As we age, getting (and staying) in shape becomes more important than ever for a healthy lifestyle. True, you have to be more careful about how you treat your body, but getting regular exercise, from simple stretches and walks to light weights and more vigorous cardio work, can help slow muscle loss and improve your bones and joints. It can also make you less susceptible to chronic diseases and improve your health and overall well-being.
In that vein, we’ve picked out 15 key items you should add to your home gym for a well-rounded exercise routine. And best of all, they’ll get you fit without taxing your joints. From exercise balls and bicycles to weighted vests and kettlebells, we’ve got the right piece of low-impact home gym equipment for you.
1. This rowing machine makes for an excellent workout without stressing out your joints, and it can also be folded up for easy storage.
2. Recumbent exercise bicycles, in which you sit down to pedal, are easier on your back than standard bikes. This MERACH stationary exercise bike is whisper-quiet, and it also comes with an app to track your stats like distance and heart rate.
3. If space in your home is tight, use this under-the-desk elliptical trainer, which can give you a good workout even if you’re sitting at your desk or on a couch.
4. Work up a sweat with a brisk walk or jog on this folding treadmill, which features a shock-absorption deck, an adjustable incline and even a device holder for your phone or tablet.
5. This set of five resistance bands offers varying levels of tension for stretching exercises that accommodate all strength levels.
6. Balance exercises can help your body stay limber as you age, and this Bosu ball is a super aid for endurance, cardio, flexibility and rehab exercises.
7. While you can get plenty done with the Bosu half-ball, a full inflatable ball like this Trideer yoga ball can be used for everything from high-level balance exercises to simple stretches — and you can even use it like a chair to improve your ergonomics.
8. Whether you’re doing a low-intensity workout or higher-level yoga stretches, this foam yoga mat will provide much-needed support and cushioning.
9. With the ability to switch between 5 and 25 pounds in weight, these adjustable dumbbells can be an essential workout tool. And best of all, they don’t take up much space.
10. Erase muscle knots and soreness both before and after your workouts with this foam roller, which features EVA treads for a thorough massage.
11. The Yosuda indoor exercise bicycle can handle riders from 4’8” to 6’1” tall, and it features an LCD monitor to measure important stats like distance and calories burned.
12. For carrying out basic stretches or using free weights, use this sturdy, foldable workout bench, which has eight backrest angles and can accommodate up to 660 pounds of weight.
13. Whether you want to add a bit more cardio to a walk or extra resistance during exercises at home, this weighted vest can help you build muscle as you work out.
14. Speaking of weight, YesAll weighted bars (ranging from 5 to 30 pounds) can be incorporated into your workout for greater weight loss as well as cardio and core routines.
15. We’re big fans of kettlebells, as they give you a great core workout without putting too much stress on your joints. This kettlebell set comes with extra-wide handles for a better grip.
