6 Best Exercise Bikes for Seniors, According to Fitness Experts
Hopping on a stationary bike is a great workout that’s accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. A low-impact cardio exercise that’s easy on joints makes it ideal for those over 65, or those with joint pain and mobility issues. The best exercise bikes for seniors take all of this into account, allowing everyone to reap the many benefits of indoor cycling.
“Exercise bikes are great for cardiovascular health for seniors. They are non-weight-bearing which allows repetitive motion in the hip and knee joints without the added stress of gravity, joint impact forces, and joint compression,” says Karena Wu, P.T., D.P.T., physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy. “The movement of the legs can help mobilize the joint fluids which helps to nourish the joints. This can create increased joint mobility and reduced stiffness. Pushing against resistance will work the muscles, keeping or making them strong.”
Meet the Experts: Karena Wu, P.T., D.P.T., physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy; and Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios
Experts generally recommend recumbent exercise bikes for seniors, which feature a reclined seat and a backrest for support. “Recumbent exercise bikes are best for seniors especially dealing with joint pain, back issues, or balance concerns. This is due to the reclined seat that lessens stress on the lower back, lower pedal position which puts less stress on the knees and hips, and step-through design that makes it easier to get on and off,” explains Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.
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Ahead, we rounded up the best exercise bikes for seniors, recommended by our fitness experts and highly rated by online reviewers. Shop top picks below that feature comfortable, ergonomic seats, a user-friendly design, and adjustable resistance levels for a customizable workout.
You know you should develop a regular exercise routine, but you lack motivation. Promises to yourself are quickly broken, and you never establish enough of the workout habit to experience any rewards.
Exercising as you age is important. It’s not only good for physical health to help prevent falls or enable you to do basic tasks — exercise is also superb for the mind.
“If you want to be cognitively active, it is so important to be physically active,” explained Dr. Amy Eyler, a professor of public health at Washington University in St. Louis. “There is a such a strong connection between these two behaviors.”
Why make exercise part of my routine?
First, regular exercise helps maintain bone density and muscle strength. It also lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
For older people, regular exercise helps maintain strength and balance and allows them to live independently. Research also suggests the immune system may get a bump from physical activity.
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There is also a psychological component. Successfully completing a daily exercise can improve one’s mood and sense of self-satisfaction.
Dr. Grover Smith, left, works out with exercise scientist Dr. Irv Rubenstein, right, at STEPS Fitness, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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Dr. Grover Smith, left, works out with exercise scientist Dr. Irv Rubenstein, right, at STEPS Fitness, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Read more Be Well.
How to get started
Getting into the habit of doing regular physical activity can be difficult for some. The motivation to get moving is different for everyone.
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Initially you’ll need external motivation — I want to be able to play with my grandkids or keep driving the car — until you see results and the motivation shifts to internal, Eyler said.
“When you set a goal, you should ask yourself on a scale of 1 to 100, how confident am I that I can do this?” Eyler explained. “It has to be over the 90% level of confidence or you’re not going to do it. Lots of people set these goal too high and then fail.”
Build to your goals.
“Just walk whenever you can,” Eyler said. “You can walk for 10 minutes pretty much anywhere — indoors, at work, at home.”
And, if you’re trying to encourage others, look for positive reasons rather than nagging.
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“Telling someone they will be more independent if they take their blood pressure medicine is better than — take your blood pressure medicine,” she said.
Here are some tips about how to start — and how to stay with it — from three gym rats between the ages of 77 and 86. All got started late and have stayed with it. All three work out with Dr. Irv Rubenstein, an exercise scientist who runs STEPS Fitness in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Grover Smith lifts a dumbbell at STEPS Fitness, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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Dr. Grover Smith lifts a dumbbell at STEPS Fitness, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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I always hated gym class
Kathryn Dettwiller, 77, got pushed into exercising 34 years ago by her husband.
“I always hated gym class,” she said. “I always hated getting down on the floor.”
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She works out in a gym twice a week with a trainer, which she said gives her added discipline and motivation.
“The external has become internal because I realize I need it,” she said. She cautioned beginners to expect some setbacks — minor injuries — and not to be discouraged.
“Try it as soon as your body starts playing out on you,” she said. “It’s like a game of Whack-A-Mole. One time your leg hurts, the next time it’s your back.”
Dr. Grover Smith, left, works out with exercise scientist Dr. Irv Rubenstein, right, at STEPS Fitness, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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Dr. Grover Smith, left, works out with exercise scientist Dr. Irv Rubenstein, right, at STEPS Fitness, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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It added structure to his life
Rick Bolsom, 82, enjoys the structure of having a trainer. In his case, his wife got him started almost two decades ago and he’s into a three-times-a-week routine.
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“I kept doing it because I had a sense of feeling better,” he said. “The key to me was probably doing it with a trainer. The structure really helped me to continue with it. Now it’s just become part of my life.”
“I couldn’t imagine quitting it,” he added. “I work out as vigorously as I did 15, 18 years ago. It turned out to be the smart thing to do.”
Bolsom also added in the social aspect to training in a gym or studio.
“I retired a few years ago. You do miss the connectivity with people.”
Flattery will get you everywhere
Dr. Grover Smith, a retired radiologist, is 86 and still going strong. He attributes this partly to training regularly in a gym three times a week, a habit he didn’t start until he was 74 and well into retirement. He was coaxed to go after several visits to his cardiologist.
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He said he went after the fourth time his cardiologist suggested it, although he was not having any specific heart problems. His plan was to go once to appease the cardiologist and that would be it. That was more than a decade ago.
Dr. Grover Smith works out at STEPS Fitness, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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Dr. Grover Smith works out at STEPS Fitness, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
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“Medicine was basically my life and it was very time consuming,” Smith said. “It was sometimes seven days a week and I didn’t have time for a lot of other things.”
He’s not only fit, but now he also gets flattered.
He tells the story about a recent visit to a doctor who, after looking at his charts, told him: “Dr. Smith, you look 15 years younger than your age.”
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Smith laughed as he added the punchline.
“I would have told her to get her eyes examined — except she’s an ophthalmologist,” he quipped.
Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down completely. In fact, many fitness experts stress the importance of staying active well past the age of 50. Regular exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility, and a sharp mind. But not every workout is equally good for older adults. The routines you followed in your 30s may become risky as you cross 50.
Even if you still feel strong and vibrant, certain exercises put unnecessary stress on your joints and muscles. The result can be lingering aches, injuries, and long recovery times. As the goal is to stay fit and well, let’s talk about one strength exercise experts say seniors over 50 should avoid.
What to skip in a fitness routine after 50
If you’ve ever visited a gym, you’ve probably seen the leg extension machine. You sit down, hook your feet under a padded bar, and lift it up and out to strengthen your quadriceps. It’s straightforward, but for seniors, this machine can create more problems than benefits.
Why is it risky? The seated leg extension puts direct pressure on your kneecaps. As you extend your legs, your knees take the brunt of the force, which can wear down cartilage over time. In people over 50, knee joints may already be feeling the effects of years of use. Adding extra load can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and even long-term damage.
Proper form is also tricky on this machine. Many gym-goers lock out their knees at the top of the movement, which adds more stress to the joint. If you have any history of knee pain, arthritis, or injuries, the leg extension machine can worsen these issues.
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A better alternative is bodyweight squats or light resistance band exercises. These moves strengthen the quadriceps without placing excessive force on the kneecaps. They also work to support muscles around the hips and core, improving overall stability.
Other exercises seniors should avoid
If you’re adjusting your fitness routine after 50, here are a few more exercises to approach with caution:
Behind-the-neck pull-downs: Pulling the bar behind your neck puts extra strain on your shoulders and can cause rotator cuff injuries.
Heavy overhead presses: Pressing big weights overhead can strain your shoulders and upper back, especially if your range of motion is limited. Try lighter weights or substitute with front raises.
Plyometric jumps: These can stress ankles, knees, and hips if your joints aren’t prepared. If you enjoy plyometrics, stick to lower-intensity versions with smaller jumps.
Heavy deadlifts: Deadlifts are great for strength, but one wrong move can injure your lower back. If you do them, go light and keep perfect form.
Sprinting: Going full-speed increases the risk of muscle pulls and joint stress. Brisk walking or light jogging can deliver solid cardio benefits with fewer risks.
Staying active after 50 is one of the best things you can do for your health. Regular movement supports heart health, keeps muscles strong, and boosts mood. The key is to be mindful of your body’s changes and choose exercises that match your current abilities.
Don’t be afraid to swap old routines for safer alternatives. Focus on low-impact movements, like walking, water aerobics, or gentle yoga. Resistance bands and light weights can also help you maintain muscle strength without overloading your joints. If you’re unsure where to start, talk to a fitness professional or your healthcare provider. They can guide you toward workouts that help you stay healthy, happy, and injury-free.