With rising costs and less money in many budgets, seniors may consider purchasing home gyms to cut the expense of purchasing a membership to a gym or fitness center. Some find that the investment is well worth while as they enjoy health benefits of a more active lifestyle in a convenient home location.
Who Can Benefit from Home Gym Equipment & Machines?
Many people can benefit from owning their own exercise machines, such as those who:
- do not live in a location convenient to a gym or health club
- do not have reliable transportation to an area where they can safely exercise
- need a more flexible schedule for exercise
- are unable to get out due to health concerns, budget constraints, or weather
- prefer to work out in shorter intervals throughout the day
- incorporate frequent breaks in a workout
- are self-directed and self-motivated
- can safely work out at home
Home Gyms Enable People to Create an Individualized Workout Routine
Seniors who purchase and properly incorporate home gym equipment into a well-rounded fitness routine may enjoy the convenience of having the equipment readily available at any time. For example, if a senior prefers to work out early in the morning, a home exercise routine may be preferable to driving to another location, particularly if the location does not open as early as that person prefers to work out.
Many people may also incorporate a wide variety of physical activities, such as a walking program, exercise videos, or interactive fitness videos and equipment like Nintendo Wii that can help them to achieve the American Heart Association’s August 1, 2007 key recommendations from the online publication entitled , “ Physical Activity and Public Health in Older Adults: Recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association,” including:
- preventive and therapeutic physical activity
- moderate intensity (5-6 on 10-point scale) aerobic exercise
- muscle-strengthening movements
- Eeercises to promote flexibility and increased range of movement
- becoming less sedentary
- managing health risks
These recommendations are specific for seniors who have chronic conditions or functional limitations, while recommendations for seniors who are more physically fit should incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most or every day of the week while incorporating balance and muscle-strengthening exercises with the exercise routine.
Home Exercise Equipment Can Save Money
Working out with home fitness machines and equipment not only encourages a flexible routine, but it might save money in the long run because quality items may last for years with very little maintenance cost. Those who know what type of exercises they prefer can focus their purchases on individual preferences rather than paying to use equipment and supplies that do not fit well with their individual needs at a gym.
Examples of home gym equipment, machines, and supplies include:
- treadmill
- weight lifting machine
- stationary bike
- free weights, such as barbells, kettle bells
- stair stepper
- elliptical
- rowing machine
- step for floor exercise
- resistance bands
- balls
- mats
- blocks
Seniors who are more active and physically fit may experience better health with a lower incidence of conditions and related complications such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, low bone density, constipation, and obesity. One of the benefits of a healthier lifestyle that incorporates regular physical exercise is the possibility of lower healthcare costs.
Home Gym and Exercise Equipment Can Help Seniors Maintain Healthy Lifestyle
Seniors who are self-motivated and can safely work out at home may enjoy purchasing their own home gym and exercise equipment that enable them to customize their own routine and to focus on their particular physical needs. Although the initial cost may seem high, owning the equipment may be more of a bargain, particularly if the equipment is of good quality and well-maintained at home. Physical fitness is a good investment overall as it reduces the cost of healthcare and can improve quality of life.
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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