Monday 15 September 2014

Best Home Exercise Equipment for Seniors

It’s very important to continue exercising as we age. Exercise plays a crucial role in combating diseases and health conditions that become more common with age for example heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension as well as depression. When executed correctly, exercise helps seniors maintain stability and balance while lowering the risk of falling and becoming injured. But as we grow older, some ways we used to stay active are no longer appropriate for our aging bodies.

Aging isn't an excuse to avoid exercise. Actually, exercise can help seniors stay functional and productive. When talking about the best types of exercise equipment for the elderly, you should consider the individual fitness level of the specific senior. After all, many seniors happen to be working out for decades, and may really be in better shape than their kids and grandchildren. Nonetheless, even the fittest grandma or grandpa may not be immune to the injuries related to aging. Certain types of equipment do a better job of helping prevent these injuries.


Comfortable Bike Riding

Exercise bikes come in two varieties, a conventional model with a regular bike seat along with a recumbent model, which features a chair-like seat. Both can provide you with an excellent cardio workout, but a recumbent bike is particularly recommended for older people. As Hsuka Clinic explains, recumbent bikes are more comfortable to ride and safer and easier to get on and off. The seat on the recumbent bike offers excellent back support, as well. In addition, exercise bikes are low-impact, that is helpful for people with joint problems such as arthritis.

The Ease of Ellipticals

Although they are not for everyone, elliptical machines often work nicely for seniors. You move the foot pads within an elliptical manner to operate the machines, which puts a minimal amount of stress on your hips, knees and back. MayoClinic.com says the extremely low-impact motion makes an elliptical machine a good choice for many people. The armrests with an elliptical machine give you additional stability, and levers allow you to work your upper along with your lower body.

Beat the Heat Indoors

Walking is a great exercise for seniors, but getting outside within the heat of summer could be detrimental to your health. On the treadmill, however, you can walk on the predictable, obstacle-free, comfortable low-impact surface with handrails for support. If you can to walk without using the handrails, it can help improve your balance, as well. Make sure to keep your eyes straight ahead while you walk toward better health.

Recumbent Stationary Bike

Instead of just a stationary bike, using a recumbent stationary bike for workouts is way better. It helps in supporting the rear while you workout, can be used by men and women, helps strengthen the leg muscles, and put pressure on the knees.

Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks or yoga bricks are props which help in aligning the body and improving its posture. They come in either foam or wooden form and therefore are used while doing several yoga poses. It is simple to perform different Asanas and won't be under any chance of pulling muscles or causing strain.

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