It can be difficult to stay on track with exercise in general. For older folks with mobility issues and age-related concerns, incorporating physical activity can be that much tougher. A solid at-home fitness routine can help make workouts accessible and comfortable, regardless of your personal circumstances.
We spoke with physical therapist Chris DeRosa to get his recommendations for the best home workout items for older people. DeRosa co-owns Davis and DeRosa Physical Therapy in Los Angeles and specializes in outpatient orthopedics.
“Workout gear is tough as there are a lot of products on the market and [depending on finances] some are more favorable than others,” DeRosa noted. Luckily, he recommended some effective home fitness products ranging from under $20 to more splurge-worthy options.
And, if you live near a park or a community pool, they are worth an outing, according to DeRosa. “Local parks and rec… sometimes have great senior programs that also allow [older people] to have more interaction with people, which is very important,” DeRosa said. He also recommended water aerobics: It’s “less stressful on joints and again you are in a group setting making it a great social event,” he explained.
Read on for DeRosa’s top picks for home workouts below.
Looking for more equipment to help you work out at home? Shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe is pleased to report that pretty much all of her workout gear fits into a small basket. Shop her picks ahead: