The Best Home Exercise Equipment for People Over 50

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Senior woman working out
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How is that fitness resolution shaping up? Even the most determined athletes often feel their motivation start to dip around February, as the thrill of a new year gives way to more mundane day-to-day realities.

If you are just too busy to make it to the gym, perhaps a home workout with the help of an app is the tweak you need to get back on track and meet your fitness goals.

In that spirit, here are six pieces of home exercise equipment that can get you into tip-top shape — even if you’re in your fifth decade or beyond. Plus, we’ve got options to fit any budget.

Rowing machine

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As people age, it’s common for joint problems to appear. For that reason, the American Council on Exercise recommends that folks over 50 take part in exercises that are easy on the joints.

A rowing machine can give you a great cardiovascular workout with minimal wear and tear on your joints. In addition to giving your heart and lungs a great workout, your arms, legs, chest and back all will benefit from this machine.

Amazon lists rowing machines from around $100 to more than $1,000.

Jump rope

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If you are fortunate and don’t have joint issues, you can probably engage in exercise that is a bit higher-impact. Weight-bearing activities are those that work against gravity, such as walking, running, dancing or tennis. This type of exercise is important, because it can help to prevent osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones.

A simple jump rope is a great way to get weight-bearing activity that will also tone up your heart and lungs. According to the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:

“A simple jump rope improves aerobic endurance for people who are able to perform high-impact exercise. Jumping rope should be done on a floor mat plus a surface that has some give to avoid joint injury.”

You can easily find jump ropes on Amazon for $10 or less.

Elliptical machine

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Many people find that running on a treadmill — or pavement — is increasingly difficult as they age. Aging knees are the main source of this discomfort.

An elliptical machine is a great choice if you want a vigorous aerobic workout without stressing your knees. Dr. Edward Laskowski, co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center, writes:

“Using an elliptical machine can be less stressful on your knees, hips and back than is running on a treadmill.”

If you simply walk on a treadmill, your knees will probably hold up just fine. But if you want a more energetic workout, an elliptical machine might be just the ticket.

On Amazon, an elliptical machine will cost you anywhere from less than $100 to more than $1,000.

Stationary bike

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Stationary bikes offer an easy, safe and fairly inexpensive way to condition leg muscles, according to the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

The center notes:

“The pedals should turn smoothly, the seat height should adjust easily, and the bike’s computer should be able to adjust intensity.”

If you have a bad back, consider purchasing a recumbent bike, which has a seat that is friendlier to that part of the body.

Amazon sells stationary bikes for around $100 and up.

Weights

A woman exercises with dumbbells
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It’s a fact of life: As we age, we lose muscle mass — 4 to 6 pounds per decade, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

However, with a little weight training, you can cheat Mother Nature. ACE says working out muscles on a regular basis can help older exercisers to:

  • Regain lost muscle mass
  • Increase strength
  • Boost metabolism
  • Build bone density
  • Improve balance

The uber-frugal among us can transform items around the house into ad hoc barbells. For example, grab a 16-ounce can of beans from the pantry and, voila, you’ve got a 1-pound weight for bicep curls.

Otherwise, you can find real-deal barbells at Amazon. Prices vary, depending on what you need.

Kickboard

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If you live in a warm-weather state — such as Florida, Arizona or California — there’s a decent chance you have a home swimming pool. Exercising in the pool is among the best ways to get in shape if you are 50 or older.

Swimming gives you a full-body aerobic workout with very little impact on your joints. It’s the perfect win-win exercise for older athletes.

If you’re not a great swimmer — or if you’re simply looking for a different spin on your pool workouts — grab a kickboard and dive in.

Use a kickboard to exercise your arms, legs, hips and glutes. Your heart and lungs will get fit in the process.

This is a bargain addition to your workout regimen. Kickboards on Amazon start at less than $10.

Are you an older exerciser with a fondness for a particular piece of home exercise equipment? Tell us about it by commenting below or on our Facebook page.

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