• Regular exercise for the elderly will improve their health and quality of life.elderly men enjoying life during pension image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  Elderly people often need a safe, healthy way to exercise. Late in life, bones become brittle, muscle mass is on the wane and balance can be failing, and thus the elderly need to find an exercise that restores some strength without taking a toll on joints and backs. The elliptical bike, a hybrid of the elliptical trainer and a stationary bike, offers a good alternative to treadmills. It provides a safe, full-body workout.
  
  

Elliptical Bikes Versus Treadmills

• The elderly, and many others, may suffer from joint problems. The major problem with walking on the treadmill is that knee, ankle and hip joints are pounded against the treadmill surface with each step that is taken. Walking on a treadmill can cause pain, soreness and stiffness and that can discourage the elderly from continuing their exercise program. The elliptical bike or trainer provides a gentler "walk" with less stress on elderly joints and backs. Doing a less physically stressful exercise routine may make the difference in keeping up with an exercise commitment.
  
  

Not All Elliptical Bikes Are Created Equal

• Elliptical bikes come with a variety of options that can impact the rider. Some elliptical bikes have seats, but many do not. If you're looking for a hard-core workout, the seatless model is probably the best choice. But an older person or one with some physical limitations will probably be happier with a seat. Another thing to consider is that the elliptical bike has a shorter stride than the trainer does. That means that more "steps" will be pedaled on the bike than taken on the trainer. This can be quite a workout for someone who is not in good cardio shape. Some elliptical bikes are motorized, which can make the "ride" easier in addition to providing information like calories burned, distance reached and heart rate throughout. However, the motorized version is a bigger investment.
  
  

Benefits of the Elliptical Bike for the Elderly

• The elliptical bike provides a number of health benefits for the elderly. It provides a less stressful way to exercise that won't cause any further joint damage or additional pain. Add a seat and a motor and the elliptical bike offers a good cardio workout that allows the individual to work at a comfortable pace. The biggest benefit is that individuals will not become discouraged because of pain or discomfort and can see their own progress as they work through their exercise routine.