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10 Best Elliptical Machines For Seniors

Unless you’ve always been a fitness fanatic, performing workouts as a senior can be a tedious and tiring activity. For many reasons, workout routines for seniors need to be comfortable and a little fun to make them interested.

One of the best workout machines for the elders is an elliptical machine. A more preferred option of elliptical machines is the recumbent cross trainer for seniors. This is because it is easy to use, comfortable, easy on the joints, and results yielding.

Best Elliptical For Seniors

The article examines the top best ellipticals for seniors available today. It also highlights the important features to look out for when buying an elliptical machine for seniors.

How To Choose An Elliptical For seniors

Buying the best elliptical workouts equipment requires critically examining key component features that make it a piece of ideal equipment. These are key features to look out for for the best ellipticals for seniors. Even if you are looking for an elliptical over 60 years old, then you should consider these points:

Workout Programs

Most ellipticals come with pre-installed workout programs. This feature allows users to choose workout programs tailored to their needs. For example, an elliptical for seniors with workout programs is ideal for helping them perform less vigorous exercises.

Resistance Levels

The resistance levels of elliptical machines determine the degree of effort and foot pressure needed to work the machine. The best elliptical for seniors should have a wide range of resistance levels. Senior fitness users do not necessarily need to exert much effort when performing exercises.

Generally, elliptical machines have resistance levels starting from 8 and can go as high as 32. Senior fitness users would not necessarily need high resistance levels of 32. A good elliptical for seniors should fall within the typical resistance levels average.

Stride Length

When on an elliptical machine, stride length is the distance between the foot pedals when they are at their farthest point from each other.

The average stride length for many ellipticals is 20″. The generally acceptable range of stride lengths available in commercial ellipticals is between 18″ and 22″.

However, ellipticals for seniors should consider that seniors do not necessarily need to exert much effort during exercises. Although they may be more expensive than the conventional elliptical machines, an elliptical for seniors with an adjustable stride length makes an excellent choice for senior fitness users.

Incline Adjustability

Most ellipticals comes with an incline feature that allows users to adjust the machine’s inclination. Many of these elliptical machines allow maximum inclines of about 10% to 20%. Elliptical machine inclines allow users to increase or decrease workout and training intensity.

An incline adjustability feature is ideal for the elliptical workout for seniors to adjust the intensity of the workout. The feature is also available in ellipticals like an under-desk CrossFit trainer for seniors.

Display

Display screens are a feature of many conventional elliptical machines. These LCD screens allow fitness users to track and monitor workout information like speed, time, RPM, distance, and calories burned.

Even with the unique build and design of an under-desk elliptical for seniors, they still come with display screens for users to monitor workout progress.

Choose the Seated Elliptical

A seated elliptical for seniors is a better choice for older fitness users. It guarantees stability, comfort, and balance. These are a necessity for senior fitness users when working on a low-impact elliptical machine.

A recumbent cross trainer for seniors is a great example of these ellipticals. Another example is an under-desk CrossFit for seniors that allow users to perform lower body exercises. These elliptical machines act as a combination of a traditional elliptical machine and an exercise bike.

Several workout machine manufacturers offer a compact elliptical for seniors to choose from. To help narrow the options, the article examines the ten best ellipticals for elders.

List Of The Top 3 Best Elliptical For Seniors

Cubii JR1
Cubii JR1
9.7/10
  • Model Name: JR1 Aqua
  • Compact and ergonomic design
  • 8 resistance level ups
  • Whisper-Quiet mini elliptical
  •  Tracking display for calories burned, strides pedaled and distance traveled
  • Portable under desk elliptical
  • Maximum weight: 250 Pounds 
  • Item dimensions: 23.15 x 17.56 x 10 inches
  • Item weight: ‎12.5Kg
Body Rider BRD2000
Body Rider BRD2000
9.5/10
  • Two-in-one fitness machine
  • Material: Metal
  • Vertically and horizontally adjustable seat
  • Adjustable resistance
  • Electronic console screen
  • Built-in transport wheels
  • High-speed fan blades
  • Item Dimensions: 48 x 28.5 x 59.5 inches
  • Item Weight: ‎66 Pounds
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872
9.1/10
  • Material: Steel
  • Belt drive magnetic resistance
  • 8 Levels of resistance
  • Low profile elliptical design
  • Portable design
  • Multifunctional digital monitor
  • Textured non-slip foot pedals
  • Item Dimensions:  ‎24 x 19 x 11 inches
  • Item Weight: ‎25 Pounds

10 Best Ellipticals Machine For Seniors

1.
Cubii JR1 - Best Under Desk Elliptical For Seniors
  • Compact and ergonomic design
  • Rehab and fitness workout peddler
  • 8 resistance levels
  • LCD screen monitor
  • Whisper-quiet operation
  • Exclusive live workout classes

The Cubii JR1 under desk elliptical for seniors provides maximum comfort to senior users. It enables them to get extra strides from the comfort of a sitting position. In addition, its build and design allow users to incorporate fitness routines into their daily lives.

For less active seniors, the Cubii JR1 allows them to burn up to 85% calories from a seated position rather than just sitting sedentary. The compact design makes it easy to move around and fit right into any space.

Cubii JR1 Summary

The Cubii JR1 is an excellent choice for low-impact workouts for seniors. Its compact and ergonomic design makes it fit into any space for quick, lower-body exercises. With its 8 adjustable levels of resistance, senior users can adjust the intensity of the lower body workout. With a weight of 12.5kg, the Cubii JR1 has a maximum user weight limit of 250 pounds.

Pros
  • 7 pre-installed workout programs.
  • It guarantees a full-body workout.
  • Up to four user profiles with individual customization.
  • 20 resistance levels.
  • Compact design.
Cons
  • Requires JRNY subscription
  • Short-term warranty.
2.
Body Rider BRD2000 - Best Home Elliptical For Seniors
  • Dual fitness equipment — a recumbent bike and elliptical machine
  • Adjustable seat
  • Adjustable knob
  • Electronic console screen
  • Built-in transport wheels
  • High-speed fan blades

The Body Rider BRD2000 is a good seated CrossFit trainer for seniors. Its unique design allows it to perform as two workout equipment, targeting the upper and lower body. With its adjustable seat, the BRD2000 can perform efficiently as an exercise bike and an elliptical machine.

With its seat feature, seniors with bone and joint pains can exercise comfortably. The seat allows for both horizontal and vertical adjustments. It also comes with an electronic console screen that displays calories burned, workout duration, speed, and distance covered.

Body Rider BRD2000 Elliptical Summary

Its dual fitness equipment feature makes the Body Rider BRD2000 relatively unique. It is a piece of ideal cardio equipment that can serve as both an elliptical and workout bike. With its adjustable seat features, this elliptical for seniors can cater to 7 unique user heights. With a weight of 66 pounds, the BRD2000 can easily be moved around with its added transport wheel feature. It also has a recommended maximum weight of 250 pounds.

Pros
  • 16 silent magnetic resistance levels
  • 10 and 2 years warranty for its frame and parts, respectively
  • 13 workout programs
  • Compact elliptical but with 18" stride length
  • Heart rate monitoring
Cons
  • It has no incline
  • The console is not backlit
3.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3872 - Best Seated Elliptical For Seniors
  • 8 levels of magnetic resistance
  • Compact and portable design
  • Digital monitor
  • Flywheel weight of 3.52 pounds
  • Easy transportation with transport handles
  • Non-slip pedals

The Sunny SF-E3872 Magnetic elliptical for seniors comes in a compact, portable design making it a great space-saver elliptical for apartment use. It also makes it a good option for under desk use.

It comes fully assembled and takes the assembly stress off senior fitness users. Its non-slip foot pedal feature allows senior fitness users to place their feet comfortably and prevent any risk of slipping.

The Sunny SF-E3872 is designed with 8 levels of resistance to help senior fitness users adjust workout routine intensity. Its digital monitor can help track and monitor exercise time, distance, burned calories, and speed.

Sunny SF-E3872 Elliptical Summary

The Sunny SF-E3872 is a portable, space-saving elliptical. It comes fully assembled and is easy to work with. With just 8 levels of resistance, it is an ideal elliptical machine for seniors at home. Its lightweight and centrally located handles makes it easy for seniors to relocate and store when not in use.

Pros
  • Bluetooth enabled speakers
  • Sturdy design with supportive four-wheel on heavy-duty rails
  • Lifetime warranty on frame, five years warranty on electronics and parts, and a two-year warranty on labor
  • Pedals designed to reduce ankle and knee
  • 7.5" console display to monitor heart rate and pulse.
Cons
  • Moderate to difficult assembly
  • Large design not suitable for small spaced apartments
4.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 - Best Elliptical For Elderly
  • Pulse sensor
  • Performance monitor
  • Floor stabilizers
  • Non-slip foot pedals
  • 24 user programs
  • 16 levels of resistance

The Sunny SF-E3912 elliptical machine is yet another best elliptical machine model from Sunny Health & Fitness. It comes with 24 pre-installed unique workout modes and a performance monitor that lets users track workout progress and body readings.

Unlike under-desk trainers, the Sunny SF-E3912 comes with handlebars that allow users to perform upper body workouts alongside lower body exercises. Its workout motion targets the muscle groups of the biceps, triceps, pecs, hamstrings, thighs, and glutes.

Sunny SF-E3912 Elliptical Summary

The Sunny SF-E3912 delivers a low-impact, total body workout experience for senior fitness users. It comes with a weight of 104.8 pounds and can support a recommended maximum weight of 330 pounds. In addition, senior fitness users need not worry about stability on any floor type as it comes with enhanced floor stabilizers.

It also comes with additional features like a bottle holder and device holder. The pulse sensor enables users to monitor body readings shown and tracked on its high-performance digital monitor. It may not be easy to move around and assemble for senior fitness users, but once set up can help deliver a full-body workout.

Pros
  • 22 workout classes
  • 20 magnetic resistance levels
  • 20" stride length
  • Goal Track technology
  • High inertia and speed drive system
Cons
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
  • Short warranty
5.
Teeter FreeStep LT1 - Recumbent Cross Trainer For Elderly
  • Whisper-quiet operation
  • Smart design
  • Adjustable handle and seat feature
  • Reliable transport wheels
  • 13 resistance levels

Teeter FreeStep is a great recumbent cross trainer for seniors as it brings comfort and eliminates stress to the joints and back. It operates with dual power motion that allows for a full-body workout.

It comes with an adjustable design that allows senior fitness users to adjust and relax during workouts. This gives overall ease during workouts and ensures more calorie burns. Its manufacturers guarantee an increased 17.4% higher calorie burn than its competitors.

It has 13 levels of resistance to cater to joint rehab patients, senior users, and all fitness enthusiasts. With a zero-friction magnetic resistance operation, workouts are seemingly whisper-quiet.

Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Elliptical Summary

The Teeter FreeStep is a recumbent elliptical trainer that offers a low-impact workout to seniors at a relatively fair price. The design allows it to fit into any apartment space and move around. It is ideal for joint rehab and senior fitness users as it is comfortable for the joints and back.

The seat adjustability feature makes it easy for users to adjust height and recline settings. It comes in dimensions of 54x29x52.5 inches (LxWxH). It has a maximum weight recommendation of 300 pounds.

Pros
  • The lifelong service warranty and replacement costs
  • Easy assembly
  • Hyper quiet magnetic drive system
  • Digital display feature
  • 16 resistance levels
Cons
  • Basic console
  • No workout classes
6.
Bowflex Max M3 - Best Elliptical Stepper Machine For Elderly
  • Interactive backlit display
  • Fixed and movable handlebars
  • Up to 2 user profiles
  • 2 pre-installed workout programs
  • Chest strap for heart rate monitoring
  • 8 levels of resistance

The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 enables senior fitness users to take control of their workout resistance, speed, and intensity. It delivers an astonishing 14-minute interval workout result.

It comes with a workout history tracking for up to 2 users. It also comes with 2 pre-installed workout programs. For effective heart rate readings, it comes with a chest strap to monitor body vitals. With just 8 resistance adjustable levels, senior fitness users have a range of workout intensities to play with.

Bowflex M3 Summary

The Bowflex Max Trainer M3 comes in a compact and space-saving design. It fits comfortably into apartment spaces. It comes with a dimension of 46.5×22.5×26.5 inches (LxWxH). In addition, the Bowflex Max Trainer M3 has 8 levels of resistance, 2 user profiles, and an interactive backlit display screen.

However, it is not Bluetooth enabled and is only offered on a single-year warranty.

Pros
  • Easy assembly
  • Articulating footplate
  • Heart rate monitor
  • 25 resistance levels
  • 29 pre-installed workout classes
Cons
  • 10 years frame warranty
  • Low-quality display
7.
LifePro - Portable Under Desk Elliptical For Seniors
  • Ultimate stability
  • Portable and compact design
  • 8 pedal resistance adjustable levels
  • LCD screen to track workouts
  • Lifetime warranty

This under desk trainers allows users to take control of their workouts by engaging in exercises while performing other activities. It is promised to deliver results such as muscle toning, blood circulation enhancement, and improved flexibility.

It has 8 adjustable resistance levels and an LCD screen to show workout readings. Its portable design makes it easy to move around and work with. It has dimensions of 22.7×18.5×12.9 inches (LxWxH) and a total weight of 14 kg.

LifePro Under Desk Elliptical Summary

As a senior fitness user looking for an under desk trainer, the LifePro is one of the selected best in the market. Its cost-friendly feature and portable design make it a go-to seated elliptical for seniors. In addition, it has a competitive feature with other under desk/seated ellipticals within the same price range. A unique advantage over most others is that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros
  • iFit compatible
  • 30-day iFit membership
  • Easy assembly
  • Vertical folding space-saver design
  • Built-in CoolAire workout fan
Cons
  • Small display screen
  • An iFit account is needed
8.
Schwinn Fitness 430 - Low Impact Elliptical Machine For Elderly
  • 22 workout programs
  • 20" stride length
  • 20 resistance levels
  • 2 DualTrack LCD screens
  • Goal Track technology to set workout routines and goals

Schwinn is one of the top brands in the world of ellipticals. Its 430 elliptical is one of the top quiet workout ellipticals in today’s market. It offers the features of an ideal elliptical. It comes installed with its Goal Track technology, allowing users to track workout progress.

It comes with a 20″ precision stride length, giving users a feel of the natural running motion. A high-speed, quiet drive system powers the elliptical. This gives a quiet, smooth working operation when in use.

It comes with 22 workout programs, cushioned footplates, and fixed and movable handlebars. The system also comes with 20 levels of resistance.

Schwinn Fitness 430 Elliptical Summary

The Schwinn 430 fitness trainer is a large workout machine that allows low-impact workouts. It comes with 2 DualTrack LCD screens for users to monitor workout performance. It is regarded as a good quality elliptical since it is powered by a high-speed, high inertia drive system.

Its 20 adjustable resistance levels are ideal for regular fitness fanatics but may be too extreme for joint rehab and senior users. However, they can easily adjust to desired intensity. For a high-powered elliptical with above-average features, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity.

Pros
  • Pulse sensors on padded handlebars
  • Performance monitoring and tracking
  • Non-slip foot pedal
  • 19.5 stride length
  • 16 computerized resistance levels
Cons
  • Not ideal for taller fitness users
  • 3 years frame warranty and 180 days warranty for parts and components
9.
Body Champ - Best Trio Trainer For Seniors
  • Two-way adjustable seat
  • Three sets of handlebars
  • 21 preset workout programs
  • Interactive digital console
  • Integrated heart rate and pulse monitor

The Body Champ BRT7989 stands out uniquely as an elliptical that brings three different workout equipment to one. It can perform as an elliptical, upright stationary, and a recumbent and sprint bike. This gives users the advantage of saving on space and money.

A remarkable feature is its ease of transition between these three workout operations. It is designed with three sets of handlebars to enhance comfort and upper body workout. Its has a two-way adjustable seat setting to allow users to adjust to the required position.

Body Champ BRT7989 Summary

The Body Champ BRT7989 is structurally unique with its 3-in-1 workout option. The elliptical trainer features an easy transition from each of the three modes to ensure a smooth working operation. In addition, with the 21 pre-programmed workout routines, users can utilize fitness guides for their daily workout routines.

A notable disadvantage of the product is that it only comes with a year’s frame warranty. The product is also made from less durable construction material.

Pros
  • 20" stride length
  • Articulating footplate
  • SOLE Fitness app
  • Built-in tablet holder
  • 20 resistance levels
Cons
  • Assembly needs skill and knowledge
  • Basic display screen and console
10.
NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i - Best High-End Elliptical For Elderly
  • Folding space-saver design
  • iFit automatic trainer control
  • 5" backlit display
  • 22 digital levels of resistance
  • CoolAire fan

The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i comes with a unique folding design. It makes this elliptical trainer a favorite as a space-saving elliptical. It has an automatic trainer control that helps adjust users’ workout intensities. The automatic trainer control is none other than iFit Trainer technology. It also comes with a corresponding 30-days free iFit membership feature.

Its 5″ backlit display helps its users monitor and track workout performance and progress. Coupled with its 22 levels of resistance, users are guaranteed a full-body, low-impact exercise.

NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i Elliptical Summary

The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i comfortably competes with other exercise machines within its budget. It has features that make it stand out from the rest. Its automatic iFit Trainer helps users have a tailored workout routine. Its vertical folding feature is also one of the best space-saving elliptical machines for seniors.

Pros
  • Sturdy and ergonomic design
  • 7" LCD screen
  • Bluetooth enabled
  • Lifetime frame warranty
  • 20 magnetic resistance levels
Cons
  • It is heavy to move around
  • Not ideal for tall fitness users

FAQ

1. Are ellipticals good for seniors?

Yes, the elliptical trainer is suitable for seniors and elderly people. Thanks to the elliptical trainer, you will train and strengthen your heart, improve your blood circulation, and tone all your muscles and body, maintaining good physical strength.

Of course, the practice of a sport will also depend on your physical condition. Therefore, the elliptical trainer is perfectly suited to people aged 50, 60, 70, or even older! However, never forget to ask your doctor for advice if you want to practice the elliptical trainer or (re)enter the sport in general.

2. Which is better for seniors, elliptical or treadmill?

Walking in old age can sometimes be difficult due to changes and the inability to keep up with fast-paced traffic. With the treadmill, you can walk freely, without obstacles, at your own pace on a comfortable surface. For these reasons, treadmills are good choices.

Ellipticals aren’t necessary for everyone, but they work wonders for seniors. Stress is minimized on your back, knees, and hips. It’s simply one of the least impacting fitness machines for seniors. Moreover, they are excellent choices for cardio workouts and are much safer to use.

3. Which elliptical type is best for elders, under desk or standard?

Both are great choices for cardio workouts, but since older people can stress their backs with the standard model, the under-elliptical is a preferable choice. It offers the comfort of a seat and is much safer and easier to use. For people over 50, recumbent/under-desk bikes are a great choice for gym workouts.

Conclusion

Senior fitness users cannot perform and achieve the same level of intensity as other fitness enthusiasts. For this reason, exercise equipment has to be designed to accommodate their ageing joints and bones. The article examines the criteria for buying the best cardio workout or elliptical machines and some of the ten best elliptical machines for seniors available today.

Matthew Fletcher

Matthew Fletcher

Matthew is a fully qualified fitness trainer specializing in weight management and strength training. He is a certified trainer with more than 15 years of training experience. He uses his technical know-how's with his passion for fitness to provide thoughtful curation of objective exercise equipment reviews. His insightful reviews will help you find the best fitness product for the price.

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