If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best low impact exercise equipment for seniors is, then we recommend the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer as the best one.
Are you being hounded by your doctor to exercise more even though it’s painful?
You’re not alone.
Many seniors are encouraged to exercise despite painful physical limitations.
One of the smartest things you can do to cope is to find the best low impact exercise equipment.
Keep reading to learn more.
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
Why Low Impact Exercise Is Important For Seniors
As people age, they tend to become more sedentary.
Most people are too busy and distracted to stick to a regular exercise program, and it’s not unusual to develop conditions, like arthritis, that make it painful and difficult to work out.
Nevertheless, exercise is critical for seniors.
That’s because it can do things for you like lower your blood pressure, prevent heart disease, improve bone density and increase mobility.
Clearly, exercise is vital to your health, but how do you participate when it’s painful?
What Is Low Impact Exercise?
The most basic definition of low impact exercise is that you always have one foot on the ground. That means no jumping, which is a lot easier on your joints.
Examples of low impact exercise include:
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Walking
- Elliptical machines
- Pilates
- Yoga
Low impact exercise is a great option for anyone who is recovering from an injury, needs to take it easy on their joints, wants to improve their balance or is working to build strength.
Personally, I like to do a combination of low impact and high impact training sessions. On high impact days, the intensity is dialed up, and I’m focused on cardio.
Low impact days are a chance to get stronger while also letting my joints rest and recover.
However, all of your exercise sessions can be low impact and still make a difference.
Low Impact Exercise Machines
Perhaps the easiest solution for regularly getting low impact exercise is to buy a suitable machine that you can keep at home.
How do you identify the best low impact exercise equipment?
It’s fairly easy when you keep a few things in mind.
Look for a Machine that Simulates Natural Movement
One of the reasons that elliptical machines and the like are so popular is that they closely mimic your natural walking or running stride.
This gives you a great workout while improving your range of motion.
All of this is accomplished without putting the extra pressure on your knees that naturally occurs when you normally walk or run.
Accordingly, you may find that your ability to walk in “real life” is improved through exercising with a machine that mimics natural movement.
Upper and Lower Body Fitness
The best low impact exercise equipment gives you the opportunity for a full-body workout.
This means that you may benefit from a machine that works the legs and glutes as well as the arms and shoulders.
Exercise machines may accomplish this with moving handles, the incorporation of resistance bands or some other mechanism.
Either way, it’s definitely desirable to look for a machine that gives you a gentle but effective full-body workout.
Get a Workout While Sitting
Do you have difficulty standing for a workout?
If so, then the best low impact exercise equipment for you may be a machine that allows you to sit.
Many of these machines come with an attached seat. When this is the case, look for a product with adequate padding, and ensure that the seat is adjustable for your height.
Adjustable Resistance
When you’ve found a great machine, you want to use it for a long time.
Accordingly, it’s critical that the machine has adjustable resistance so that your workouts can continue to challenge you over the long run.
A simple knob or button may be all that’s required to dial up the resistance.
Best Low Impact Exercise Equipment Reviews
HCI Fitness Physio Step HXT
The most costly option, the HCI Fitness Physio Step HXT offers many bells and whistles. If it’s within your budget, it may be a solid option.
One prominent feature is the large LCD display where you can track time, speed, distance, calories and pulse. This helps you track improvement over time.
The oversized pedals have significant texture and a strap to keep your foot connected. This means that you’re unlikely to experience foot slippage.
The seat slides back and forth with a lever to adjust for height, which is perfect if multiple people are using the machine.
Operated by a poly drive belt, operation is quiet so that you won’t bother anyone.
You have the option of pedaling backward or forward so that you can target various muscle groups in a single workout.
Handles on this machine track your heart rate, making it possible to hit your target every time.
The pivoting handles can be adjusted for your comfort, and with 16 levels of resistance, you’ll have many opportunities to get stronger.
For a relatively expensive machine, this model lacks a holder for a phone or tablet, and the seat could use some additional padding.
Pros:
- Large LCD display
- Heart rate monitor
- Strap keeps feet secured to the pedals
Cons:
- No holder for phone or tablet
- Too little padding on the seat
Gazelle Edge Glider
Here’s an option for people who prefer to stand when exercising. The Gazelle Edge Glider is a straightforward machine that works well and can be effective.
This machine allows you to use your full range of motion. You can choose a slow walk or a fast run. This machine will switch from one to the next without skipping a beat.
This is because of the dual-action split suspension.
A simple computer is included for tracking calories burned, time, distance and speed.
The foot platforms are wide and have a non-skid surface to give you improved stability.
A pair of handlebars, which are equipped with high-density foam, are designed to help you get a full body workout.
This is a pretty solid machine that is relatively affordable. Nonetheless, it would be nice if it were made completely of metal parts.
Additionally, back lighting on the computer screen would be welcome, and this model is plagued by squeaks.
Pros:
- For people who prefer to stand for workouts
- Excellent stride range of motion
- Including a computer at this price is a major bonus
Cons:
- Could be improved with all-metal construction
- The computer needs back lighting
- Can be squeaky
Slim Cycle Stationary Bike
Here’s another option with an accessible price. Instead of being a stepper or a modified elliptical machine, the Slim Cycle Stationary Bike is a stationary bike, which may appeal to some.
The other thing that sets this option apart is the arm resistance bands, which allow you to do upper body exercises as you pedal.
This machine places you in a slightly recumbent position, which may be easier on your back and joints.
You have access to eight levels of resistance so that you can dial up the intensity when you’re ready.
The seat is covered in memory foam that’s two-and-a-half inches thick, which increases the comfort level so that you can exercise longer.
With a digital display, you can track speed, distance, calories and more. Oversized digits and buttons are easy to see.
With purchase of this machine, you get access to the Slim Cycle App and 10 free classes.
When you’re not using the Slim Cycle, it can be folded for storage.
Nonetheless, this machine is too small for tall people, and the back support isn’t adequate to provide proper recumbent support.
Moreover, the machine’s estimates for distance and speed seem inflated.
Pros:
- A nicely padded seat
- A bike rather than a stepper or elliptical machine
- Includes resistance bands for an upper body workout
Cons:
- Too small for tall users
- Insufficient back support
- Inflated numbers for speed and distance
Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine
The Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine is a selection that allows you to sit in any chair while you exercise. It’s sized to fit under a desk, but you could place it in front of a sofa or a dining room chair.
A mini elliptical, this machine makes it possible to exercise anywhere. That’s especially true because this exercise machine is quiet. You can read, watch television or carry on a conversation as you pedal.
Because it features a built-in LCD display, you can track distance, number of strides, calories burned and more.
Unfortunately, the screen is tiny, and it’s necessary to bend down to press the buttons. This may not be convenient or realistic for users with limited mobility.
The good news is that the Cubii can be connected to mobile apps, Apple HealthKit and Fitbit for easier tracking.
Reports indicate problems with the pedals developing stress fractures or detaching from the main unit.
Obviously, this is frustrating, but most users note that replacement parts are dispatched with speed.
Pros:
- Lets you exercise while sitting in your favorite chair
- Quiet enough to use while reading, watching TV or talking
- Connects to a variety of apps, smart devices
Cons:
- Tiny LCD screen
- Durability problems with pedals
Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer is a thoughtfully designed machine from the Teeter company, an organization that has dedicated itself to helping people lead healthier lives since 1981.
Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer features a middle-of-the-road, accessible price, but that isn’t the main reason to buy it.
It’s the technological innovation that goes into the product that makes it worthwhile.
Consider the UltraGlide bearings. These steel ball bearings ensure almost silent operation, making it possible for you to exercise whenever you like without disturbing anyone.
Another worthwhile feature is the transport wheels on the base. Thanks to these, you can easily maneuver this exercise machine.
The adjustability of the seat is another plus. With two mounting positions and the possibility of adjusting recline and height, this machine can be configured to suit anyone comfortably.
Also adjustable is the SureGrip handles. They are rubberized for comfort and secure grip, but the real value is that they can be placed in eight positions to vary your workout or help you to work around injuries.
Also noteworthy are the SoftStep pedals. These rubberized tread overlays ensure that your feet stay safely on the pedals.
Other helpful features include a water bottle holder and a media rack for your tablet or smartphone.
On the console display, you can track calories burned, speed, distance and time, taking the guesswork out of exercise sessions.
Easy to assemble, this recumbent step machine has been tested to ensure longevity.
Nonetheless, some people are bothered that adjusting the seat height requires removing a screw. A pull-out pin would be quicker and more efficient.
Pros:
- Accessible price for a physical therapy quality machine
- Lots of proprietary technology involved with features like the UltraGlide bearings
- Plenty of adjustability with the handles and seat
Cons:
- Seat height can only be adjusted with removal of a screw, which is a bit cumbersome
> > Check out our full review of the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer here < <
Final Thoughts
After thoroughly reviewing each of these five products, my favorite by far is the Teeter FreeStep LT3 Recumbent Cross Trainer.
Those of you who are seeking the best low impact exercise equipment will find that it is durable, high-quality and effective.
It successfully delivers an efficient workout that is undoubtedly easy on your joints. If you have any mobility issues, then you should still be able to get a meaningful workout with this machine.
While it is true that the seat height can only be adjusted by removing and replacing a screw, this may not be much of a deterrent to many users. The quality of the workout that you will get will easily make up for any inconvenience.
It is really wonderful to be able to own this type of equipment in your home. That’s because this exercise machine is a great deal like the machines that you’ll find in a physical therapy clinic.
Accordingly, you may benefit from getting an effective, low-impact workout without ever leaving the house.
