General Weakness.
Introduction: General weakness whether from the aging process (sarcopenia), illness or trauma is usually correctable by including exercise in the activities of daily living.
The components of physical wellness are muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardio-respiratory capacity, range of movement, posture and balance. An exercise program that encompasses these elements is ideal. Time, energy, pain, disabilities and disease may require compromises in an exercise program but a combination of a doctor, a physical therapist, a personal trainer or health club may help with these compromises. While a home program of balance, posture and range of movement can be accomplished with minimal equipment, we recommend using equipment designed to be safe and effective to achieve optimal benefits from a physical training program.
For upper body strength training in the home, we recommend using a series of dumbbells beginning with very light ones.
The major home equipment purchase we recommend for lower body muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardio-respiratory capacity is an elliptical trainer or recumbent bike.
Climbing Steps.
Climbing steps is primarily a function of muscular strength and endurance of the quadriceps and hamstrings, balance, range of movement, knee and hip pain, and upper body assistance. Railings should be installed on stairways to provide upper body assistance and for safety. An exercise program to maintain leg strength and endurance should incorporate actual stair climbing within the limitations of safety, pain and range of movement.
Walking is usually an excellent exercise but does not emphasize leg strength and stair climbing muscle endurance. Therefore we recommend an elliptical trainer or recumbent bike.
Spirit XBR25 Recumbent Bike
The Spirit XBR25 Recumbent Bike is a extremely compact recumbent bike with an easy access walk-thru design that is one of Consumer Reports recommendations. The bike features a mesh seatback for maximum comfort, it has 20 levels of resistance, a flywheel and oversized footpedals with a 2-degree inward slant to provide a natural feel. Additionally, it provides both contact and telemetry heart rate monitoring, a blue backlit LCD screen as well as cooling fans and a water bottle holder.
Estimated Price : $1,099.00
Ordering Information for Recumbent Bike
NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Elliptical Trainer
Ellipticals are odd-looking contraptions, a fusion of stair climber and cross-country ski machine that you stand on and pedal. The feet move in an elliptical pattern and a flywheel resistance controls the difficulty of the workout.
Estimated Price: $849.00
Ordering Information for NordicTrack Elliptical
Dumbbell Set.
Commentary: Dumbells set should start at 1 pound or less. A typical maximum would be 10LB or 15LB depending on the senior with no more than a 2 LB increase between dumbbells. The dumbbells should be neoprene coated with hex heads to prevent rolling. Color coded bumbbells are preferred.
Estimated Price $300.00