The importance of staying fit and healthy cannot be overstated. It’s critical that we continue to keep ourselves active, regardless of our age or abilities.
With the advancement of technology and other products, we’ve been able to access gym equipment which we can use from the comfort of our own home. And luckily, due to demand – some manufacturers have tweaked their products specifically to meet the needs of seniors over 50.
The thing is, it’s not always easy to know what home gym is best for you if you’re over 50. There’s so many products and set-ups out there, what exactly are you meant to opt for?
Luckily, we’ve made this a little easier for you. We’ve created a handy guide which gives you our picks for the best home gyms for seniors over 50, along with pros and cons, a buyers’ guide and the most frequently asked questions that arise with these kinds of products.
So, if you want to know more about home gyms, you’re a senior, and you’re in the market for these products – read on to learn more!
Below, we’ll list out some of the best connected home gyms available on Amazon. BUT there are also some great connected home gyms that seniors should consider that aren’t on Amazon. These include Tonal, Mirror and Tempo – three easy to use, but advanced – smart home gyms that let you do weight lifting, cardio, stretching and more. Of course, you don’t NEED a gym to stay fit. Just moving around and staying active is great for your body (and mind!). Another smart way to remind yourself to move is to purchase a fitness tracker. These are basically watches that track your movement, steps and other important fitness vitals. We suggest you check out Whoop, the Apple Watch and FitBit if that’s all you need to stay fit at the moment.
Total Gym APEX
One of the best home gyms for seniors on the market is the Total Gym Apex. This product has been designed by professional athletes, coaches and fitness experts who understand how important it is to stay fit as we get older.
It comes with an adjustable bench, dumbbells, free weights, resistance bands and kettle bells. This is one of the few home gyms which offers a complete workout package.
So, whether you’re looking for strength training, cardiovascular workouts or both – this is the perfect choice.
Pros:
- Adjustable bench allows users to work at different heights
- Dumbbells, free weights and resistance bands included
- Comes with a kettle bell
Cons:
- Not suitable for those with balance issues
Home Gym Body Solid 
Another great option for seniors over 50 is the Body-solid home gym. This product includes everything you need to get started right away.
You’ll receive a pair of dumbbells, a stability ball, a yoga mat, a step stool, a pull-up bar and a medicine ball. All you need to do is add your own weight belt and start working out.
This is one of the few home gyms that doesn’t require any assembly. That means you don’t have to worry about putting together all the pieces yourself. Just grab your stuff and go.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Includes everything needed to get started
Cons:
- No kettle bells available
Dispank Folding Exercise Bike
If you’re looking for something that’s compact but still provides a full workout experience, then the Dispank folding exercise bike could be just what you’re after.
This is a lightweight machine which folds down easily into a small space. It also features a foldable handlebar and footrests. This makes it ideal for taking it anywhere.
You can adjust the seat height, pedal speed, incline angle and resistance level. This gives you plenty of options when it comes to customizing your workout.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Folds easily for storage
- Incline adjustment
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a kettle bell
Marcy Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
The Marcy magnetic recumbent exercise bike is another great option for seniors who are looking for a simple yet effective way to keep fit. This machine is very user-friendly and has been designed with safety in mind.
It features a padded seat and backrest, hand grips, arm rests, knee pads and a high quality motor. The pedals are also adjustable, so you can choose between walking, jogging or cycling.
There’s no assembly required either. Simply attach the frame to the floor using the provided attachment brackets. Then connect the pedals and enjoy your workout.
This is a great choice for anyone who wants to get a good cardio workout tailored to their ability and size.
Pros:
Padded seat and backrest
- Adjustable pedals
- Hand grips
- Arm rests
- Knee pads
Cons:
- Not the cheapest on the market
Davcreator Foldable Fitness Bike 2 In 1
The Davcreator foldable fitness bike 2 in 1 is another excellent option if you want to stay active while saving money and space in your home.
This is a versatile piece of equipment which combines a stationary bike with an arm workout. With its unique design, this device lets you perform both aerobic exercises and strength training.
It features a sturdy steel frame and a comfortable saddle. You can use this machine indoors or outdoors. It’s suitable for people of all ages and sizes.
Pros:
- Comfortable saddle
- Sturdy steel frame
Cons:
- May seem a little complicated for some seniors
Jeekee Recumbent Exercise Bike For Seniors
The Jeekee recumbent exercise bike for seniors is another great option if you’re looking for a low-cost solution. This machine is perfect for those who want to work out without spending too much time assembling the various parts.
This is a fully assembled unit which includes a seat, handles, pedals, and footrests. All you need to do is plug it in and start exercising.
It’s suitable for users of all abilities and senior ages. So whether you’re looking for a quick workout or a more intense one, there’s bound to be something here for you.
Pros:
- Low price
- Easy to assemble
- Suitable for beginners
Cons:
- No built-in speakers
DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser 
If you’re looking for a simple solution at home to keeping fit as a senior citizen, then why not make life much easier and opt for an under-desk bike pedal exerciser?
This is a compact device that fits perfectly underneath any desk. It’s easy to set up and use. It’s lightweight and easily put away for storage.
You’ll find that this device will help you improve your balance and posture. Plus, it helps reduce stress and lower blood pressure. It’s suitable for all types of users.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Easy to store
Cons:
- Basic equipment
Chair Gym
If you’re looking for a more simple workout that does not require heavy weights and allows you to remain seated, then look no further than the Chair Gym.
This is an inexpensive piece of equipment that comes complete with a chair, resistance cords, workout DVDs, a meal plan and a workout guide with plenty of workout ideas!
It comes fully assembled and allows you to work out your upper body and lower body with ease, perfect for people of all abilities and senior ages.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Complete package
- Simple setup
Cons:
- Limited options on this chair
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike
Experience but don’t have the budget for a traditional gym membership, then Sunny Health & Fitness might be right for you.
This is a high quality product that provides everything needed for a complete workout. It has a large screen monitor that shows real-time stats such as heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled, speed, etc.
It also has a pulse rate monitoring system, so you know exactly how many calories you’ve burnt during each session. It’s suitable for both men and women and is ideal for anyone of any age.
Pros:
- Large screen monitor
- Pulse rate monitoring
- Full body workout
Cons:
- Not simple to set up
- Requires space
Buyers’ Guide
It’s important when you’re buying a home gym as a senior over 50 that you know the most critical areas to look at. Here are the things you need to think about.
What Kind Of Exercises Do You Plan To Perform?
Do you want to focus on cardio workouts? Or strength training? If you plan to do both, then you may want to consider purchasing an elliptical machine. This type of device allows you to perform both types of exercises simultaneously.
If you only plan to work out using free weights, then you’ll probably want to get yourself a bench press station. These machines allow you to lift your body weight as well as additional weights.
If you don’t mind spending money but also want something that will last you a long time, then you might want to invest in a treadmill. Treadmills offer a great way to burn calories while still being able to walk around your house.
They come in different sizes and speeds, allowing you to choose one that meets your specific fitness goals.
It’s important though that you’re fully aware of your abilities. If you’re in your early 50s, you may be able to cope with the higher-end equipment, but if you’re 10 or 20+ years older than this, you may have limitations – and this is totally fine.
You just need to bear in mind what you can cope with. So, if you’re looking for cardio exercise, you might need an adaptable machine like a recumbent bike. Recumbent bikes are perfect for people of all ages and abilities and some are tailored specifically for seniors.
The same applies with strength training. If you can’t lift a bench press without assistance, it’s likely going to be more beneficial to stick with dumbbells instead.
How Much Space Do You Have Available?
Is your living room big enough to house all the equipment? If not, you might want to consider getting a home gym kit which comes with everything you need already assembled.
Another option would be to buy a standalone piece of equipment. However, make sure you measure the space available before making any purchases. It could be worth investing in a folding treadmill, for example, if you find that you don’t have much room for a stationary machine.
If you’re planning to use your home gym regularly, then you should aim to purchase items that are easy to move around. A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that requires too much effort to set up.
Are There Any Safety Concerns With Your Home Gym?
When you’re choosing a home gym as a senior, it’s important to think about safety. The first thing you need to check out is whether there’s adequate lighting. Many home gyms come with lights built into them, but they can sometimes lack sufficient brightness.
Make sure that you also check that the flooring is safe. Some floors aren’t suitable for exercising on. In particular, concrete and tile are two examples of surfaces that shouldn’t be used.
Some equipment needs to be set up in a specific way to ensure safety – so have you checked that the equipment is correctly fastened and tightened?
Some items even have built-in safety features, for example, a treadmill may have an emergency stop button on it or attachable cord if you have a fall. Does your chosen equipment come with this?
Does Your Equipment Need Power?
While many home gyms and home equipment may require power, it’s always best to double-check. Make sure that the outlets are rated for mains voltage and that the current isn’t overloaded. This means that you should only plug in devices that require 110V/220V AC mains electricity.
Also, when purchasing a home gym, make sure you get a power supply unit that has both AC and DC outputs. This allows you to connect multiple pieces of equipment together.
If you’re using a treadmill, make sure you get one that has a speed control function. This allows you to adjust the speed according to how quickly you walk or jog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s some of the most asked questions when it comes to home gyms and senior citizens.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Home Gym?
There are many benefits to using a home gym. Not only does it allow you to stay fit when you’re unable to travel far from home, it can also help you reduce stress levels.
It’s also great for people who live alone because it gives them something to do while they’re at home. They won’t feel like they’re wasting their time by doing nothing.
Is A Home Gym Better Than A Traditional Gym?
A traditional gym is often seen as a luxury item, especially for seniors. But a home gym doesn’t necessarily need to cost more than a traditional gym. You just need to look for a quality product that suits your lifestyle.
In fact, a lot of home gyms are cheaper than a traditional gym membership. If you want to save money, you might consider buying second hand equipment instead of new. A lower cost way to try to get almost full body workouts – all at once – is with recumbent elliptical cross trainers. These devices workout your legs and arms at the same time, and can be quite affordable. And, they are low impact, so are less likely to hurt your joints.
What Workouts Should Seniors Look To Do In A Home Gym?
Seniors don’t have to limit themselves to cardio workouts. It’s perfectly fine to include strength training exercises in your routine.
For instance, you could start off with walking and then progress to jogging. Or you could work your upper body muscles before moving onto lower body exercises.
The key is to find what works for you. Don’t worry too much about following any strict workout plan. Just keep making small changes until you find a routine that you enjoy.
How Often Should I Use My Home Gym?
This depends entirely on your fitness goals. If you want to lose weight, you’ll probably need to use it every day. On the other hand, if you simply want to maintain your current fitness level, you can take a break once in a while.
You shouldn’t overdo it either though. If you go to the gym regularly, you’ll soon burn out. So try not to spend more than 30 minutes working out each session.
How Much Time Will It Take Me To Learn How To Use My Home Gym?
You don’t need to be an expert to use a home gym. All you need is a bit of practice. Start off slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
As long as you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, there’s no reason why you couldn’t learn how to use a home gym within a few weeks.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment To Use A Home Gym?
No, all you really need is a pair of comfortable shoes. However, if you want to improve your performance, you may want to invest in some additional equipment. Some of these items include:
A resistance band: These bands come in different sizes and thicknesses. They’re ideal for stretching and strengthening your core muscles.
An adjustable bench: This allows you to change the height of the seat so you can perform various exercises comfortably.
Conclusion
Having a home gym as a senior can be a great way to pass the time and ensure you’re keeping yourself fit and healthy. We hope our guide has been of use to you when choosing what to buy and how to buy it.
The most important things to remember, aside from your budget, is your own capabilities, the ease of set up and how often you plan to use your equipment.
Before planning to use new gym equipment, it’s a good idea to get independent advice from your doctor too, especially if you require extra assistance or safety measures and precautions.
Once you’ve done all this though, all you’ll need to do is enjoy your home gym!
