Machines for seniors My husband & I are in our 60's with arthritis that we know would be helped by exercise, but live in an area with steep hills that we can't walk because of knee and back pain. Our MD has suggested a treadmill, but I keep wondering if an elliptical would give a more complete total body workout. Any suggestions out there? PS - I also have balance problems and he has 2 artificial hips. Thanks so much for any discussion - we're rapidly turning into couch potatoes! Machines for seniors My husband & I are in our 60's with arthritis that we know would be helped by exercise, but live in an area with steep hills that we can't walk because of knee and... » Read More Machines for seniors My husband & I are in our 60's with arthritis that we know would be helped by exercise, but live in an area with steep hills that we can't walk because of knee and back pain. Our MD has suggested a treadmill, but I keep wondering if an elliptical would give a more complete total body workout. Any suggestions out there? PS - I also have balance problems and he has 2 artificial hips. Thanks so much for any discussion - we're rapidly turning into couch potatoes! « Show Less
484086
Thanks, Linda, for the suggestion. I'm not familiar with them but will do some research!
484087
Have you considered a rebounder? Check them out. Especially one with a stability bar - no worries about weather, you can use it any time, it's MUCH more fun than a treadmill...I've worked my way to spending 40 minutes per day on it, and there are videos you can buy to actually do a routine on it.
484088
I'm a 61 yr old female with bad feet and arthritis in my back. I bought the Gazelle Edge for $79.00 and I'm thrilled with it. No impact on my feet or joints and it's a very good cardio machine. It takes up very little space and was easy to put together. I use it 30 to 40 minutes aday everyday and feel great. It's very quiet and I can use it while watching TV with the sound very low.
484089
I have owned the Gazelle Edge and am about to buy another. I moved across the USA and did not pack mine to ship. I use it as a "keep moving" product as I am a big walker (former runner) and found that it kept me moving in between. I was not trying to be aerobic just keep moving and off the couch. If you want a "workout" you need to work it harder. I have done that. It is quiet, easily stored if needed, and I loved it. By the way, I am a fit 70 (almost 71) year old woman and intend to continue that way.
484090
I really like my Gazelle. I am 62 and find it to be terrific for cardio, stretching and muscle tension. It is simple to use. You can customize your workouts by increasing the range of motion as wide as possible (it's better than gym machines for this). You can work the handles faster to increase the cardio. You can lean back or forwards to increase the "push" or "pull" - good for your upper body. All in all, I think this is a really good purchase.
484091
Dear Linda:Please increase your intake of water, avoid red meat and try Tai-Chi before trying a treadmill. On the other hand, I just got from Amazon and have started reading: "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. I am not a physician, but a 72-year old lady who enjoys taking care of herself.Mercedesmercedesqb@yahoo.com
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my brother uses it as his legs have lost all their strength as well as his arms. he is 84 and has heart condition issues also. the machine is helping him and is really easy to sit down on and work the pedals and the arm/hand levers. he really likes it and now uses it every day.
1748247
You lay on the floor or a hard surface,put your ankles on the top,turn the machine on, it moves every part of your body.You can feel thecirculation. especally good for people that are not able to get out and walk, but good for anyone.I like the machine and should use it at least twice a day. I wouldsuggest a yoga mat to lay on.It is a passive exercise where the machinemoves you, instead of you moving the machine.
255225
I don't know if this will help, but I have bad knees and OA in my lower back. I find the motion easy and can use my arms to push which makes the foot pushing easier. There are several levels of intensity so it can be like using a lower gear to push and is closer to an elliptical movement than a bike pedal.
872311
I am 72 years old and have both Rotator cuff and knee problems. My trainer introduced me to Resistance Band training and I'm so impressed I'm buying a set to use at home. For work on your Rotator Cuff ask an experienced trainer for the specific exercises you need (I went to Physical Therapy). Start light and then gradually increase the resistance and number of reps. This process should be pain free. If it hurts, lighten the weight or the number of reps. For arthritis, I advise start light, and just work through any discomfort.
542692
To use it as intended it takes a good degree of balance. I would probably go with a regular treadmill. The workout is excellent if they are very balanced.
2058543
This is going to be quite a workout if you haven't exercised in years. Take it slow and reduce the movements to make it work for you. You can use any of the workouts if you tailor them to your level of ability but know these will be tough anyway.
23035
I would put a treadmill mat underneath it, and use it where you want. Try not to workout at 2am, but that's apartment life. The deliverer left it on my front porch. I used a dolly to get it in the house. It wasn't a big deal, but with steps, you will need help. ENJOY IT. I used it in my office at work, and now I have one at home.
250841
There is a knob on the front of the exerciser. As you spin it to the right, the tension increases. I think it can crank up to a tension level of 5, which is too difficult for me. The first and second tension levels may be appropriate for your elderly mom. I have only used it as an arm exerciser but it can be used for legs as well. There is also a gage showing the speed, the time and the distance.
1748250
You lay on the floor or a hard surface,put your ankles on the top, turn the machine on, it moves every part of your body.You can feel the circulation. especally good for people that are not able to get out and walk, but good for anyone. I like the machine and should use it at least twice a day. I would suggest a yoga mat to lay on.It is a passive exercise where the machine moves you, instead of you moving the machine.
2197168
Absolutely you can share this machine. I do with my husband all the time. :) His blood pressure is perfect now and he just turned 70!
1748246
We have returned the unit. It was purchased for my wife, but with RA and Lupus, it aggravated her joints to much. Nice machine though. Well built.
1271740
Dear David,I don't think I can recommend the Weslo CardioStride 3.0, the instruction booklet that came with the machine said 'the treadmill should be used pnly by persons weighing 250 lbs (113 kg) or less'. I measured the platform under the tread belt and it measures 1/2 inch. You may want to check with a professional at a gym to give you the name of a machine that would be better suited to your physical stature.
731561
My 81 yr old mother said it supported her back and relieved the aches. She does have a bad back and that was one of the reasons I selected it. Combine that with the fact I purchased it due to her impending knee surgery and knew she would need the leg support. It worked wonderfully. In fact she has left it in her living room and is using is as a recliner.
591583
This exercise machine was one of the best purchases I've ever made. I use it every day since we're elderly and pretty closed in by ice and snow. Also, neither of us has the best balance any more and this machine helps to keep our muscles strong enough to maintain that ever-so-important balance. We keep in mind that falls are the number one cause of people going to nursing homes and we try to avoid that at all cost. I've used a similar exercise machine at the rehab center here in town but I priced it and found it to be about $2,000 more than this one. I really doubt that it's any better. I turn on music on YouTube and then do my exercise and it works just fine. I love it. This exercise machine was one of the best purchases I've ever made. I use it every day since we're elderly and pretty closed in by ice and snow. Also, neither of us has the best balance any more and this machine helps to keep our muscles strong enough to maintain that ever-so-important balance. We keep in mind that falls are the number one cause of people going to nursing homes and we try to avoid that at all cost. I've used a similar exercise machine at the rehab center here in town but I priced it and found it to be about $2,000 more than this one. I really doubt that it's any better. I... » Read More This exercise machine was one of the best purchases I've ever made. I use it every day since we're elderly and pretty closed in by ice and snow. Also, neither of us has the best balance any more and this machine helps to keep our muscles strong enough to maintain that ever-so-important balance. We keep in mind that falls are the number one cause of people going to nursing homes and we try to avoid that at all cost. I've used a similar exercise machine at the rehab center here in town but I priced it and found it to be about $2,000 more than this one. I really doubt that it's any better. I turn on music on YouTube and then do my exercise and it works just fine. I love it. « Show Less
1790075
Woodstock, I have no medical training so cannot advise you on the rehab question and you should ask your doctor before using the Swing Machine if you have an injury and are in need of rehab. I can tell you that in my experience it has helped my lower back stiffness and pain a lot. I also have less pain from the arthritis in my hips and my circulation is better as is my "digestion". Your body's reactions may be different from mine.
879131
YES I do not recommend this product to anyone especially a elderly person. I think you would injure yourself .Don't waste your money on this I am 57 years old and I am fairly strong . the product is hard to use. Ask your doctor about the educator for pelvic floor therapy it does work for most people and you don't need a lot of strength to use it. My physical therapist recommended it. You can buy it online and it is real cheap I hope this helps you