Our Pick of The Best Stationary Bikes for Seniors
For seniors who want to stay in shape, stationary bikes offer a great cardiovascular workout that’s easy on the joints. Often recommended by doctors, exercise bikes improve stamina, heart health and even help maintain muscle tone.
Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle
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Our favorite for 2020
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Sunny Health and Fitness Pink Magnetic Recumbent Bike
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A very close runner-up
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Exerpeutic 1000 High Capacity Magnetic Recumbent Bike W/ Pulse Wider Seat Extended
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A high capacity magnetic recumbent bike
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When buying a stationary bike for a senior, there are several things you need to consider when comparing models, including:
- Size: The size of the bike is one of the most important considerations, especially for seniors with limited space. Some models are more compact in size, while others have large footprints. Check the product description to make sure the bike will fit your home.
- Resistance Levels: Resistance levels make workouts harder, which helps users build strength and stamina. The more resistance levels, the more you can progress in your fitness level.
- Weight Limit: The bike’s weight capacity is another important consideration, and this information should be listed in the product description. Consider the weights of every person who will use the bike, and find a model that will accommodate everyone. Most models have a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds or more.
- Ease of Use: Some stationary bikes are difficult to get on and off, which can present a challenge to seniors with mobility issues. Opt for models with step-through designs or low pedals for seniors who have mobility problems.
- Quality: The quality of the bike is also important. A well-built stationary bike will provide you with years of use.
To help you find the best stationary bike for your needs, we’re going to share our picks for some of the top models on the market.
Reviews – Best Recumbent Exercise Bike for Seniors in 2020
Marcy ME 709 – The Marcy ME 709 is a compact, easy-to-use recumbent bike that delivers a great workout for users of all fitness levels. Measuring just 55.5” W x 25” H x 37.5” D, this model is ideal for users who have limited space.
The ME 709 has eight levels of resistance to give seniors a challenging workout. Resistance levels are easily adjusted using the tension-tightening knob just below the LCD monitor. The higher the resistance, the more difficult the workout.
The large LCD display allows users to keep track of time, distance, speed, and calories burned. The counterbalanced pedals come equipped with adjustable straps to keep feet secure throughout the entire workout.
With transport wheels and a light weight of just 66 pounds, this bike can be transported with ease.
Schwinn 230 – The Schwinn 230 is an advanced recumbent bike for seniors who are serious about improving their fitness level. Data export, goal tracking, built-in programs and resistance ensures that seniors get an effective workout with this bike.
The 230 comes equipped with Schwinn Connect, which allows for data exporting and goal tracking. The advanced monitor also offers 22 built-in workout programs and two user settings.
The dual-track LCD allows seniors to monitor up to 13 different feedbacks, and the 20 resistance levels allow for more challenging workouts.
With a perimeter-weighted flywheel, every workout is smooth and quiet.
For seniors who want a more advanced bike and data export features, the Schwinn 230 is a smart choice.
Schwinn 270 – The Schwinn 270 is another advanced recumbent bike from one of the most recognizable brands in the bicycle industry. Comfortable, easy to use and built for all fitness levels, this bike is a great option for just about any senior.
Schwinn Connect allows you to export your data and keep track of goals, so you can keep an eye on your progress. A dual-track LCD window system monitors up to 13 feedbacks at a glance for added convenience.
The advanced monitor offers 29 built-in programs and four user profiles, which connect to Schwinn’s goal tracking system and keep you motivated. And with 25 levels of resistance, seniors can get a great workout whether they’re just getting started with a routine or have been an athlete their entire lives.
Sunny Health & Fitness Pink Recumbent Bike – The Sunny Health & Fitness pink recumbent bike offers a fun look that’s ideal for female seniors, but don’t let its quirky appearance fool you: this model can deliver a great workout.
A built-in magnetic resistance system offers eight levels of resistance to make workouts more challenging. Heart rate sensors are in a neutral location, so seniors can monitor their heart rate without having to sit in an uncomfortable position.
The tension, pedal straps and seat are all fully adjustable, so you can customize the fit and difficulty of your workouts.
The built-in LCD displays distance, time, speed, calories burned and heart rate, so seniors can keep track of their workouts and goals.
Exerpeutic 1000 – For seniors with mobility issues, the Exerpeutic 1000 is the best upright exercise bike. This high-capacity recumbent bike has a step-through design that’s easy to get on and off, and offers a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds.
Eight resistance levels allow for a challenging workout, while the LCD display allows you to keep track of workout stats. Transportation wheels make it easy to move this bike into the corner of a room or throughout the house.
Easy seat adjustment allows this bike to accommodate users between 5’3” and 6’3” in height, and the oversized seat cushion and backrest fits users of all sizes.
The V-belt design allows for quiet operation, while the extended leg stabilizers prevent movement during workouts.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Right Exercise Bike for The Elderly
When choosing an exercise bike for a senior, there are many important things you need to consider. We talked about a few of those things earlier, but other factors to keep in mind include:
- Noise: Seniors who want to listen to music or watch TV while exercising will want a bike that’s quiet. Models with a V-belt design tend to have a quieter operation, but some models have other features that help limit noise as well.
- Workout Programs: Some stationary bikes have built-in workout programs that make exercise more interesting and fun for seniors. For users that have a hard time staying motivated and interested in working out, programs can be beneficial. Some models also have user profiles that allow seniors to export their workout data and keep track of their fitness goal progress.
- Adjustable Features: Bikes with adjustable seats and straps allow for a more comfortable workout and a tailored fit. Foot straps are an important safety feature for some seniors, so this may be an essential feature in some cases.
- LCD Display: All the bikes on the list above have built-in LCD displays, and they’re all easy to read. Large displays allow seniors to easily monitor their workout stats, including distance, time, calories burned, and in some cases, heart rate.
- Price: The cost of the bike is an important consideration and will likely be the deciding factor in which model you buy. Set a budget, and choose a bike that offers the features and quality you want. For seniors who are serious about maintaining or progressing their fitness, a more advanced bike may be the better option.