4 Types of Peddle Exerciser for Elderly

By Maurice

Peddle exercisers, perhaps better known as pedal exercisers, are great for elderly people who want to get in shape or become more active but want to do so in the comfort of their homes.

Let’s look at the different types of peddle exercisers that are available for seniors, the best brands, and how to choose one.

Types of Peddle Exerciser for Elderly

Peddle exercisers come in various forms, all with their own reasons for being awesome. Here’s a closer look at them:

Classic Pedal Exerciser

Classic pedal exercisers, which are a standard peddle exerciser for elderly, give users the same experience as riding a stationary bike. It is placed on the floor, and the user proceeds to begin pedaling.

Typically, these devices are silent and allow for easy pedaling intensity adjustments. It can be a lot more expensive than other models, though, so it’s not ideal for seniors on a tight budget.

Magnetic Pedal Exerciser

Seniors looking for types of peddle exerciser with better resistance will appreciate the magnetic version. It gives the user a much smoother ride and does not make a lot of noise. In fact, it’s practically silent.

Just like the classic exerciser, this one allows you to adjust the pedaling intensity. It is also rather expensive.

Folding Pedal Exerciser

The manufacturer designs a folding pedal exerciser which is essentially similar to the standard one, but with one significant distinction: it can fold up effortlessly for storage or transportation. Peddle exercisers typically offer fewer features because their designers intend their internal mechanism to be portable.

Smart Pedal Exerciser

The pedal exerciser comes in its most popular form, packed with features. Smart pedal exercisers are easy on the joints, compact in design, and offer very quiet operation.

The resistance is smooth and there are usually several levels of tension. An easy-to-read display will show the user how many calories they burned, how long they exercised, and the distance they’ve covered.

Popular Brands of Peddle Exerciser for Elderly

Desk Cycle
Stamina
Wakeman
Vive
LegXercise
Platinum Fitness
TherapyCycle
Duro-Med
Magnetrainer

Tips for Buying the Best Peddle Exerciser for Elderly

Buying a new pedal exerciser can be a bit daunting as there are so many types of peddle exerciser and brands to choose from. No matter what your goals are with the machine, there are specific features you need to look out for while shopping. These features are what will ensure a good experience and prevent discomfort.

Portability

If you’re looking for exercise equipment that is easy to transport, pedal exercisers are a good option. These items are lightweight and can fold up into small bags for convenient carrying.

Positioning

There are models that can be placed on the ground, on a table, or under a desk. Take these positioning abilities into consideration if you want to exercise your legs as well as your arms, and want to be able to sit and exercise.

Monitoring Software

Some of these machines come with smart features that make it easy to monitor your progress and record data. They can show you how fast you’re pedaling, how long you’ve exercised, and some other exercise information. This is ideal for seniors who are busy with rehabilitation and need to track their performance.

Price

The price matters because the difference in prices can be quite big. You can spend less than $50 on some models, and over $200 on others. Keep in mind how often you will use the machine to determine how much you’re willing to spend on it.

Unit Weight

If you want to use your pedal exerciser for exercising your arms as well as your legs, you will be better off with a lightweight machine that can be lifted easily.

Variable Tension

Changing the tension allows you to alter how intense your exercises are. If you want to push your body to improve your health, you need a machine that allows tension variation.

Foldability/Storage

If you don’t have a lot of space to store exercise machines, pedal exercisers are great because they tend to be on the smaller side. However, make sure the model you buy can be folded for storage.

Resistance

Seniors who want to improve their strength will be better off with pedal exercisers that offer magnetic or motorized resistance. The difficulty can be adjusted as they get stronger over time.

Noise Levels

If you’re going to use the machine in an area with other people around, you may want to choose one that has low noise levels. Magnetic and motorized models tend to be rather loud, depending on the manufacturer.

Pedal Exerciser vs…

Curious about whether a pedal exerciser is better than other forms of exercise? Here’s a brief comparison for your convenience:

Pedal Exerciser vs Stationary Bike

Stationary bikes are more sophisticated and bigger than pedal exercisers. You can place a pedal exerciser on the ground and start pedaling or put it on a table and pedal with your arms. You can’t do that with a stationary bike, which acts more like an outdoor bike that you use inside.

Pedal Exerciser vs Exercise Bike

Pedal exercisers require less setup than an exercise bike (also called a spin bike), and are easier to use. Spin bikes offer a lot of muscle activation because they have heavy flywheels. The intensity of exercise is increased with exercise bikes, and they’re not as mobile as pedal exercisers.

Pedal Exerciser vs Walking

Waking and exercising with a pedal exerciser is very different. Walking may burn more calories, take more time, and result in a more intense exercise session. Pedal exercisers can be used in any weather, though, since they’re indoors and walking in rain isn’t advisable.

Conclusion

Pedal exercisers may seem like a waste of money and time to some people, but they offer convenience and ease of use to seniors who want to exercise but aren’t quite fit yet.

Types of Peddle Exerciser for Elderly: 4 Types + Pros & Cons