Exercise is important at every age, but as we get older, getting enough physical exercise becomes crucial to living a long, high-quality, independent life.
A 2024 study published by the Ministry of Health found that in New Zealand, more than 1 in 3 adults are obese, and nearly 1 in 10 children live with obesity. We have the third highest adult obesity rate in the OECD, which significantly increases the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. Despite growing awareness, many seniors still face barriers to starting physical activity, especially if exercise hasn’t been a regular part of their lives.
And this is the challenge for many care professionals who work with seniors: How can you convince them to commit to regular physical exercise before they experience major health problems?
The answer to that question is anything but simple, but one of the most important considerations is the type of exercise equipment that seniors have access to. As the number of seniors continues to rise, aged care facilities, local recreation centers, and health clubs across the globe are focused on promoting wellness programs aimed at getting people moving. But while resources are being directed at classes and marketing, the kind of exercise equipment available to seniors is often overlooked.
Traditional cardio and strength training equipment is not only intimidating to seniors who aren’t used to working out in a gym, it can also be harmful or dangerous.
For seniors adults, standard strength training equipment:
- It is intimidating
- It is difficult to adjust to height, weight, and body type
- Puts too much strain on joints
- Follows an unnatural movement pattern
- Pushes the user beyond a safe range of motion
- Presents an imbalance that might cause a fall
- Improper use can cause pain and injury
- Requires the user to know (and remember) how much weight to use, the number of repetitions to complete, and how to correctly perform the exercise
The problem with standard strength Training Equipment when in use by seniors
- Weight increases are too large. In many standard strength training machines, weights increase in 2.5kg to 5kg increments. Most seniors need to increase weight in much smaller increments to prevent excess strain that can quickly lead to injury.
- Starting loads above zero. Most standard strength training machines don’t allow the user to start with zero loads. For users who are new to strength training or recovering from an injury, starting an exercise with even 0.5kg of weight can be too much. Zero starting loads are important both for safety and motivation. Sometimes, the most important thing is to just help someone get started.
- Incorrect body positioning. Most standard strength training equipment requires manual adjustment of seat height and backrest positioning. This not only requires the user to remember where to position the seat for safety and comfort, but it can also present an intimidation factor that prevents a new user from even trying.
- Non-accessible. Standard strength training equipment is not designed to be wheelchair accessible, automatically eliminating seniors who require the use of a wheelchair.
The HUR Solution
HUR Strength Training Equipment was specifically designed for aging adults and has been installed in over 10,000 fitness centers, senior housing, active aging, and rehabilitation centers across 5 continents.
HUR is setting the standard in senior strength training because the equipment includes:
- Pneumatic (air pressure) resistance: Easy-to-use technology provides optimal muscle loading (and is super quiet too!).
- Natural transmission: Pneumatic resistance follows the natural movement of the muscle and is easy on the joints and muscles.
- Easy on and off: Simple access is ideal for seniors and people with (or without) wheelchairs.
- Versatile functionality: HUR strength solutions are ideal for wellness, preventive, rehabilitative, and maintenance training.
- SmartTouch technology: Customised and automated exercising is safe and non-intimidating for users and documents results while saving staff time.
- Zero starting load: Ideal for beginners. Earlier initiation of rehabilitative therapy with lower weights yields faster results.
- Dual functioning: Several dual-function machines allow for smaller space requirements and lower two-for-one costs.
- Controlled, small incremental resistance: ~113gram increments allow for controlled advancement and easy-to-see gains.
- Evidence-based design: HUR’s University-level developed and tested, research-based equipment and concepts offer the best results.
If you're looking to create an inclusive, safe, and future-ready wellness space, we’d love to help. Cubro is the official supplier of HUR’s world-leading strength and balance equipment for seniors in New Zealand, so if you’ve got questions or want to explore what’s possible, reach out to our team today.
Originally published by HUR. Adapted by Cubro to include New Zealand-specific data and recommendations.
References
Ministry of Health NZ. (2024). Obesity in New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.health.govt.nz/strategies-initiatives/programmes-and-initiatives/obesity