Passive leg exercise machines (also called motorized leg movement machines) brought a revolution to the fitness industry. For seniors, this fitness equipment is a boon since its invention provides a more targeted and comfortable workout for them to make their life easier and healthier. It helps senior citizens circulate the blood flow throughout their bodies and strengthen their lower body muscles.
To some senior people who have issues in walking, jogging, or running, the movement in ellipticals, exercise bikes, or treadmills seems to be too dynamic and might cause unnecessary street on joints and knees. Despite the comforts in those low-impact cardio machines, they feel discomfort.
Further workouts in those cardio machines might invite chronic issues like arthritis. So, to solve this problem, passive leg equipment brings a momentum-free workout for seniors and allows them to get a low-impact leg exercise while sitting.
In a hurry? Here are our top 8 picks of the best passive leg exercise machines for seniors:
- LegActivator Seated Leg Exerciser Machine for Seniors
- Slim Circulation Motorized Leg Exercise Equipment for Seniors
- Soozier Seated Electric Leg Exerciser for Seniors
- North American Health + Wellness Home Track Circulation Exerciser for Legs
- Happylegs Blue – The Seated Walking Machine
- LegXercise – Passive Exerciser for Walking
- LegXercise Max
- LegXercise Pro
See the overview, pros & cons below.
Table of Contents
Who Are These Passive Leg Exercise Machines For?
Passive leg exercisers can be used by anyone regardless of age. However, seniors find working on it to be more comfortable. So, in general, the passive leg exercisers are listed mostly for our beloved seniors. Every factor is taken into account for their comfort and convenience.
How Effective Are These Passive Leg Exercising Machines?
Passive leg exercisers are clinically recognized to be beneficial. It targets the lower body muscle of seniors by providing continuous movement. These equipment are walking simulators that aids patients in their recovery stage. Besides, for people obsessed with work, a passive leg exerciser will serve the best workout routine.
8 Best Passive Leg Exerciser for Seniors
1. LegActivator Seated Leg Exerciser Machine for Seniors
The LegActivator is one of the best passive leg equipment in the market. The frame is designed with the fundamentals of Ergo therapy.
In simple words, the movements are more continuous and accurate. Vibrations are negligible, but there are some on high RPM.
The company claims the product can relieve vascular problems, muscle cramps, and leg inflammation. The LegActivator is very amusing to use due to its continuity.
Although the user manual recommends 15 minutes of daily use, you won’t notice the time passing. Its lightweight and compact design allow you to carry it anywhere you go. The weight is around 10 pounds, which is perfect for storing and bring anywhere.
So if you are reading on a table, place it below, and rest your feet on its footpads. Moreover, the LegActivator has a two-speed setting allowing you to set the 1650 and 1410 steps in 30 minutes.
Built quality, fit, and finish are top-notch and are made with high-quality materials. However, there would be some heating issues on using it for 2 hours continuously.
This equipment draws its power from a 110V output. The plug has a durable melamine coating, which will last for years. It is easy to use, and the user manual is concise. All you have to do is place your feet on the footpads and set the speed.
Pros
- Innovative design
- Relatively more comfortable
- Durable and affordable
- Precise Fit And Finish
Cons
- Heats easily on continuous use
- Vibrates on high RPM
2. Slim Circulation Motorized Leg Exercise Equipment for Seniors
Another piece of passive leg exercise equipment that deserves to be on the list is the Slim Circulation leg exercise machine. Unlike other ordinary passive leg equipment, the Slim Circulation is more targeted. It is specially designed to facilitate extra momentum and blood flow in the legs.
Slim Circulation also facilitates continuous blood circulation in the feet region, making its users receive good results on using this equipment. Some claim to get relief from chronic ailments like blood pressure and high cholesterol.
This machine provides more relaxation when you will sit in an armchair. The Slim Circulation exerciser makes your feet move back and forth gently. So you can easily feel like walking by sitting on your chair.
There are no complaints regarding heating issues, but the machine vibrates at high RPM. Moreover, it emits a rattling noise that most seniors consider to be annoying. The footpads are ergonomic and well-cushioned that don’t allow any senior to complain.
This passive leg exerciser is easy to use with reliable safety features and can be used for an extended period. It enhances your walking balance without exerting any pressure on your joints. And you can easily find your selected speed with the 2-speed adjustment system.
However, it is recommended to use it only in a sitting position. Doing such will add extra durability to your equipment and will keep you safe.
The fit and finish of the Slim Circulation weren’t up to the mark, but the looks were impressive.
Pros
- Relatively more comfortable
- Ergonomic design
- Better longevity
- No heating issues
Cons
- Footpads vibrate at high RPM.
- Emits unnecessary noise
3. Soozier Seated Electric Leg Exerciser for Seniors
The Soozier passive leg exercising machine is a piece of effective cardio equipment for the senior. Due to its gentle movement and impressive ergonomic design, the product has a good reputation in the market.
Place your feet on the footpad, and it will gently move your feet back and forth. Soozier seated leg exerciser is specially designed to improve blood circulation and ease your leg pain.
Build quality is rigid, and the material used is ABS plastic. So, you can easily expect the frame to last for a decade.
Soozier is a lightweight machine with dimensions and weight of 18.25″ × 16″ x 5.25″ and 8.8lbs, respectively.
Due to its compact size and lightweight, it is more compatible to carry than its adversaries. This passive leg exercise equipment will serve you all day long without overheating at home or the office.
Just like many other exercise equipment for legs, the Soozier has a 2-speed adjusted speed record. You can adjust your speed by using the touch screen of the display console.
For more convenience, you can use the device’s remote. It comes with five adjustable speed levels, allowing you to choose your preferred workout options. But, you might feel vibrations with noises on tuning the device to its max RPM.
It has folding legs that can be used flat on the ground or inclined. The motor draws its power from a 100-240V AC source and provides an output of 20 watts.
Pros
- Better ergonomics
- Feature-loaded
- Better performance
- No overheating issue
Cons
- Consumes more power
4. North American Health + Wellness Home Track Circulation Exerciser for Legs
As the name says, this passive leg exercise machine is more targeted towards blood circulation. The build quality was fine, which was made from a high-grade plastic material. However, the fit and finish are a bit basic. The color is neatly laid without any extra combinations.
The product has a dimension of 5.57× 5.97× 3.99 inches. On placing the feet on the footpads, you’ll experience a walking-like motion.
Compared to the adversaries, the Circulation exerciser allows a more dynamic movement. The Circulation exerciser comes with a two-speed adjustment switch. All you have to do is set your feet on the pads and turn the switch on.
The knees of elderly people are very sensitive to shocks. But this passive leg exercise machine doesn’t exert excessive pressure on the elderly knees.
The Circulation exercises have remarkable longevity. So, if you are a senior, you can use it for an extended period without worrying about causing too much impact on your joints. Many senior users reported improvements in their walking balance. And your efforts will turn to be fruitful when only working with it regularly.
We didn’t find any heating issues on inspection. However, you might experience vibrations with noise on high RPM. Another limitation of the Circulation exerciser is the lack of remote control. It isn’t friendly for the seniors to bend down at regular intervals to adjust the speed.
Pros
- Value of money
- Compact and portable design
- Better ergonomics
- Remarkable longevity
Cons
- The design is too basic
5. Happylegs Blue – The Seated Walking Machine
Since 2002, HappyLegs Blue walking machine is one of the most durable passive leg exercisers in the segment. The product comes with a decent and organized look. But, the frame and finish layout are not advanced as other models. This wasn’t what we expected from a company running since 2002.
The company claims this product is clinically validated and can reduce swollen legs and overweight. We thought this statement to be true in most aspects by going through its customer reviews. Being feature-loaded, the HappyLegs Blue is recommended by many physiotherapists for rehab purposes.
Moreover, the equipment comes with a 3-speed adjustable setting. The first, second, and third allow 3120, 3960, and 5040 steps, respectively, in one hour. Movements of this machine are not constrained.
The HappyLegs Blue exerciser is pretty great in terms of performance. The machine is fast and silent. However, you might experience overheating in the footpads on using for an hour. This is mostly because of the heavy power consumption and vibrations in the third-speed setting.
Coming to the measurements, the product has a dimension of 17.3×12.99×3.54 inches and a weight of 11 pounds. In contrast to its rivals, it’s lightweight and will not create difficulties for seniors to carry along.
Durability can be estimated by the fact that it offers a five years warranty. But you can expect it to last for a decade if maintained properly.
Pros
- Fast performance
- Budget-friendly
- Feature-loaded
- Clinically Validated
- Relatively longer durability
Cons
- Consumes more power
- Overheating issues
6. LegXercise (Original) – Passive Exerciser for Walking
Another effective passive leg exercise machine is LegXercise. The looks laid a decent first impression on many users. It appeared to be bulkier than other equipment in the segment.
This piece of equipment has a dimension of 16.54 x 14.57 x 11.81 inches and weighs 10 pounds. It is lighter than the previous product and is easy to carry along for many seniors.
The exercise is embedded with an innovative technology that mimics your natural muscle movement. Hence the movement is more continuous and refined. You can use it, whether in-home or office, at your convenience.
Coming to the performance, the exerciser has a two-speed setting that operates quietly without any vibrations. The two settings allow 1410 and 1610 steps consecutively in 30 minutes.
However, the speed is subjected to the recommendation of the US government. Unlike traditional foot exercisers, LegXercise has electronic footplates at glide back and forth.
The movement is dynamic, but it won’t apply excessive pressure on your knees. This quality motorized leg movement machine allows seniors to work on the equipment throughout the day effectively.
The footpads are ergonomic and accommodate feet of all sizes. However, it might not be easy to adjust for seniors at high RPM. The motor can draw its power from any 120-240V AC output. In return, it generates 110W, which is quite acceptable for a passive leg exerciser.
Pros
- Negligible vibrations
- Produces relatively less noise
- Reasonable power output
- Ergonomic and comfortable footpad design
- Fast performance
Cons
- Only two speed settings
7. LegXercise Max
Another leg exerciser for seniors is the LegXercise Max. It is a simple yet decent-looking passive leg exerciser known for its high performance. The looks of the product are quite neat and decent.
The user manual was clear and concise, where all instructions are laid stepwise. LegXercise is a piece of middleweight equipment in this segment with a dimension and weight of 18.5×16×8.25 inches and 10.6 pounds, respectively.
The figures reveal that the item is bulkier than its predecessor. However, the footpads have beads and are ergonomic and comfortable for elderly feet.
The manufacturing company claims its efficiency to be 25% more than its predecessor. But just like the Original LegXercise, it has a two-speed transmission setting.
In contrast to its claimed performance, the number of settings is relatively low. It offers an average speed ranging from 55-65 steps per minute. In other words, you can cover more than 1.6km in half an hour. Nevertheless, this figure is perfect for seniors to work on.
We found the motor to be quite refined and vibration-free than the Original LegXercise.
Just like its predecessor, the fit and finish are also basic. So, you might not expect the aesthetics from this product.
It consumes more power than the original LegXercise, and heating problems occur. It is recommended to shut the system off at regular intervals to maintain the temperate.
Pros
- This leg passive exerciser for the elderly comes with better performance
- Wider pedal movement
- Ergonomic foot pads
- Negligible vibrations and noise
Cons
- Basic fit and finish
- Consumes more power
8. LegXercise Pro
The last but not least product on the list is LegXercise Pro. The frame and design of this sitting exercise machine are well-organized, which is better than the two predecessors.
With a subtitle as Pro, this senior exercise machine comes with a bulkier design. However, customers found it to be more lightweight.
The dimensions of LegXercise Pro measures 18.4” × 15” × 6.9”, and the weight is around 9 pounds. The footpads are ergonomic and well-cushioned for providing effective support to all elderly feet.
The company claims the performance to be quite enhanced as compared to the two predecessors. The motor drives its power from a 110-240V AC source and operates silently.
However, there wasn’t any change in the speed settings, which are still 2-speed adjustable and controlled by a remote.
All you have to do is sit and turn the motorized leg exerciser on. Then you can start to enjoy the health benefits it provides while watching TV or reading the newspaper.
Pros
- Relatively more refined
- Lightweight and compact
- Ergonomic footpads
- Less vibrations and noise
Cons
- Consumes more power
- It only comes with a 2-speed setting
How to Choose the Best Passive Leg Exercising Machines for Senior Citizens?
To make a wise decision when buying a piece of exercise equipment for a leg while sitting, consider the following factors.
1. Feet Pads
The effectiveness of passive leg equipment lies in its footpads. However, not all machines have footpads embedded in them. Some machines operate directly by placing them flat on the floor.
Others have extended footpads in the front to bring more momentum. This also allows more inclination when seated in a higher position, say a chair.
So, being seated in a chair and placing your feet on the most part will be more comfortable. We recommend equipment that allows more inclination and extensibility.
2. Display Console
The main objective of the display console in passive leg equipment is to show the number of steps covered. Some users, especially seniors, are more curious to know about the progress report.
Therefore, it is necessary to choose a piece of equipment embedded with a display console. Moreover, it must be wide enough to read the digits. Seniors find small and narrow digital consoles is annoying.
3. Motor Speed
In general, the motor speed is referred to as the machine’s RPM. The greater the RPM and the faster the footrest will be. A slow max RPM will move the pads back and forth slowly. In such cases, you won’t receive the optimum health benefits. However, if the RPM is too high, seniors will also find difficulty for sure.
We recommend choosing a piece of equipment with a moderate speed of 45-90 steps per minute. A piece of passive leg equipment with speed in this range will prove more comfortable and beneficial.
4. Controlling Features
For seniors, you must look for an easy to control equipment. The mode of the workout varies from person to person. Some might use the leg equipment for daily workouts, while others might want to use the machine to recover from injuries.
Many passive leg equipment comes with remote control. This innovative initiative helps seniors to manage the speed easily. Therefore, it is advised to choose passive leg equipment with two-speed (or three-speed) settings and a remote.
5. Comfort
On choosing any equipment for elders, never compromise comfort with the price. Especially for passive leg equipment, the footrest must be accommodated elderly feet. Moreover, it shouldn’t cause too many vibrations, as these will lead to foot aches.
Final Words
With more options in the market, more confusion arises. Among the heap of choices, these products proved themselves to be more efficient. All products have their pros and cons. We revealed their strength and weakness in detail to help you make a better decision.
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