Adding programs to your gym enhances each member’s experience, especially when you tailor things to specific demographics. The older adults in your fitness center likely have different levels of mobility and goals than younger members, which means the equipment you provide should reflect this.
Ellipticals are perfect for senior fitness programs due to their low-impact, full-body workout capabilities. Additionally, these machines allow older gym members to knock out their cardio and weight routine in a single session. Keep reading to discover the benefits of ellipticals for senior fitness programs and how they can elevate your gym’s offerings.
Low-Impact Exercise
Engaging in high-impact exercises can cause harm to the body, regardless of one’s level of physical fitness, due to the pressure it places on joints. Older people are at a higher risk of injury due to age-related changes such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and decreased flexibility.
Elliptical machines are perfect solutions because they offer a smooth, gliding motion that minimizes stress on the joints. Unlike treadmills, which involve repetitive pounding on knees and hips, ellipticals eliminate harsh impact while still delivering an effective workout. This low-impact design reduces pain and risk, making it an attractive option for those who want to stay active without fear of aggravating existing joint issues.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
According to the American Heart Association, the average adult needs 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week; however, this requirement can vary slightly due to an individual’s fitness levels, health conditions, and age. An elliptical simulates running but eliminates the impact of each foot strike. Additionally, ellipticals feature handles that users can hold onto to maintain their balance without compromising their form.
Ellipticals also enhance cardiovascular health by offering a consistent and controlled workout. The rhythmic gliding motion promotes blood flow, supporting improved circulation throughout the body and helping to reduce blood pressure over time.
It Works the Muscles
Although there is some debate about whether cardio or resistance workouts are better, the truth is that they’re equally important. Health is about balance. Ellipticals fall into the “cardio” category, but they also engage multiple muscle groups, making them a well-rounded addition to senior fitness programs. The lower body benefits from the pedaling action, which works the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves, while the moving handlebars activate the arms, shoulders, and chest.
Additionally, maintaining posture on the elliptical requires engagement of the core muscles, which are essential for stability and balance. This dual-action design ensures balanced muscle development and supports functional fitness, helping older adults perform daily activities such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, and walking more comfortably.
Enhanced Balance and Coordination
As adults reach their golden years, most health-care experts advise that they maintain or improve their balance, as falls can lead to serious injuries and complications. Since ellipticals challenge the muscles, they build strength, which is crucial for balance and coordination. These two factors are essential for maintaining a steady gait and preventing falls, especially among those with weaker muscles and bones.
Weight Management
Another benefit of ellipticals for senior fitness programs is that they help older adults maintain or lose weight. Remaining at a healthy weight becomes increasingly challenging with age, as the exercises an individual could once do become more difficult or painful.
Since ellipticals allow for gentle movement, users can burn calories and maintain a healthy weight without placing excessive stress on their joints. This benefit is especially crucial for individuals with arthritis or other joint-related issues, where high-impact exercises like running or jumping may not be suitable.
Improved Bone Density
Weight-bearing exercises are essential for preserving bone density, and ellipticals excel in this area due to their unique design. The continuous pushing and pulling motion of the pedals creates gentle resistance, which signals the body to strengthen the bones supporting these movements. This stimulation encourages bone remodeling, a natural process in which new tissue replaces the old, making the bones stronger over time.
Commercial elliptical machines are safer alternatives to other high-impact exercises, such as running, which can strain joints or lead to injury. Seniors can use the machine multiple times a week and gradually increase the level of difficulty by altering the resistance or duration of their workout.
Convenience and Accessibility
A gym is a place where all people should feel welcome and ready to meet their fitness goals. If your fitness center lacks senior-friendly equipment, older adults may feel excluded and be less likely to purchase a membership. Ellipticals are must-haves in gyms because they’re easily adjustable to accommodate all individuals; users can move at a comfortable pace and adjust the resistance based on their leg and cardio strength. TRUE Fitness ellipticals, such as the Apex Elliptical, feature side steps to facilitate easy stepping on and off, creating a safer workout environment.
Gym Owner Tip
There are multiple types of ellipticals, including standard, recumbent, and cross trainers, each catering to specific needs. For older people, recumbent ellipticals provide added back support, while cross-trainers engage the upper body for a comprehensive workout.
Lower Risk of Injury
Most exercise comes with some risk, which varies depending on the option. For example, constantly running on a treadmill can strain muscles in the feet, calves, and thighs; on the other hand, having poor form while lifting weights can lead to muscle pulls. This risk can be higher for older adults since their muscles and bones may be weaker than those of younger individuals.
Ellipticals reduce the risk of injury because the exercise is low-impact and controlled, allowing for a gentle workout. When the muscles move in a smooth, continuous motion, there is less strain placed on the joints. This reduces the chances of discomfort or injury in vulnerable areas, such as the knees, hips, and back. Additionally, elliptical machines often come with ergonomic features that encourage proper posture and alignment, further protecting users against strain.
Improved Mental Health
When we think about how exercise impacts the body, the first thing that comes to mind is the physical aspects. While exercise significantly affects our physical health, it also improves our mood, and elliptical workouts are no exception to this. Regular use can reduce stress, elevate mood, and even improve cognitive function over time. These mental health benefits are just as important as the physical ones.
Quality Equipment Matters
Investing in high-quality, durable equipment is essential when designing senior fitness programs. Features such as enhanced safety mechanisms, smooth adjustability, and ergonomic designs ensure a comfortable and safe workout experience, building trust and confidence among older members.
By offering premium machines, your gym reinforces its reputation as an inclusive, welcoming space that prioritizes member well-being. TRUE Fitness has a range of elliptical machines tailored to meet the specific needs of older adults. Not sure which types of ellipticals to buy or how to organize your facility? Our experts are here to help. Contact our team today to explore our equipment and services tailored to elevate your gym.