How to Shop for the Best Exercise Equipment for Seniors

Let’s get physical

Being active is important during any phase of life, but it’s particularly vital for senior citizens. According to the National Institutes of Health, regular exercise can help protect the elderly community from cardiovascular ailments, stroke and diabetes as well as enhance their mental, emotional, psychological and social well-being. However, despite its importance, many seniors aren’t getting enough exercise—partly because many workout spaces don’t have the right equipment.

If you’re setting up a care center or gym with exercise equipment for seniors, the first step is to gain an understanding of their specific needs. With some thoughtful planning, you’ll be able to encourage regular activity among the seniors in your community and provide the tools they need to live longer, healthier lives.

Exercise equipment for seniors: What you need to know

Both the NIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise for people ages 65 and older. Additionally, seniors should consider strengthening activities at least two days a week, as well as regular balance and flexibility training. The NIH estimates that more than 20% of adults aren’t meeting this threshold, increasing the risk of chronic diseases and other serious health issues.

Not all exercise requires equipment; for example, long walks and self-led balance activities are ideal. However, exercise equipment for seniors offers additional benefits that facilitates a healthy lifestyle. Here’s a checklist to organize your senior citizen exercise equipment shopping list to ensure the intensity and impact of any machines or tools you purchase are appropriate for older people.

Senior citizen exercise equipment checklist

Aerobics

Treadmills: Treadmills allow seniors to maintain this activity even in lousy weather and come with the added bonus of helping them track their progress. Look for treadmills with bright, easy-to-use interfaces. If space is at a premium, folding treadmills offer additional flexibility. 

Exercise bikes: When shopping for exercise equipment for seniors, keep it simple. A straightforward, uncomplicated design removes barriers to entry—all users need to do is sit down and start pedaling. Some are designed with resistance training in mind, while others are better for raising stamina. 

Ellipticals: Elliptical machines are a great source of low-impact, full-body exercises—making them ideal exercise equipment for seniors. To get the most out of your purchase, look for models with a range of customization options, from height to resistance level. 

Looking for more inspiration on how to engage seniors? See how some living facilities are modernizing their offering with How Senior Living Facilities Can Leverage Senior Influencers (Granfluencers) for Business Growth.

Strength training

• Weights: A simple set of hand weights goes a long way. Just having a collection of lower denominations—think three, five and 10 pounds—allows seniors to engage in self-guided weight-lifting activities and build their strength.
• Kettlebells: These are similar to hand weights, but their shape and added weight result in a harder challenge. That won’t be appropriate for every senior, but anyone looking for more of a challenge will love them. For added versatility, choose a model with adjustable weights.
• Pull-up bar: Who says seniors can’t do pull-ups? While these might be reserved for your strongest seniors, pull-up bars have the advantage of being inexpensive and low-profile. Comfort is a must, so look for a bar with adequate padding and grip options.
  

Additional equipment

• Balance boards: Seniors disproportionately face a number of issues that affect balance, such as arthritis, vision impairment and medication side effects. It’s critical that older people stay steady on their feet, so adding balance boards to your senior workout space helps them get their recommended balance training. 
  
• Loop bands: Stretchy loop bands serve multiple purposes; they help users build resistance while increasing mobility and flexibility. They’re also useful for building muscle mass, and because they’re lightweight and low-profile, they can be used almost anywhere.
  
• Yoga mats: If your exercise equipment for seniors isn’t in a room with nonslip flooring, offer yoga mats or similar exercise mats with cushioning to bolster support and stability. 
  
• Video games: This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “senior citizen exercise equipment,” but an NIH study showed “a positive influence of active video game training on physical fitness and cognitive function”.The Nintendo Switch has a healthy library of fitness games, including Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo Switch Sports and the Just Dance series. 

Keep seniors healthy with Walmart Business+ 

You don’t need a specialty retailer to find the right exercise equipment for seniors—just turn to Walmart Business+. From treadmills and weights to accessories and games, our expansive collection of sports and fitness equipment helps small business owners keep up with their customers’ evolving needs. Want to learn more about what Walmart Business+ can do for you? Sign up today.