Want to build endurance without wrecking your joints?
It’s tough for seniors. Running, jumping and other traditional cardio routines can wreak havoc on joints that have spent decades supporting your body. In fact, the CDC reports that 48% of adults aged 65+ have been diagnosed with arthritis.
Who wants painful knees?
Fortunately…
Seniors can still strengthen their hearts and lungs without pounding the pavement. With lightweight and easy-to-use senior fitness equipment you can build endurance safely.
Did you know…
The BMJ reports those who stay physically active had a 30-40% LOWER risk of death from any cause. That’s something no senior wants to miss out on.
Inside you’ll discover:
- Why Cardio is Important as You Age
- The Painful Joint Problem
- Top Low-Impact Senior Fitness Equipment
- Ways to Build Cardiovascular Endurance
- How to Get Started TODAY
Why Cardio is Important As You Age
Working out your heart.
Is important.
Did you know that your heart is a muscle? Yep. You’ve heard the saying. “Use it or lose it.”
That same principal applies to your heart too. Without regular exercise, your heart gets weak. You become a far greater candidate for heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, and more.
That’s scary stuff.
Here’s the good news.
Regular cardio exercise can:
- Improve your hearts ability to pump blood
- Help maintain healthy blood pressure levels
- Give you more energy
- Improve your mood and brain function
- Boost your immune system
But…
There’s a problem.
Running jarring exercises like running, jumping, and high-impact aerobics classes can tear your joints apart. The farther away from your hips these joints are, the more damage they tend to endure. Creaky knees, achy ankles. It all adds up.
This is why low-impact senior fitness equipment is so important. And why we’re covering everything you need to know to get started… RIGHT NOW.
The Painful Joint Problem
You know those articles that start off by telling you something is terrible?
Well…. joints hurt.
A lot.
And when your joints ache, working out is often the last thing on your mind. Moving only makes it worse, so many seniors choose to sit out on exercise altogether.
According to WebMD arthritis affects close to 53 MILLION adults in the United States. Ouch.
And if you’re over 65 years of age? Well… see the intro.
Seniors are much more likely to be affected by joint pain, which means traditional cardio exercises might be out of the question.
Finding senior fitness equipment that helps you build cardiovascular endurance without putting stress of your joints is extremely important.
Best Low-Impact Senior Fitness Equipment
Okay, so low-impact cardio sounds great. But what CAN you do?
Here are the best options for seniors that give you a solid workout without destroying your knees.
Recumbent Bike
Using stationary exercise bikes are great for seniors because they allow you to sit back while you ride. Unlike upright bikes, they allow your lower back to relax as you pedal away.
Upright Stationary Bike
These bikes are classics for a reason. They give your legs and core a great workout without any impact. Plus, the motion of riding a bike is easier on your knees than say, running or even walking.
Shop Stationary Bikes →
Elliptical Trainer
Another low-impact option for seniors. The elliptical offers many of the same benefits as running but without the pounding your joints have to endure.
Your feet do not leave the pedals when you’re working out on an elliptical machine. This means less impact and stress on your joints.
Shop Ellipticals →
Water Exercise Equipment
Water workout equipment is ideal for seniors that need even more low-impact exercise options. The water helps to support your weight while you provide the resistance.
Shop Water Exercise Equipment →
Once you’ve picked the exercise machine that’s right for you. It’s time to start building endurance.
How to Build Cardiovascular Endurance
Rome wasn’t built in a day. And your cardiovascular endurance isn’t going to drastically improve overnight either.
Take things slow. Baby steps.
Here is a great way to ease into your new exercise routine:
- Week 1-2: Start by exercising for just 10 minutes
- Week 3-4: Increase workout time to 15 minutes
- Week 5-6: Try to exercise for 20 minutes
- Week 7-8: Push yourself to reach 25-30 minutes
Doing some type of moderate intensity cardio for 30 minutes 5 days per week is ideal. But you have to start somewhere.
If you start to experience any of the following during your workouts, TAKE A BREAK.
- Sharp pain or discomfort
- Extreme shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fatigue that lasts several hours after exercise
Our bodies often send us signals. Listen to them.
Getting Started Today
So you know you should workout. You know you need to build cardiovascular endurance.
But what’s the first step?
Simply choose one piece of senior fitness equipment and start riding, swimming, or stepping.
Don’t worry about how long you spend working out. Don’t worry about how far you go.
Just get started.
You can even start outdoors if you want to. Riding a bike around your neighborhood is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.
But if the weather sucks or you don’t want to leave your house… that’s okay too!
Buy a fitness machine for your home.
You want something you CAN use.
Many seniors are intimidated by workout machines. They think they’ll be too difficult to assemble. Or that the seats will be uncomfortable. That the screens won’t be easy to read. Or that they’ll be too hard to use.
That doesn’t have to be true.
These days there are tons of senior-friendly fitness machines on the market. Motorized equipment makes setting up your new toy a breeze. Padded seats. Big digital screens with clear buttons. Adjustable resistance options that aren’t difficult to use.
Shop Senior Friendly Exercise Equipment →
Wrapping Things Up
Exercise doesn’t have to be painful.
You can build cardiovascular endurance by using low-impact senior fitness equipment. Equipment like stationary exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, and even water exercise equipment.
Here’s what you need to remember:
Start Low and Go Slow
Your body will let you know when you’re doing too much too soon. If you feel sharp pain or intense fatigue that lasts for hours after exercising, take a break.
Consistency is key.
You don’t need to spend an hour in the gym every day. What you NEED to do is get moving MORE than you’re moving now. Sweat three times a week. Better yet, sweat five.
Once you do that… just keep at it.
Progress is progressive. Keep your body in motion and it will thank you!
