By kbeveridge
Balance exercise equipment can be highly beneficial for seniors, but it can also be hazardous. Because it needs a lot of coordination and balance, it can lead to accidents. However, if you use it correctly and consistently, it can help you improve many aspects of your physical health.
In this buying guide, we outline the best balance exercise equipment for seniors. You’ll also learn the benefits of training your balance and what features you need in one of these devices.
What Are the Main Types of Balance Exercise Equipment for Seniors?
The main types of balance exercise equipment for seniors are the ones that provide safety and are easy to perform. For instance, there are balance boards designed specifically for seniors that offer additional security.
These are the most common kinds of balance exercise equipment:
What Are the Benefits of Seniors Using Balance Exercise Equipment?
Balance exercise equipment can improve many aspects of a senior’s health, from strengthening the core to increasing coordination and overall balance.
What Are the Safety/Injury Issues That Seniors Should Be Aware of When Using Balance Exercise Equipment?
Falls
One of the main safety issues for seniors training with balance exercise equipment is the risk of falling. Seniors tend to have reduced coordination, mobility, and overall balance, leading to accidents.
Balance training forces you to perform different poses and routines that challenge your balance. If you don’t have the best balance, to begin with, it can be a bit dangerous.
Injuries
For everyone, exercising can lead to injuries if you don’t do them correctly. But, that’s even more common for seniors because of reduced mobility and joint problems. So, it is always important to warm up and stretch right before training:
Best Balance Exercise Equipment for Seniors
Best Balance Exercise Equipment for Seniors (Overall): Vive Fit Balance Board
The Vive Fit is a balance board that provides excellent safety for seniors and allows you to improve your strength and coordination. Its design allows it to hold up to 300 lbs (136 kg) and comes with an anti-slip surface to prevent falls and other related accidents.
This highly durable model is lightweight and portable, so you can take it anywhere and use it when you want to. Additionally, it offers 360° rotation, allowing you to perform beginner exercises and more advanced workouts.
However, this model’s main drawback is that it is not the best option for beginners. If you have experience with balance training and balance boards, then it will be perfect for you. You should also keep in mind that this model can be a bit too small for taller-than-average people.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this balance exercise equipment for: anyone looking for high-quality balance exercise equipment for seniors.
Best Balance Exercise Equipment for Seniors (Runner-Up): Vive Balance Pad
The Vive Balance Pad is an excellent piece of equipment for seniors looking to train their balance and strengthen their core. You can use this device for physical rehabilitation because its design provides solid versatility, meaning that you can use it to perform a wide variety of exercises.
Its textured surface and secure design make it one of the safest balance equipment on the market. Additionally, this model can hold up to 300 lbs (136 kg) and can help you prevent falls and other related accidents.
The main drawback of this model is its durability. Unlike other options, this one is made of high-quality foam, but the foam is not as resistant as wood. It is also a bit small if you are taller than average, and you might need more than just one balance foam.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this balance exercise equipment for: anyone looking for balance exercise equipment that offers reliable and safe features for seniors.
Best Balance Board for Seniors: Revolution 101 Balance Board Trainer
The Revolution 101 is a balance board trainer that provides durability and solid safety features for seniors. The surface of this model offers excellent comfort and grip for your feet or hands, thanks to its cushioned design.
This USA-made model has outstanding quality and a weight capacity of 400 lbs (181.4 kg). You can use it with or without shoes, and its design prevents scratches on the floor. Additionally, this model has a safety mechanism that can help prevent some accidents. It also comes with a digital guide of different exercises and workouts that you can try, depending on your level.
The main drawback of this model is that it can be pretty challenging for beginners, and it is better to start with an easier model. It can also be more expensive than other balance boards on the market.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this balance exercise equipment for: anyone looking for the best balance board for seniors.
Best Balance Ball for Seniors: EveryMile Wobble Balance Board
EveryMile’s Wobble Balance Board is another good option for seniors looking to improve their balance and overall strength. This model provides an anti-skid surface and base that can help you prevent falls and other accidents. It also has better stability than other balance exercise equipment, making it a better option for seniors.
This highly versatile device allows you to rotate 360° and tilt 15° whenever you need it, letting you perform a wide variety of exercises. Its compact design is perfect if you like to train not only at home but in other places. This model is lightweight but doesn’t compromise weight capacity. It can hold up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
However, it can be a bit challenging for beginner users because this model requires an intermediate level. Also, it can be small for taller-than-average users.
Pros
Cons
We recommend this balance exercise equipment for: anyone looking for a safe balance ball for seniors.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Balance Exercise Equipment for Seniors
What to Look for in Balance Exercise Equipment for Seniors
Here are the main features you should for in balance exercise equipment.
Conclusion
If you are looking for high-quality and safe balance exercise equipment, you should consider the Vive Fit Balance Board. This model is safe to use and has an intelligent design that makes it more comfortable. It is also lightweight, allowing you to transport it anywhere, and it has a solid weight capacity.
Overall, there are many factors to consider when you buy balance exercise equipment for seniors. More than anything, you should always ensure it has a safe design. Balance exercise challenges your balance, and that can lead to falls and injuries.
Sources:
Training to Reduce Postural Sway and Increase Functional Reach in the Elderly
Effects of balance training using wobble boards in the elderly
Annual Conference Proceeding - Social Policy and Services_2016.pdf
Balance exercises: 13 Moves with Instructions
