This is our review of the Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors in .
Ellipticals are among the most popular and effective low-impact workout machines. They offer the benefits of a full-body workout with minimal stress on your joints.
There are several types of ellipticals, such as standing, recumbent (seated), under desk, folding, hybrid, etc. However, seated ellipticals are ideal for seniors as they let you sit comfortably while working out.
After extensive research and evaluating all the big brands in the market, we have collated a list of the best products you should consider.
The XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 is the best elliptical for seniors as it has a dual ergonomic design, which provides coordinated leg and arm motion mimicking your natural movement. The walk-through frame helps to get on and off the elliptical easily. Regardless of age or ability, this elliptical offers a comfortable workout experience to everyone.
That said, let’s look at the best-seated ellipticals for seniors across different categories.
| Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors (Overall) | XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Elliptical |
| Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors (Under desk) | Cubii JR2 Under Desk Elliptical |
| Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors (Easy Access) | HCI PhysioStep LXT Stepper |
| Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors (Ultra Quiet) | Teeter FreeStep LT3 |
| Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors (Budget) | Sunny Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike – SF-RB4708 |
| Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors (High-end) | Spirit CRS800S Recumbent Stepper |
We have also covered the benefits, buying guide, and common queries regarding recumbent ellipticals for seniors after the product reviews. So do have a look.
6 Best Seated Ellipticals for Seniors Reviewed
All the ellipticals listed below provide a great workout, irrespective of age or mobility limitation. However, consult with your physician first if you have a medical condition.
XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Recumbent Elliptical – Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors (Overall)
User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Seat: Mesh back seat
Resistance: 24 levels
Warranty: Lifetime for frame and brake, 3 years for parts, and 1 year for labor
The Xterra Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper is an excellent product regardless of your age and physical ability.
The seat is padded with a mesh back to provide comfort while you sit during the workout. It is adjustable forward and backward as per height. And the seat side handles can move out of the way so you can easily enter and exit the machine.
Self-balancing pedals ensure that the pedals are always facing upward, even when you are not using the equipment. This allows for an easy setup and a quick start to the workout. Additionally, the ratchet-style pedal straps ensure that your feet are always secured during the training.
The 13″ linear stepper-like motion gives a good workout with low impact on the joints. The padded hand grip with 360-degree movement lets you hold the handlebar comfortably, and its adjustable length lets you customize it per your body type.
This elliptical has a 5.6” LCD display which is easy to read. Also, it has 13 workout programs to keep you progressing along your fitness journey.
Lastly, the built-in speakers with an audio jack lets you connect your phone/tablet, keeping you entertained during the workout.
All this makes the XTERRA RSX1500 the best seated elliptical for seniors.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Adjustable handlebars and seat side-handle | Maximum height range of 6’2” |
| 24 resistance levels | |
| The compact size of the equipment | |
| Warranty |
Summary of customer reviews
This Xterra stepper is well-liked by consumers, with many mentions about its comfortable seat and noiseless movement. However, a few people find this elliptical cross trainer difficult to assemble. Along with this, a few users said that its twirling handgrip could be challenging to grab onto when in motion and have also pointed out the inaccuracy of its heart rate monitor.
Cubii JR2 Under Desk Elliptical – Best Under-desk Elliptical for Seniors
User Weight Capacity: NA
Seat: No
Resistance: 8 levels
Warranty: 2 year
Cubii JR2 is a lightweight, portable under-desk elliptical which offers a low-impact workout. It helps you burn calories and meet your fitness goals while sitting in the comfort of your home. It is an excellent elliptical for seniors, as all they need to do is place it under their desk or in front of the couch, sit comfortably and start working out.
The elliptical offers a seamless workout experience with its smooth and quiet stride. It also provides 8 levels of resistance to challenge your improving fitness levels.
Cubii JR2 is fitted with a small LCD screen that displays your progress and helps you track workout stats like calories, distance, time, etc. You can also connect your mobile device with the Cubii app, set fitness goals, adjust resistance, and track progress.
Weighing less than 20 lbs, this Cubii for seniors is easy to carry. With its built-in handle, you can place the elliptical in front of your favorite seat or desk and start pedaling.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Portable | Targets limited joints or muscles |
| Compact size | Limited warranty |
| Bluetooth connectivity |
Summary of customer reviews
The customers find Cubii JR2 an easy-to-use elliptical. It requires minimal assembly and comes with clear instructions. It is an excellent choice for people with desk jobs as it allows them to burn a few extra calories by making Cubii a part of their lifestyle. However, some customers have complained about knee pain after using Cubii JR2 for a long time.
HCI PhysioStep LXT Stepper – Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors (Easy Access)
User Weight Capacity: 450 lbs
Seat: 360° swivel seat
Resistance: 32 levels
Warranty: Lifetime for frame, 3 years for parts, and 1 year for labor
The HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT is a fabulous machine with easy access. The 360 swivel seat makes it super easy to get on and off the machine making it an ideal equipment for seniors with limited mobility. This machine is also widely used for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
An added bonus is the 450 lbs weight capacity – one of the highest in the elliptical category.
The seat is made with memory foam and has a contoured reclining back so that you can sit comfortably for prolonged durations. The oversized pedals come with heel cups and straps, so the foot is comfortable and secures it in place.
The linear stepper-like motion gives a low-impact workout, making it ideal for people with sensitive joints. And the stride length is adjustable as per the user’s comfort.
The ergonomic handlebars can be rotated in multiple directions, targeting different muscle groups during the workout.
The 9” LCD HD display is big and easy to read, letting you track numerous metrics during the workout. All this makes it a great heavy-duty recumbent elliptical for seniors.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| 360 swivel seat for easy access | Expensive |
| Adjustable stride length and handlebars | Heavy to move around |
| Large and easy to ready display | |
| 32 resistance levels | |
| Warranty |
Summary of customer reviews
Most of the customers like the HCI PhysioStep LXT as it is very comfortable and easy to use. Users also liked the large screen, numerous programmed workouts, and customer service.
Teeter FreeStep LT3 – Best Seated Elliptical for Seniors (Ultra Quiet)
User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Seat: Thick cushioned seat with recline and height adjustable
Resistance: 13 levels
Warranty: 2 years (60-day return policy)
The Teeter FreeStep LT3 takes home workouts to a new level of comfort. With its UltraGlide bearings and silent magnetic resistance, this is one of the quietest ellipticals available on the market.
This recumbent elliptical cross trainer has a distinctive motion that is less stressful and delivers a gentle, low-impact workout for the ankles, knees, hips, and back. It also ensures that your body is perfectly aligned throughout the workout.
The elliptical seat has 3 recline settings and is height adjustable to offer maximum comfort and optimal body posture. And the adjustable handlebars help target different muscles.
It features 13 levels of resistance which can be easily adjusted using the dial. It is also fitted with a digital console that helps you track all your workout metrics like distance, time, speed, and calories.
The elliptical also has transportation wheels, making it convenient to move it from one place to another.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Gentle on joints | Limited warranty |
| Adjustable seat and handlebars | Small LCD screen |
| Transportation wheels |
Summary of customer reviews
Teeter FreeStep LT3 is value for money. The customers love the elliptical as it offers a low-impact workout allowing them to train longer without straining their muscles. However, some customers have faced challenges with the LCD screen being small, making reading difficult.
Sunny Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike – SF-RB4708 – Best Budget Seated Elliptical for Seniors
User Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Seat: Oversized, cushioned seat with back support
Resistance: 8 levels
Warranty: 3 years for frame and 180 days on other parts and components
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike – SF-RB4708 is the best value-for-money deal amongst all the recumbent cross-trainers.
The wide bike seat with back support provides a comfortable sitting position during the workout. Additionally, the seat is adjustable forward and backward as per your height.
Self-balancing pedals ensure that the pedals are always facing upward, even when you are not using the fitness equipment. This allows for an easy setup and a quick start to the workout. Also, the adjustable straps keep your feet in place during the workout.
The circular pedaling motion gives you a good lower-body workout, and the non-slip handlebars simultaneously ensure a total upper-body workout.
This elliptical has a digital monitor showing all the basic workout metrics and is super easy to use.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Great price for all the essential features | Non-adjustable handlebars |
| Lightweight so easily movable | |
| Requires low maintenance |
Summary of customer reviews
Most users see the Sunny recumbent bike as value for money as it provides all the features you would expect from a recumbent trainer. However, a few customers find it slightly challenging to assemble, the seat uncomfortable (but using a cushion solves this problem), and the handlebars a bit high.
Spirit CRS800S Recumbent Stepper – Best High-end Seated Elliptical for Seniors
User Weight Capacity: 450 lbs
Seat: Swivel seat made with high-density foam
Resistance: 20 levels
Warranty: Lifetime for frame & brakes, 3 years for parts, 1 year for labor
The Spirit Fitness CRS800S Recumbent Stepper is the best high-end home elliptical you can get on the market, as it has the latest technology and features.
The 360-degree swivel seat and the retractable armrest give you easy access to the machine, which is excellent for people with mobility issues. The high-density foam on the seat with its padded backrest provides support and comfort while working out. Additionally, the armrests can be moved up or down so you can easily sit for long durations. And the 4-way adjustable seat allows you to customize the sitting position at your convenience.
The oversized and cushioned pedals with straps ensure you can place your foot comfortably and are secured in place.
The linear stepper-like motion gives you a low-impact workout. The stride length is adjustable from 1″ to 12.5″, making it beneficial for people with a limited range of motion.
The ergonomic handlebar has multiple grip options so that you can target different muscle groups during the workout. The length of the handlebars is also adjustable, ensuring a comfortable workout.
The LED display console which tracks numerous metrics to track your workout. And lastly, a cooling fan and USB charging port add to your overall convenience.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| 360o swivel seat with retractable armrest | Expensive |
| Adjustable stride length and handlebars | Heavy to move around |
| Warranty | |
| 20 resistance levels | |
| Cooling fan and USB charging port |
Summary of customer reviews
With most users giving the product 5-star ratings, the Spirit Fitness recumbent stepper is one of the best contenders in its category.
What are the types of ellipticals’ basis posture?
There is a variety of ellipticals available in the market today basis different postures:
Standing Elliptical
A standing elliptical is the most popular type of elliptical. As the name suggests, it requires you to stand while pedaling your arms and legs forward or backward.
The elliptical has handlebars that you can hold on to while working out.
Recumbent or Seated Elliptical
A recumbent elliptical allows you to sit comfortably while working out. It also reduces the impact on the joints and eases back strain.
We recommend the recumbent ellipticals for seniors as you can be more comfortable while working out and generally accommodate a wide range of motion.
Under-desk Elliptical
Under-desk ellipticals only have leg pedals and are easily portable. They can be placed under your desk or in front of the sofa. They are an excellent choice for people who want to exercise while working a desk job.
Hybrid Elliptical
Hybrid ellipticals can be used either as standing ellipticals or recumbent bikes. And this variety of workout you can enjoy makes them quite popular.
Can Seniors Use An Elliptical Machine?
An elliptical is an effective and ideal piece of equipment for a full-body low-impact workout. It is perfect for seniors who need to maintain mobility and are fitness-conscious. However, using an elliptical (like any other machine) depends upon the individual fitness level.
If you are physically fit and do not have any specific medical condition, you can definitely use an elliptical for your daily workout.
We have even reviewed some great indoor exercise bikes to help you stay active.
Are Ellipticals Good for Seniors?
Ellipticals have numerous benefits for seniors, making them the ideal workout equipment.
Low-impact training
An elliptical provides a low-impact workout that is gentle on joints like knees, hips, shoulders, etc. The elliptical works most muscles without putting too much strain on the body.
Dual-action workout
An elliptical provides both – an upper and lower-body workout. The leg motion usually concentrates on the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. And the movable handles target the biceps, triceps, and shoulder.
Improves overall health
An elliptical helps you burn a lot of calories while improving your stamina, balance, and posture. It also strengthens your heart and lungs. All these together help to improve overall health and fitness.
Mood enhancer
It is important to stay active because it improves not only physical health, but also boosts mental health. An elliptical workout helps to enhance mood and reduces emotional stress. It also helps keep you occupied, which is necessary as age advances.
Buying Guide: What to look for in a Recumbent Elliptical for Seniors?
Now that we know the benefits of ellipticals for seniors, here’s what you need to keep in mind while buying an elliptical.
Elliptical design
The first thing to consider while buying an elliptical is its design. You need to choose between standing, recumbent, or hybrid.
A recumbent elliptical occupies more space compared to most others. However, buying a recumbent elliptical is advisable for seniors as it provides a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints.
Durability
An elliptical should be durable and sturdy to prevent any injuries during workouts. The durability of the elliptical is determined by its frame and construction material.
We recommend buying an elliptical with a heavy-duty steel frame that can withstand any workout.
Weight limit
It is essential to consider the maximum weight capacity of an elliptical. It also determines the sturdiness of the machine. The higher the weight capacity, the more stability, and durability.
We advise buying an elliptical whose overall weight capacity is greater than the heaviest user of the elliptical.
Pedal motion
Ellipticals are available in either linear or circular pedal motions. The linear pedal motion is more gentle on sensitive joints and makes the workout more comfortable. This can be an essential point if you suffer from knee pain regularly.
Resistance
Resistance on your elliptical is crucial as it will help you get fitter, and most ellipticals come with numerous resistance levels. 6-8 resistance levels are sufficient for both beginner and intermediate muscle training. For advanced training, you can opt for a 16-level or higher resistance elliptical.
Warranty
Before purchasing any equipment, a warranty must be taken into account. As the equipment goes through wear and tear, buying an elliptical with an extended warranty for the frame, motor, parts, and labor is advisable.
Conclusion
Ellipticals are the perfect solution for seniors wanting to stay fit while avoiding high-impact workouts.
After extensive research, we have found that XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Recumbent Elliptical is the best elliptical for seniors, as it provides a dual-action full body workout, has an easy walk-through frame and an ergonomic design to ensure your body is always aligned during the workout.
FAQs
How often should a senior exercise?
A senior should, on an average, invest in 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. This can include:
- 2 days a week of strength muscle training
- 3 days a week of activities to improve balance and mobility
Having said that, it is important to consider various factors such as age-related problems, existing medical conditions, and overall comfort before deciding on an exercise regimen.
For how long should a senior use an elliptical?
Ideally, seniors should use an elliptical for 30 to 40 minutes, 5 or 6 days a week. However, a consideration of existing medical conditions, age-related problems, and overall compliance is necessary to decide on a time duration.
Are ellipticals good for people with arthritis?
Yes, ellipticals are an excellent option for people with arthritis to stay active. Ellipticals put a lesser impact on joints, making it a safe way to train.
Is an elliptical good for knees?
Ellipticals are easy on all joints, including the knees.
An elliptical is comparatively safer for the knees than walking or jogging on the road as it prevents jerks and injuries from the uneven surface.
Is an elliptical good for a 60-year-old?
Ellipticals are good for 60-year-olds because they put less strain on their ankles, hips, knees, and backs. These are the parts of the body in which seniors usually experience chronic pain and stiffness.
If you don’t have any particular existing knee-related issues then you can also consider our article on treadmills that are best suited for homes. As they, too, can be highly effective in delivering a good cardio workout.
Is Cubii good for the elderly?
Cubii under-desk elliptical is an excellent elliptical for seniors as it is specially designed for seated workouts. It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move from one place to another.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in the article above is for educational and informational purposes only. It shouldn’t be considered health or medical advice. Please consult a doctor or a qualified health professional if you have any medical/health conditions questions.
