We Found the Best Exercise Equipment for Seniors After Testing Dozens of Options

Best Smartwatch

Apple Watch Series 8

View On Amazon $263 View On Walmart $199 View On Apple $429

We chose Apple’s Watch as our pick for the best smartwatch for aging adults because it’s user-friendly, offers reliable fitness tracking, has two screen size options, and offers potentially lifesaving health monitoring and safety features. For older adults who don’t mind some technology, we like this smartwatch because it offers the same fitness tracking features as other fitness trackers—like heart rate monitoring, calories burned, and steps—but its sophisticated sensors can also monitor a person’s wellness and collect data to flag if anything’s out of the ordinary. 

The cutting-edge ECG/EKG sensor for heart rhythm notifies wearers within seconds of detecting irregular, low, or high heart rate rhythms. It also has a blood oxygen sensor to track heart blood oxygen levels, a temperature sensor, and a sleep monitor for useful, around-the-clock health insights. Our other favorite Series 8 safety feature is its Fall Detection, which notifies close contacts or emergency services immediately if you fall and need assistance. Built-in GPS and crash detection send an SOS to emergency services with your location (when connected to a cellular plan or near an iPhone).

With two easy-to-read screen size options of 41 and 45 millimeters, seniors have a choice to opt for a bigger screen if needed for easier readability. Also, it comes in various finishes and interchangeable band options, so you can find something that suits your style. Extra durable, it’s crack-, dust-, and swim-proof. We also like that it’s fast charging, featuring a decently long 18-hour battery life and power-saving mode.

The smartwatch comes with a free trial of Apple’s Fitness+ app, which features thousands of workouts, audio-guided walks, meditations, and more. Pricier than most fitness trackers, we think its safety features, reliability, and durability make it a worthwhile investment.

Best Recumbent Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike SF

View On Amazon $400 View On Walmart $373 View On Dick's $400

This recumbent bike is a top pick for its supportive, adjustable seat and arm handles that allow for an engaging, full-body workout. Great for anyone who prefers to sit during exercise due to mobility or joint issues, this bike has eight levels of pedal and arm lever resistance to challenge a rider’s upper body, core, and lower body. 

As your heart rate rises, the sensors on its non-slip side handles help you monitor your pulse via the digital monitor, which also tracks progress in calories burned, mileage, pace, and time. The padded bike seat is contoured for comfort and easy to adjust, but some users still find it uncomfortable, so you may want to pair it with a bike seat cushion for longer rides. 

We love that the bike is easy to assemble and should only take about 30 minutes to set up, according to most users. We still recommend that users ask a friend or family member to help with setup for a more seamless experience. The bike supports a maximum of 350 pounds and features transport wheels at the front, so you can easily move it out of the way when not in use.

For a slightly “smarter,” techy version, we love its sister bike that connects to the SunnyFit app and has built-in resistance bands instead of arm levers.

Best Rowing Machine

Stamina Recumbent Exercise Bike and Rower

View On Amazon $730 View On Walmart $698 View On Dick's

With Stamina’s Conversion II Recumbent Bike/Rower hybrid, you get a three-for-one machine that works as a rower, recumbent bike, and resistance training machine. We love that Stamina’s bike/rower hybrid is designed for full-body strength training and cardio workouts in one space-saving piece of equipment. When we tested this rower, we appreciated its consistent resistance and how it operates smoothly as both a rower and a bike. Its display screen is easy to read and tracks basic metrics like speed, distance, time, and calories burned. The machine is supported by the Muuv app, which has an assembly video and compatible workouts to help you stay on track. 

During testing, we found that you can use this machine as a leg press or classic cable machine for working out your lower and upper body, in addition to using it as a bike/rower hybrid. Although the initial setup is straightforward and easy for the most part, taking us about an hour and a half with two people, the machine doesn’t come with batteries, so you’ll need to supply those from the get-go to get it up and running. Also, heart rate is only tracked via the bike’s handles, so it won’t be monitored while you use the machine as a rower.

The sturdy Conversion II sits low, making its seat easy to mount for older adults with mobility issues. And when you’re finished exercising, it’s easy to fold and wheel away to storage, thanks to its built-in wheels. 

The rower/bike hybrid has a 250-pound weight capacity and eight levels of resistance, so it should work for most users and keep you challenged over time. We recommend it for anyone with limited space who wants the ability to use both a bike and a rower without having to buy two separate pieces of equipment. Plus, you can choose from two finishes to match your aesthetic.

Best Resistance Bands

Vitality 4 Life’s Exercise for Seniors Resistance Band + DVD Set

View On Amazon $30

The most compact and portable piece of exercise equipment for seniors on our list, this set is our top resistance band pick for its easy-to-implement resistance band routines for aging older adults. The resistance band comes with three instructional DVDs that feature guided low-impact, joint-friendly workouts that exercisers can do with the provided resistance band and other everyday household items, like a sturdy chair.

We love that this option allows you to get in a good workout with less equipment and minimal setup. Workouts with resistance bands are great for those looking to build strength and balance without investing in a fancy piece of equipment. The whole set is portable and can be brought anywhere for a workout on the go.

If you want more variation in your workouts, you can upgrade to the Deluxe version of this set, which comes with three resistance bands (extra-light, light, and medium options) and five exercise DVDs with over twelve 20-minute total body and balance routines.

Best Stability Ball

GoFit Stability Ball

View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $30 View On Dick's $30

Our Ratings

• Quality
  4/5
• Versatility
  4/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Portability
  4/5
• Overall Value
  4.5/5

Lightweight and budget-friendly, we love this stability ball for seniors thanks to the user-friendly exercise instructions showcased directly on the ball’s surface. The exercise suggestions on the ball’s surface, along with the included instructional workout DVD, make it easy for beginners to get started. We also like that the ball has a maximum weight capacity of 2,000 pounds, so we know it’s sturdy and durable, and won’t burst as you’re using it. 

When testing this stability ball, it performed well and we found it comfortable to use for a variety of both lower and upper body exercises. We also like that it comes in three size options—22, 26, and 30 inches—so you can opt for the one that fits your height and body shape.

The ball comes with an included inflation foot pump that requires you to step on it repeatedly in order to fill up the ball with air, which may be more comfortable than a handheld pump for those with arthritis of the hand or weak arms. But, when testing, the included pump didn’t work very well, so you may have to use another air pump in order to fill up the ball more efficiently. 

Balance and coordination are essential components of training aging populations, and as a trainer, Royer suggests using a stability ball like the ProBall to challenge strength and motor skills.

Best Treadmill

LifeSpan TR3000i Folding Treadmill

View On Amazon $1,700 View On Walmart $1,999 View On Kohls.com $1,950

We love this folding treadmill as a year-round, low-impact option for getting steps in safely no matter the weather. Durable and stable, LifeSpan’s TR3000i is more compact than most treadmills and folds on its own with the touch of a button, locking securely into place. It is simple to operate, with a quick-start console and optional built-in programs for 15 levels of hill-simulated inclines and speeds of 0.5 to 12 miles per hour. The 2.75-horsepower motor is strong yet quiet for a folding treadmill, a testament to its quality and longevity.

We like how you can rest a book or tablet on the console deck and charge your device in the USB Port as you watch your favorite TV show or instructor-led workout. The console itself tracks performance metrics using the pulse sensor on the grip handles and Intelli-Step technology in the belt to count steps. 

With a low step-up height and safety features like supportive guardrails for balance, an emergency stop button, and a sensor that automatically pauses the belt 20 seconds after you step off the treadmill deck, we think it’s a good option for older adults concerned with safety. 

Although this folding treadmill is on the pricey side and, at 225 pounds, a lot heavier than other exercise equipment that we recommend for seniors, we think it’s a worthwhile investment for a reliable cardio workout. 

Best Elliptical Machine

Sole E35 Elliptical

View On Amazon $1,200 View On Dick's $1,500 View On Soletreadmills.com

Our Ratings

• Setup
  3.9/5
• Value
  4/5

For a piece of equipment that offers a low-impact total-body workout, we love an elliptical machine. This popular model from Sole features sturdy, wide foot pedals for optimal balance, designed by physical therapists to be ergonomically shaped and to simulate a natural stride.

We love that the elliptical features resistance and incline controls on the lever handles, allowing you to easily control your speed and incline. It also has secondary stationary handle grips with heart rate pulse sensors, so you can always monitor your heart rate. With 20 resistance levels, this machine works for all fitness capabilities and will keep you challenged over time. 

Sole also throws in a chest strap heart rate monitor with your purchase–-an accessory that makes heart rate tracking easier and more accurate. Bluetooth-compatible speakers on the elliptical allow you to play your music as you pedal or sync your heart rate monitor to the elliptical’s display for a handy visual.

The elliptical offers a 325-pound weight capacity, which makes it very sturdy and stable, but also adds weight to the machine, so it is heavier than other exercise equipment options on our list. Also, users note that because it’s quite heavy and bulky, it can be difficult to assemble, so you may want to hire professional help. 

The built-in fan prevents overheating, and you can keep your water bottle or tablet in the cup holder. You can also charge your phone in the elliptical’s USB port and keep it safely nearby. 

Best Foam Roller

OPTP Pro Soft Roller

View On Amazon $40

Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Value
  3.5/5

Often used by rehab and fitness professionals, there are many benefits of foam rolling, from pain relief, injury prevention, and muscle recovery after workouts, to improved flexibility, and joint range of motion. We chose this foam roller for its gentle texture and shorter length that offers a soft muscle massage in hard-to-reach areas of the body (like the inner legs and upper back).

Softer than denser foam rollers on the market, we recommend it for older adults who are new to foam rolling and want a gentle massage on sensitive areas. When testing this foam roller in our lab, we found it firm enough to provide a decent massage but not so firm that it caused any pain or discomfort. We also brought this foam roller home and incorporated it into our weekly workout routine for a month, and started noticing better muscle recovery after workouts and better range of motion after only one week of use. 

Measuring 6 x 6 x 18 inches and only weighing 8 ounces, we like that this foam roller is compact and easily portable. You can even carry it in a gym bag if you’re looking to use it on the go.

Pro tip: you may want to avoid foam rolling altogether if you have open wounds, fractures, certain health conditions, or can’t get on and off the floor due to poor balance or pain. We recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before you use a foam roller to know if it’s right for you.

Best Yoga Mat

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat

View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $20 View On Balancefrom.com

Our Ratings

• Grip
  4/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Workout routines that use yoga mats as their main form of equipment, like Pilates and yoga, have many benefits for seniors, including helping increase levels of strength, balance, flexibility, muscle tone, stamina, and overall well-being. We chose this yoga mat as the best option for older adults thanks to its soft texture and cushioned thickness. While it doesn’t offer as much grip as some thinner yoga mats, it still remains stable and will cushion your joints during exercises that require you to kneel on the ground. 

When we tested this mat doing such exercises, we found it a great option for those with sensitive joints needing more support out of their yoga mat. We also like that it comes with a velcro carrying strap that allows you to easily store it and move it from place to place. Due to its generous 13-millimeter thickness, the mat takes a minute to lay flat after being rolled up. We also found that it can squeak when it gets sweaty, which some may find annoying. 

Overall, we think it’s a quality mat at a budget-friendly price, and we love that it can be used for a variety of activities. “Using a mat to do exercises like back extensions or bird dogs can help to improve spinal strength for older individuals,” says Pena, who trains a variety of aging clients. 

Best Free Weights

Amazon Basics Dumbell Set

View On Amazon $108

Maintaining strength and muscle mass as you age is vital for longevity, which is why we love this compact dumbbell set for older adults. Coated in grippy neoprene, each pair in the set is easy to hold and won’t roll around on your floor, thanks to its hexagonal shape. We like that the set comes with three pairs of dumbbells, from 5 to 15 pounds, allowing users to increase the weight they use over time in order to avoid a weightlifting plateau. 

When testing the lighter version of this set, we really appreciated how easy these dumbbells are to hold, even with sweaty hands. And we like that they have a traditional shape which makes them easy to use for a variety of weightlifting workouts. We also appreciate that each weight is color-coded, making it aesthetically pleasing and easy to distinguish between the different weight options.

While we like that the set comes with a variety of weight options, we wish the weight levels went up in smaller increments, making it easier to progress week over week without having to make a big 5-pound jump to a heavier weight. But we still think this option provides enough versatility for varying fitness levels. 

The foldable weight stand keeps this set organized and out of the way, and it even has a carry handle for shifting around your workout space. We love the vibrant color combinations of this set that make the weights easy to spot to avoid a tripping hazard. 

Best Under-Desk Option

FlexCycle Exercise Bike

View On Amazon $140

We like the multi-tasking functionality of an under-desk bike which is ideal for someone who sits often for a desk job or due to mobility issues and wants to offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting with more daily movement.

What sets our top pick apart from other under-desk bikes is the built-in resistance handles that offer you the versatility to work both your upper and lower body simultaneously. We also love how easy the FlexCycle is to move using the built-in top handle, provided an individual can lift 18 pounds.

When we tested this bike, we found the assembly to be more involved than advertised, so it’s a good idea to get help putting the bike together if you aren’t comfortable doing so yourself. Other than that, it provided a smooth, quiet workout with its eight resistance levels. Metrics like calories burned, distance traveled, and more are easy to keep track of on the bike’s digital display monitor or by downloading the FlexCycle app on your smartphone. 

Best Home Gym

Total Gym XLS Workout Machine

View On Amazon $1,000 View On Totalgym.com $940

This piece of equipment brings the variety of a weight room into the comfort of your home, taking up a fraction of the floor space of a traditional home gym. With a sturdy bench design that vertically adjusts so you can use the included cables along with your body weight for resistance, the Total Gym allows you to strength train your entire body in over 85 ways.

Various attachments enable you to perform the same lifts you would do with larger weight machines—like cable rows, chest presses, leg extensions, leg curls, and more—and can even act as a space-saving Pilates reformer. Durable coated cables and rubber-padded handles make for smooth motions, and the gliding bench itself is comfortable and stable.

To get started, the system comes with instructional workout DVDs, a deck of workout cards that sits in a holder at the top of the bench, and a workout demo poster for inspiration on dozens of exercises to perform with the bench.

Weighing 87 pounds, the system might be too heavy for some older individuals to fold and move by themselves. And some users say the assembly of the machine is quite involved. Considering the vast possibilities to train your whole body in a small space, we still think this home gym system is a good option for older adults who want to resistance train in their homes.

Best Gym Shoes

New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainer

View On Amazon $57 View On Zappos $75 View On L.L.Bean $75

A reliable pair of gym shoes is any exerciser’s best workout buddy, but good, supportive walking shoes for seniors are particularly crucial for aging adults who tend to experience more foot problems. We love these New Balance trainers for their comfort, support, and durability. We spent some time in these shoes and found them well-made and versatile. We particularly like that this pair is stable and supportive without the extra bulk of many walking shoes aimed at seniors.

Whether you’re walking in your neighborhood, lifting weights, or riding an elliptical, this pair will keep you stable and balanced with its grippy traction for varied terrain. We also like that they’re available in narrow and wide sizes to accommodate orthotics or swelling foot conditions.

The 608 V5 absorbs impact with soft and flexible cushioning, another plus for anyone with sore joints or plantar fasciitis issues. Made of real leather that’s engineered to last, these shoes are easy to clean and lace. We think they’re pretty reasonably priced for such value, too. Choose from four neutral shades that will match your gym or casual attire. These also come in a men’s version.