Exercise Equipment for Older Adults

When it comes to exercise equipment for older individuals, one size definitely does not fit all. This useful and comprehensive checklist will help you evaluate exercise equipment when purchasing for facilities serving older adults. Discover 17 age-friendly features to look for when choosing exercise equipment below.

Accessbility

1. Easy to Enter & Exit

The equipment should be easy to enter and exit by individuals of all sizes and abilities. The easier the equipment is to access, the more it will be used. Products with a step-through design eliminate the need to lift leg up and over a center console.

2. Height Adjustable Swivel Seat with Recline

The swivel feature makes getting on and off the equipment easy. Height adjustability and relcine allow for proper positioning and proper joint angles.

3. Wheelchair Accessible

Ability to exercise directly from a wheelchair. Can be used by individuals with a variety of abilities and disabilities. Equipment should be ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) compliant and IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative) approved.

Safety & Stability

4. Handrail Support

Sturdy side handrails and grab bars for added support.

5. Wide, Comfortable Footrests/Pedals with Straps

Large foot beds with safety edges and foot straps to keep feet securely on pedals.

6. Comfortable, Sturdy Seats

Seats that accommodate users of all shapes and sizes. A seat with a flat, horizontal seat monorail safely and easily adjusts back and forth. Seats with high user weight capacity (at least 450 lbs.) to accommodate a variety of users.

7. Leg or Foot Stabilizers

Adaptive accessories provide extra support for legs or feet for users of all abilities.

8. Slow Start Treadmill 0.4 mph or Lower

Allows user to start walking at a very slow pace.

Features

9. Low Starting Workload

Very little effort required to start the exercise.

10. Self-Powered Products

Exercise equipment maintains function at very low speed and workload.

11. Isokinetic, Safe Strength Program

Allows users to perform strength workout without weights.

12. Arm Handle & Leg Crank Adjustments

To fit individuals of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Control range of motion.

13. Heart Rate Monitoring

Monitor heart rate directly on the equipment.

14. Resistance in Both Directions

Ability to exercise in forward and reverse. Changing directions helps prolong exercise and work a variety of muscle groups.

15. Save Results to USB

Save results to see progress over time, or to report them to your physician or trainer.

Display

16. Easy-to-Read & Easy-to-Understand Display with Touchscreen

Simple menu and uncluttered feedback screen. High contrast display with the option to hear audible beeps. Raised, tactile feel to assist individuals with visual impairment.

17. Built-in Fans

Fans to cool the user and provide additional comfort during the exercise.