If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best low impact exercise equipment for knee pain is, then we recommend the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer as the best one.
Knee pain can be a hindrance that can prevent you from engaging in various activities, including exercise, which you need to help keep you healthy and strong.
And simply trying to push yourself to increase your mobility or to keep using high impact equipment can only make it worse.
Instead, there is low-impact exercise equipment available that can also help keep you vibrant and fit, and research shows that it can even help with knee recovery, depending on the issue.
However, the key is to use the low impact exercise equipment that helps prevent swelling of the joint.
Understanding that low-impact exercise equipment for knee pain can also be used to prevent joint issues in the future, we did some research to find the best low impact exercise equipment that benefits anyone.
Here are the top low impact exercise equipment we’ll be reviewing:
- HCI Fitness Physio Step HXT
- Gazelle Edge Glider
- Slim Cycle Stationary Bike
- Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine
- Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer
How to Choose the Best Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Knee Pain
Low impact exercise equipment differs from high impact equipment, such as ellipticals and treadmills, in that they do not put stress and pressure on the knees, thus providing a safe and more comfortable way for people with physical limitations to remain active.
They are even used in many rehabilitation facilities to provide physical therapy to patients with past knee surgery or knee injury to help alleviate pain and restore range of motion.
There are different types of at-home low impact workout equipment to choose from, but to ensure it is suitable for problem knees, some things you should look for include:
Non-Weight Bearing
When dealing with knee pain, especially after surgery or injury, it is important not to put lots of weight on the joint because it can irritate the area, which can cause swelling and pain and also prevent it from properly healing.
Therefore, it is important your chosen at-home workout equipment does not require your knees to bear your total weight, especially for long periods of time, which helps eliminate stress on the knees.
Zero-Impact
The equipment should also be zero impact, as experts state that it supports the joints while giving you a great cardio workout and strengthening the knees as opposed to high impact exercise, which can stimulate pain by inflaming the joint.
Smooth Pedal Strokes
When dealing with knee issues, you also want to avoid movements that cause severe flexing, bending, and stretching of the joint, which can injure the opposing fibrous tissues.
Instead, look for a machine whose foot-operated levers provide a smooth motion that takes all the stress off the joints and that also distributes muscle force between your upper and lower body for an easier workout that doesn’t cause pain.
In short, look for equipment that doesn’t call for you to put a lot of pressure and stress on your knees as you move, which can worsen your symptoms and hinder proper healing.
What are the Advantages/Benefits of Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Knee Pain?
The main benefit of low impact exercise equipment for knee pain is it enables people with joint discomfort to still enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle.
It also provides an affordable, more convenient way to rehab your knee by enabling you to do it at home as opposed to in-office, and in some cases, your physical therapist can also come to you.
The equipment can also be used in conjunction with in-office physical therapy for improved results.
Things to Look For/Attributes That Differentiate These Products
Seat
Many low impact exercise machines for knee pain are designed with a chair to help prevent you from putting too much weight on the knee while performing your exercise.
However, they differ in type, such as stationary seats, reclining seats, and swivel seats, as well as how easy they are to get into and out of.
Foot Pedal Motion
The pedal motion of the equipment also sets them apart.
For instance, some elliptical machines offer linear pedaling for the lowest impact workout; however, there are also circular pedaling machines, which have a different impact on the knees.
Built-In Features
Low impact machines also vary in features. For instance, some include adjustable handlebars and built-in heart rate monitors, while others may not.
Some also include consoles with more advanced features, such as adjustable resistance levels, calories burned, and more.
Durability
Some machines also have a heavier weight capacity, which indicates maximum strength and sturdiness, so you feel safe while using them.
What’s the Best Way to Use Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Knees?
There is a common misbelief that exercising when you have knee issues can worsen your condition and even increase your symptoms; however, experts state that provided you select the right low impact workout machine and you perform the exercises right, it is actually beneficial for your knees.
In fact, they state that it is crucial to continue exercising despite knee issues because if you don’t, it can only heighten the discomfort.
Instead, exercise helps keep your surrounding muscles and tissues strong, which helps alleviate strain on your joints.
To use low impact exercise machines with bad knees, be sure to first adjust the seat properly to avoid overextending the knee during the exercise.
Set the machine to the lowest resistance setting, and then begin with a slow, steady motion to avoid putting too much stress on the knee while starting out.
You should also be mindful of your foot and ankle positioning when using the equipment to avoid aggravating the joints.
Prerequisites/Precautions for Using This Type of Product
According to doctors, one of the best ways to relieve knee pain is through safe and effective exercise because it supports the joint, which helps reduce pressure on the surrounding areas and thus also pain.
In fact, low-impact exercise is a critical part of rehabilitation after knee surgery or injury to help restore range of motion and reduce inflammation.
However, the key is to take certain precautions, such as maintain the proper posture while using the equipment, to avoid reinjuring your knee during exercise.
You should also listen to your body and stop when you feel pain. Experts warn that exercise for knee pain should not hurt; hence, if it does, it means you are doing it wrong, in which case you risk intensifying the problem.
Therefore, be sure to consult with your doctor or physical therapist before using low impact exercise equipment for knee pain to ensure you are using it right and avoid further complications.
The Best Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Knee Pain Reviews
HCI Fitness Physio Step HXT
The HCI Fitness Physio Step HXT Recumbent Compact Semi-Elliptical Cross Trainer is a smooth and easy low impact machine that requires minimal extension of the knee, so it is comfortable to use.
It also includes a low entry seat and a built-in heart rate monitor for added support and safety.
Its simple design also includes 17 built-in programs in addition to 18 levels of resistance that can all be accessed from the easy-to-use LCD display.
Pros:
- It has an easy walk through design.
- It includes a contoured, reclining seat for added comfort.
- Its adjustable arms enables you to spot train specific areas.
- It has a whisper quiet operation.
- Its LCD display also includes WATTS.
Cons:
- It is a bit heavy, so you may require help bringing it into your home and setting it up.
- It doesn’t include a device holder.
Gazelle Edge Glider
The Gazelle Edge Glider Home Fitness Exercise Equipment Machine provides a gentle way to exercise your entire body with its dual-action split suspension design that also enables you to go from a slow walk to a full run for a more vigorous workout.
It also includes wide, non-slip foot platforms and foam padded handlebars for a secure and comfortable ride.
Pros:
- It produces a smooth gliding motion, which is easy on the knee.
- Its design enables you to work your entire body.
- It’s easy to fold an store.
- Its great for those new to exercising.
- It also includes a workout DVD.
Cons:
- It has a low adjustable resistance range.
- It requires a lot of assembly and maintenance.
Slim Cycle Stationary Bike
The Slim Cycle Stationary Bike is a compact spin bike with arm resistance bands for both a lower and upper body workout.
It can also be used as an upright stationary bike for more intense cardio, or you can transform it into a recumbent bike for a low impact workout.
It also includes a heart monitor and 8-level adjustable resistance.
Pros:
- It enables you to sit and spin cycle for gentle knee exercise.
- It folds flat for easy storage.
- It includes arm resistance bands for a full body workout.
- It has 8 levels of resistance.
- It includes a heart rate monitor.
Cons:
- It may take some time to assemble.
Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine
The Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine is a mini elliptical that fits easily under your desk for discreet and convenient bike pedaling exercises while you work.
It also includes 8 levels of adjustable resistance, as well as a digital display for tracking your stats.
Pros:
- It is portable, so you can take it with you wherever.
- Its smooth gliding motion is easy on the knees.
- It fits easily under the desk, so you can exercise your knees while working.
- It provides whisper quiet operation.
Cons:
- It is a bit heavy to move around.
- It doesn’t provide a full body workout.
Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is designed with zero impact technology for the gentleness workout equipment for your knees.
It also includes SureGrip handles that adjust to 8 different positions, as well as Soft Stepstep pedals and a large, adjustable, padded seat for maximum comfort.
Its flywheel and UltraGlide steel bearings provide a smooth, quiet action, and it also includes Silent Magnetic Resistance, which can be easily adjusted using the dial.
Pros:
- It utilizes Zero Impact Stride technology for the gentlest knee exercises.
- The seat also reclines.
- The rubberized handles adjust to 8 different positions.
- It includes 2 wheels at the base for easy transport.
- it also includes a water bottle holder and media rack.
Cons:
- The seat may take some work to adjust.
Related: Click here to read our full review of the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer
Final Thoughts
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is designed with zero impact stride technology, so it is the most compatible for bad knees of all the low-impact machines mentioned, which is why it tops the list as the best low impact exercise equipment for knee pain in my book.
It is also quality tested and includes a 2-year warranty for added confidence.
The adjustable handlebars also enable you to enjoy full-body conditioning, so you feel stronger and better overall.
Meanwhile, the free training app ensures you do the exercises properly to avoid increasing inflammation, swelling, and pain in the knee while also keeping you motivated to work out regularly.
If you have knee pain and don’t want to bother contemplating rather other machines may or may not worsen your condition, you may consider the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer for its zero-impact technology, which research shows is the best low impact exercise equipment for knee pain to help strengthen the knee and promote healing.
