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Are you one of those who thinks of your sunset years as a time to slow down on your exercise program? Nonsense. Keeping moving is one of the best ways to improve your strength, coordination and balance, maintaining your independence as you age.
However, you might have decided to give the gym a permanent pass since the pandemic. It’s important to prioritize your safety — but you still need the right gear. Here are 15 of the best pieces of home exercise equipment for seniors, including tools for every budget.
Resistance bands offer the ultimate in fitness flexibility, and it isn’t only because they’re made of pliable rubber. Are you one of those who plans to spend much of your golden years traveling? If so, you’ll want to add these devices to your must-have list. They slide into a suitcase without taking up much space or adding extra weight.
You can find multiple versions. The best sets come with various weights and attachments to suit every fitness level. A pair of comfort-grip handles makes these gadgets less painful to hold.
If you’ve decided to give the gym a permanent pass, why not invest in some weights for your home? You don’t need a fancy bench setup — a few pairs of inexpensive hand weights should suffice.
The best part? You can buy a full set or mix and match the weights that are perfect for you. The latter method also works if you’re on a budget and putting together your home gym one small step at a time.
Entering your golden years doesn’t necessarily mean hanging up your apron anymore. Some seniors continue to work for financial reasons, while others, such as knowledge workers, find themselves bored without structured tasks to occupy themselves.
Get in a workout in your home office with an under-the-desk bike that lets you pedal while you crunch numbers or copy. You’ll improve your leg and cardiovascular strength while keeping blood flowing to your brain to help you focus.
Do you want to whittle your waistline? You probably learned one of the best exercises for doing so when you were a child.
A hula hoop is the ideal tummy toner to pick up for less than $25. You can find many in online stores with adjustable sizes that will suit both novices and experts. This weighted model increases the intensity and lets you burn calories in a fun way. Plus, it’s detachable so you can carry it wherever you go — in the office, at the beach or while traveling.
Walking is one of the best cardiovascular exercises you can do. You don’t have to focus on following any complex moves, letting your mind wander while you stroll. Plus, it’s inherently low-impact, easing stress on your joints.
You can further increase your comfort with the right shoes. Look for models with a comfortable fit and a supportive insole that cushions your feet, knees and back with each stride.
Yoga is the ultimate mindfulness practice. You shut the outside world away and focus only on your breath and body movements. You don’t have to worry if you have zero experience. Poses like balasana or child’s pose and savasana or corpse pose are easy to execute for any novice.
However, practicing on the wrong surface can lead to injury, even broken bones. You need a quality mat that will support you when you try tricky moves. This version uses natural jute for superior sustainability and a surface that won’t slide when it gets sweaty.
Grip strength relates to your overall health and aging. It’s correlated with various conditions, like Type 2 diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney and liver disease and some cancers and sarcopenia.
How many times have you stood in your kitchen, struggling with a jar lid? Strengthening your hands might seem like a detail you can overlook — until you encounter a package of pickles you can’t open.
A set of hand grips helps you maintain your strength as you get older. You can also stop asking your relatives to help you open this or that — you have it covered.
Do you try to vary your workout? You can make doing so effortless — and more fun — with a set of fitness dice. A few rolls reveal the moves you need to do and the requisite reps.
You can use this tool to get your grandkids moving, too. Children love playing games and participating in physical activity. Get healthier while enjoying a new pastime together.
You could find a massage therapist who specializes in myofascial release — if you have deep pockets. Many insurance plans still fail to cover this holistic treatment.
If you don’t have the big bucks, make a foam roller your friend. It doesn’t take long to master a few moves for deep spine relief and muscle recovery. Apply it with pressure to sore muscles to recover from your last tough workout.
Today’s treadmills are much sleeker and smarter. Some even fold away under a bed, desk or couch. But what really makes them senior-friendly are the safety rails, low step-up heights and gentle walking modes. Many now sync with health apps to track steps, heart rate and calories burned, making it easier to monitor your progress over time.
Maintaining balance is critical as you age as it prevents falls and improves overall mobility. That’s why balance trainers, like BOSU balls or wobble boards are excellent additions to your routine.
BOSU balls are fantastic for improving flexibility, endurance and strength, as well as rehabilitation after an injury. Start with a wall or chair nearby for added support.
Yoga is a great exercise for everyone, regardless of age or flexibility. Yoga blocks offer support and stability during stretches and poses, especially if you deal with stiff joints or limited range of motion. They help you maintain proper alignment without strain. Sit on one during seated exercises to raise your hips and support your spine.
Not ready to stand and sweat or a bike feels like too much? Pedal exercisers are a low-effort, high-reward solution. Simply place it under your desk or in front of your favorite chair and start pedaling. It’s excellent for strengthening your lower body, boosting circulation and improving joint mobility. Some come with digital displays to track time, speed and calories burned.
Many people overlook stretching, but it can ease pain and reduce your risk of injury. Stretch straps give you more control over your stretches, especially if you have limited flexibility. They’re lightweight, portable and perfect for daily use. Pair it with a yoga mat for a full at-home stretching routine.
Massage guns aren’t just for athletes. Many brands offer gentle-speed models with soft heads designed for sensitive muscles. These help reduce stiffness, improve blood flow and are great for tackling shoulder knots or lower back tension. They’re a fantastic addition to your post-workout recovery routine, helping to alleviate sore muscles and leave your body feeling refreshed. Choose a model with an easy-grip handle and adjustable speeds.
You don’t have to go back to the gym to maintain fitness as you age. Stock your home with this best home exercise equipment for seniors and stay healthy through your golden years.
Original Publish Date: December 27, 2021 — Updated May 19, 2025
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