:

1. Aerobic Activities

Aerobic exercises engage your muscles in rhythmic movements. Exercises such as walking, biking, and swimming are all examples of aerobic activities.

Top Pick
Aerobic Activity

Best Home Gym Machine for
Aerobic Activity

Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Strider Treadmill

Low deck height

Speed range of 0.6 to 9 mph

Shock absorption system

Check on Amazon Check on Sunny Health & Fitness

If you are looking for the best home gym for your aerobic activities, I recommend using the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Strider Treadmill. With a treadmill, you can perform three exercises: walking, jogging, and running.

This treadmill has a low deck height, offers a speed range of 0.6 to 9 mph, has a shock absorption system, and includes an emergency brake feature.

2. Muscle-Strengthening Activities

Muscle-strengthening activities include weight lifting and resistance training. These exercises must involve all your major muscle groups: legs, hips, abdomen, shoulders, chest, back, and arms.

Top Pick
Muscle-Strengthening Activity

Best Home Gym Machine for
Muscle-Strengthening Activity

AmazonBasics Neoprene Workout Dumbbell

Weight range in pairs 1 to 20 pounds

Neoprene coating

Hexagonal shapes

Check on Amazon

If you are looking for the best home gym for your strength training, I recommend the AmazonBasics Neoprene Workout Dumbbell. These dumbbells come in pairs of 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 20 pounds. And in sets of 20, 32, and 60 pounds with a steel stack.

These dumbbells have neoprene coating and hexagonal shapes.

3. Balance Activities

A poor sense of balance can lead to falls and may make it hard for you to move safely. Fall prevention programs often incorporate balance training as an important component.

Top Pick
Balance Activity

Best Home Gym Machines for
Balance Activity

URBNFit Exercise Ball

Weight capacity of 600 pounds

Anti-burst feature

Suitable as a desk chair

Check on Amazon

If you are looking for the best home gym to help improve your sense of balance, I recommend the URBNFit Exercise Ball. This exercise ball has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and has an anti-burst feature.

4. Multicomponent Physical Activities

Multicomponent physical activities involve several types of exercise in one session. These types of activities include dancing, yoga, gardening, and sports.

Top Pick
Multicomponent Activity

Best Home Gym Machine for
Multicomponent Activity

Total Gym XLS

Up to 80 workout routines

Weight capacity of 400 pounds

6 levels of resistance

Check on Amazon Check on Total Gym

If you are looking for the best home gym for your multi-component activities, I recommend the Total Gym XLS. With this home gym machine, you can perform up to 80 workout routines, including cardio, strength training, body weight exercises, and pilates.

5. Flexibility, Warm-Up, and Cool-Down

Warm-up and cool-down exercises are an important part of any effective exercise program. You should also focus on improving your flexibility and mobility.

Top Pick
Flexibility, Warm-Up, and Cool-Down

Best Home Gym Machine for
Flexibility, Warm-Up, and Cool-Down

The Original Stretch Out Strap

30 stretching exercises

6 feet and 4 inches long

Uses woven nylon

Check on Amazon

If you are looking for the best home gym for flexibility, warm-up, and cool-down exercises, try the Original Stretch Out Strap. 

This strap has a length of 6 feet and 4 inches and uses woven nylon. You can use this strap for over 30 stretching exercises.

Keep reading to know more about these home gyms and how they can support your physical fitness.

14 Best Home Gym For Seniors

Aerobic Activities

Aerobic or endurance activities engage the large muscles of your body in rhythmic movements. Exercises such as walking, running, biking, dancing, and swimming are all considered aerobic activities.

The HHS guideline suggests you should aim to do at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises per week. Or 75 minutes to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercises per week.

You can also combine moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercises to reach the recommended amount of activity. Practice spreading out your aerobic activity throughout your week.

Try out the following home gym machines listed below. These equipment are senior-friendly and support aerobic activities.

Your heart rate and breathing rate will increase if you use these machines. So consult your doctor first if you can do these exercises.

Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Strider Treadmill

The Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Strider Treadmill is a senior-friendly home gym machine. This treadmill offers a speed range of 0.6 – 9 mph, so you can use it for walking, jogging and running.

There is a quick button feature to help you change the speed to 3 or 6 mph. 3 mph and 6 mph is a good walking and running speed for seniors like you. It also comes with a pulse monitor that will let you monitor your heart rate while you exercise.

This treadmill has a deck of only 2.76 inches, which allows you to get on and off the machine with ease. It also has an emergency brake feature that you can use to stop the treadmill instantly when needed.

The deck has a shock absorption system to help reduce the impact on your joints and muscles. Plus, there is no incline feature on this treadmill, which means you cannot use it to simulate running uphill.

The treadmill’s weight capacity is 250 pounds. And you can fold it to save space.

Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Magnetic Smart Elliptical

Elliptical machines are knee-friendly home gym machines, so I recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness Essentials Series Magnetic Smart Elliptical.

This elliptical has a flywheel weight of 11 pounds and offers up to 8 resistance levels. The stride length is 11 inches, which is the ideal length for people with a height of 5 feet and below.

Having this short stride length is helpful for seniors, especially if you have knee problems. You don’t have to stretch your legs out too far when pedaling.

The minimum pedal step height is 6.5 inches. It may be higher than the treadmill, but it is low enough to be accessible to people with limited mobility.

This elliptical also comes with a pulse sensor, which is useful for tracking your heart rate. And it has a weight capacity of 220 pounds.

Niceday Indoor Recumbent Exercise Bike

Biking is also one of the activities recommended by the HSS. What makes biking senior-friendly is that it comes with a seat, which means you can sit down and let your legs do the work.

This reduces strain on your legs, as it doesn’t have to carry your body weight while exercising. I recommend using recumbent bikes if you plan on having a bike as a home gym machine.

The Niceday Indoor Recumbent Exercise Bike has a seat with a backrest. The seat has up to 8 adjustments, so you can find the most comfortable position.

The backrest uses a breathable mesh, so you stay cool and comfortable during your workout. Like other machines, this bike also comes with a pulse sensor to monitor your heart rate.

The Niceday recumbent bike offers up to 16 resistance levels and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds. It comes 90% pre-installed, so you can set it up and start working out immediately.

Muscle-Strengthening Activities

According to Harvard Health, as you age, your body naturally loses muscle—a condition called sarcopenia. Men can lose up to 3% to 5% of their muscle mass every decade after age 30.

Some can even lose up to 30% over their lifetimes [5]. Weak muscles mean you are more likely to become frail, fall, and suffer injuries.

Aerobic activities often overshadow strength training. But Harvard Health says aerobic and strength training is equally important [6].

The HSS guideline recommends you do muscle-strengthening activities for at least 2 days per week. And your exercises must involve all your major muscle groups: legs, hips, abdomen, shoulders, chest, back, and arms.

Using versatile weight training equipment like the ones listed below will help target all these muscle groups.

There is no recommended amount of time for these types of exercises. You can perform them until it is difficult to do another rep. But do not push yourself to the limit, and always prioritize your safety.

Again, consult your doctor if you can do these exercises, and ask someone to spot you while doing weight lifting. 

AmazonBasics Neoprene Workout Dumbbell

Dumbbells are my number one recommendation when it comes to weightlifting, especially if you are a beginner or senior. Dumbbells are straightforward equipment that you can use to perform various exercises.

If you plan to use dumbbells, I recommend the AmazonBasics Neoprene Workout Dumbbell. It comes in pairs of 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 20 pounds, allowing you to build up your strength gradually.

It also comes in 20, 32, and 60-pound sets with a steel stand for more options. You can see the labels on the side of the dumbbells for easy identification.

The hexagonal shape of these dumbbells allows you to stack them together and prevent them from rolling away. The neoprene coating on the handles makes it comfortable to hold and avoid slippage.

Bintiva Kettlebell

You can also use kettlebells for building muscles. However, kettlebells are often used in quick explosive movements like swings and snatches.

So if you want to burn calories and build muscles simultaneously, try using kettlebells.

The Bintiva Kettlebells come in 5, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, and 30 pounds of weight. Made with cast iron and coated with vinyl, these kettlebells will last you a long time.

There is no coating on the handles to avoid slippage. What sets these kettlebells apart from others is that they have a small platform at the bottom.

The protective bottom ensures stability and keeps your floors safe. The kettlebells are color-coded and labeled for easy identification.

Yes4All Slam Medicine Ball

Medicine balls can help improve your coordination and are also beneficial for rehabilitation exercises. Since these weights are round-shaped, and the sand inside shifts as you move, this causes your muscles to work harder to stabilize the ball.

If you want to use medicine balls, I recommend the Yes4All Slam Medicine Ball. These medicine balls come in 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 pounds weight.

The outer shell uses PVC that comes in different colors. And the textures are different for each color, so you can choose the one that feels most comfortable for you.

These medicine balls can withstand great impact without breaking or getting deformed. So if you’re looking for a durable medicine ball, this one is worth considering.

Vergali Resistance Bands

If you are not into weights but want to build muscles, try using the Vergali Resistance Bands. These resistance bands offer up to 4 resistance levels. You can check the resistances below.

• Green (Light): 14-25 pounds
• Pink (Medium): 25-35 pounds
• Gray (Strong): 35-45 pounds
• Black (Heroic): 45-60 pounds.

These resistance bands use thick fabric material that you can use clothed or bare without the uncomfortable pinching you get using elastic bands.

It uses the right amount of cotton and latex to prevent slippage when used. The whole set fits into a carry bag for easy storage.

Vergali resistance bands come with a printed training guide to help you explore exercises and use them correctly.

Balance Activities

On average, one out of three people over age 65 falls each year. Certain health issues that you develop as you get older, such as weak muscles, slow reflexes, and poor eyesight, may affect your sense of balance [7].

Problems with your sense of balance can make it harder for you to move safely. According to the HSS guidelines, fall prevention programs often incorporate balance training for about three sessions per week.

You can improve your balance by walking heel-to-toe, practicing standing from a sitting position, and using balance boards. The equipment listed below can help improve your sense of balance.

Try walking heel-to-toe and standing from a sitting position first, before using these equipment. If you can’t do these simple balance exercises easily, then using equipment may not be a good idea. 

URBNFit Exercise Ball

An exercise ball like URBNFit can help improve your sense of balance. You can practice stabilizing yourself by simply sitting on it while avoiding falling off. 

You can also use this for various exercises as the main equipment or for support if some activities are too hard to perform. This exercise ball can withstand up to 600 pounds of weight.

You can use these exercise balls in workout routines, yoga, pilates, and therapy. So they are senior-friendly equipment, and you can use them for various exercises. You can even use it as a desk chair. 

These exercise balls use PVC material with an anti-burst feature to make them durable and safe to use. 

LifePro Half Exercise Ball Trainer

Another home gym equipment for balance training is the LifePro Half Exercise Ball Trainer. As the name suggests, it has a half-ball shape.

It has a flat and stable base on one side, and an inflated rubber material shaped like a half-ball on the other. You can use this equipment for plyometric training, cardio, stretching, and rehabilitation exercises.

The LifePro half exercise ball can support up to 440 pounds of weight. If you are having trouble balancing yourself with an exercise ball, try using these half-exercise balls.

One side of this ball is stable, so you might find it easier to balance yourself on it.

Multicomponent Physical Activities

Multicomponent physical activity refers to various types of exercise that you can do in the same session, such as aerobic exercises, muscle strengthening, and balance training.

These types of activities include dancing, yoga, gardening, and sports [8]. In other words, multicomponent exercises can also be considered recreational activities, which you can perform at home or within your community.

Total Gym XLS

A home gym workout machine like the Total Gym XLS is a great solution to your multi-component physical activity needs. With this home gym machine, you can perform up to 80 workout routines.

With the help of the included accessories, you can use the Total Gym for low-impact cardio, body weight exercises, and pilates. You can also perform strength training with this equipment, as it offers up to 6 levels of resistance.

Among the included accessories is the meal planning guide, which will help you come up with a diet plan that complements your workout routine.

Total Gym XLS has a maximum weight recommendation of 400 pounds. And it is suitable for all fitness levels, ages 8-80. So this is a great home gym for seniors like you.

BalanceFrom Three Fold Folding Exercise Mat

While a mat may just be a protective floor cover, you can actually perform various exercises with it. You can use it to do exercises that require little to no equipment, such as body weight exercises.

I recommend using a mat for seniors like you to avoid slipping accidents and reduce strain on your joints. This can happen if you exercise on hard floors.

The BalanceFrom Three Fold Folding Exercise Mat has a 1.5-inch thick foam and can serve as a cushion for your knees and joints while exercising.

The mat is lightweight and portable, which makes it easy to carry around. It has three panels that you can fold for easy storage.

HemingWeigh Yoga Starter Kit

If you want more than just a mat, try this HemingWeigh Yoga Starter Kit. This yoga kit comes with a mat, yoga blocks, yoga straps, and towels to up your yoga game.

This makes a perfect beginner and senior-friendly yoga kit that will help you get started with yoga. The mat is 0.5 inches thick and has a non-slip surface that provides the best traction. The mat is also easy to clean and maintain.

You can also use the mat and the accessories separately for other exercises, such as body weight training and pilates.

Flexibility, Warm-Up, and Cool-Down

Stretching exercises can improve your flexibility, and allow your joints to move through a wide range of motion. Flexible joints can help you perform your exercises and daily activities.

Effective exercise programs usually include warm-up and cool-down exercises [9]. You can add the time you spent doing moderate intensity warm-up and cool-down to the amount of aerobic activity recommended. 

The Original Stretch Out Strap

If you want to use stretching straps for your exercises, check out The Original Stretch Out Strap.

This equipment allows you to do unassisted stretches with greater control. So if you are having a hard time doing stretch exercises, this is the perfect tool for you.

The straps have a length of 6 feet and 4 inches. And uses woven nylon to make it long-lasting and durable.

These straps are ideal for therapy and yoga, as well as warm-up and post-exercise stretches. The strap includes 10 individual loops to help you find the most comfortable position for your body.

This set comes with a guide that features over 30 stretches, so you can get started immediately.

Sunny Health & Fitness Stretch Training Machine

If you need extra support while doing stretches, try the Sunny Health & Fitness Stretch Training Machine. This home gym stretch machine can help you do up to 9 different stretches.

There is an instructional placard placed at the frame of the equipment. You can use these as a guide to help you perform the stretches properly.

It includes a seat, a knee pad, and a footrest. All of these parts have cushions to help you stay comfortable while you stretch.

You can adjust the seat backward to help you find a comfortable position. The equipment also includes a self-leveling pedal where you can rest your feet.

What to look for in the best home gym for seniors?

Type of Exercise

First and foremost, you should ensure that when you buy a home gym machine, it provides the type of exercise you actually need and is suitable for your age.

According to the guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), older adults must do aerobic, muscle-strengthening, balance, multi-component, and flexibility activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I recommend following these guidelines when choosing your ideal home gym machine.

Safety Features

When you’re looking to buy a home gym machine, be sure it has the necessary safety features. This includes emergency stop buttons or proper protective gear for each exercise.

For example, machines like treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes must have handles to ensure you don’t fall off the machine. Most of these cardio machines have pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate.

Additionally, exercise balls tend to have an anti-burst feature, so it deflates slowly if it’s punctured.

Safety features vary depending on the equipment, so be sure to read through the safety precautions before purchasing.

You should also ensure your home gym machine is durable and has a high weight capacity.

Comfort

Comfort is another important factor to consider. Make sure the equipment you choose fits your body size and weight.

If possible, try out different machines before making a final decision. Some comfort features you should look for are foam padding on the seats, shock absorption systems, ergonomic grips, and machine adjustments.

Price and Warranty

If possible, look for a machine that you can use for various exercises. That way, you won’t need to buy separate machines for every exercise.

You should also look for a machine that offers an extensive warranty, so you can get free repairs if there are any problems with your purchase.

Which home gym for seniors is best overall?

Aerobic Activities

If you are looking for the best home gym for your aerobic activities, I recommend using the Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Strider Treadmill. This treadmill has a low deck height, making it easier to get on and off the machine.

It offers a speed range of 0.6 to 9 mph. With a treadmill, you can perform three exercises: walking, jogging, and running.

This treadmill has a shock absorption system, so it is easy on your joints. And it also has an emergency brake feature.

Muscle-Strengthening Activities

 If you are looking for the best home gym for your strength training, I recommend the AmazonBasics Neoprene Workout Dumbbell.

These dumbbells come in pairs of 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 20 pounds. And in sets of 20, 32, and 60 pounds with a steel stack.

So these dumbbells are a great solution if you are a senior looking for a wide range of weight options for your strength training activities. The dumbbells have a neoprene coating, printed labels on the side, and hexagonal shapes.

Balance Activities

If you are looking for the best home gym to help improve your sense of balance, I recommend the URBNFit Exercise Ball. You can use this ball for any workout, yoga, or pilates. Or even use it as a desk chair.

It uses a PVC material with an anti-burst feature. Plus, it has a weight capacity of 600 pounds, making it durable and safe to use.

Multicomponent Physical Activities

If you are looking for the best home gym for your multi-component activities, I recommend the Total Gym XLS. 

With this home gym machine, you can perform up to 80 workout routines, including cardio, strength training, body weight exercises, and pilates. Total Gym XLS offers up to 6 resistance levels and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds.

Flexibility, Warm-Up, and Cool-Down

If you are looking for the best home gym for flexibility, warm-up, and cool-down exercises, try the Original Stretch Out Strap. This strap has a length of 6 feet and 4 inches and uses woven nylon.

It includes 10 individual loops for more variety, and comes with a guide that features over 30 stretches.

FAQ about the best home gym for seniors

What to do next?

Ultimately, the best home gym for you is the machine that motivates you to get moving and stay active. At your age, any movement is better than no movement.

The key is to find an activity that you enjoy and stick with it. This will also motivate you to try out other types of exercise.

If you’re still not sure where to start, consult with your doctor or fitness coach. They can help you choose the best equipment for your needs and goals.