Exercise equipment reviews
MargaretYakoda
Posts: 2,995 Member
I believe a discussion of what types of exercise equipment has helped us with our fitness goals would be handy.
I will begin with a description of my NuStep T5xr
Pros: Holy Cow is this thing easy to use and adaptable to many disabilities.
That is with the standard equipment. You can purchase extras for stability of paralyzed limbs or extreme weakness.
We got the upgraded seat and we love it.
Stable as a giant rock.
The step through design, along with the grab bar and swivel seat makes transfer on and off the machine extremely safe and easy. The locking mechanism is easy to use, and makes the machine just that much more stable.
The controls are relatively easy to understand.
The back of the seat tilts which can be helpful.
Rotating hand grips are handy.
Everything that is adjustable adjusts extremely easily. Hand contracture or weakness is not a deterrent here.
It is self charging, so it doesn’t absolutely need a wall outlet, and draws very little power when it is plugged in.
Weight limit on this model is 600 pounds. That’s far more than any other exercise machine that I am aware of.
The floor space needed is about the same as an average treadmill.
We got rid of one couch in our small living room, and the NuStep fits in that space just fine.
The seat, swiveled around, makes a decently comfortable seat for guests. So we’re not actually giving up that much functionality in the room.
Con: Only one that I know of. It’s expensive. Like a decent second hand car.
But if you’re able to swing about $225 in monthly payments it’s affordable. They do offer payments through Bread.
If your exercise choices are limited by larger weight, balance issues, or a variety of other issues, have a look at NuStep. Many physical therapy offices, and some gyms, have them. Call around and check one out.
I will begin with a description of my NuStep T5xr
Pros: Holy Cow is this thing easy to use and adaptable to many disabilities.
That is with the standard equipment. You can purchase extras for stability of paralyzed limbs or extreme weakness.
We got the upgraded seat and we love it.
Stable as a giant rock.
The step through design, along with the grab bar and swivel seat makes transfer on and off the machine extremely safe and easy. The locking mechanism is easy to use, and makes the machine just that much more stable.
The controls are relatively easy to understand.
The back of the seat tilts which can be helpful.
Rotating hand grips are handy.
Everything that is adjustable adjusts extremely easily. Hand contracture or weakness is not a deterrent here.
It is self charging, so it doesn’t absolutely need a wall outlet, and draws very little power when it is plugged in.
Weight limit on this model is 600 pounds. That’s far more than any other exercise machine that I am aware of.
The floor space needed is about the same as an average treadmill.
We got rid of one couch in our small living room, and the NuStep fits in that space just fine.
The seat, swiveled around, makes a decently comfortable seat for guests. So we’re not actually giving up that much functionality in the room.
Con: Only one that I know of. It’s expensive. Like a decent second hand car.
But if you’re able to swing about $225 in monthly payments it’s affordable. They do offer payments through Bread.
If your exercise choices are limited by larger weight, balance issues, or a variety of other issues, have a look at NuStep. Many physical therapy offices, and some gyms, have them. Call around and check one out.
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Replies
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Chair exercise. It seems like it can’t be much. But it is effective for keeping muscles going, and range of motion.
https://youtu.be/_3LzfP7iUFs
As always, consult your personal physician.1 -
I am just starting the Launchpad series of exercises. I repeat each session until I am comfortable moving to the next session. The first series are chair exercises to build strength and endurance for the next series which are standing exercises. I had real success with these the last time I was able to exercise. I even progressed to regular walking and riding my bike (slowly). But it will take time to gain that back. I got time!
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I am just starting the Launchpad series of exercises. I repeat each session until I am comfortable moving to the next session. The first series are chair exercises to build strength and endurance for the next series which are standing exercises. I had real success with these the last time I was able to exercise. I even progressed to regular walking and riding my bike (slowly). But it will take time to gain that back. I got time!
I’d love to know more about that. I haven’t heard of it.0 -
@MargaretYakoda I purchased this two years ago. It is designed to get you off the chair and on your feet. The program is designed in 3 modules with 12 sessions in each module. You are supposed to do a new session each day you work out, but that was too fast for me. Instead, I do one session 3 times for a week, then moved on to the next session. I like it because it also incorporates resistance using either hand weights or resistance bands. Here is the link:
https://www.launchpadworkouts.com/landing-page18368909 for a description of the program.
I think the videos are now free on YouTube and on the Bodylastics website:
https://bodylastics.com
You have to register to access the free exercise videos.
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Wow that bike! I have a cheap-o stationary bike at home. I mostly look at it. I can’t get it into a position that’s easy on my back, so my equipment is pretty basic — yoga mat, foam roller, resistance bands, and a few pairs of walking and hiking shoes.1
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NerdyScienceGrl wrote: »Wow that bike! I have a cheap-o stationary bike at home. I mostly look at it. I can’t get it into a position that’s easy on my back, so my equipment is pretty basic — yoga mat, foam roller, resistance bands, and a few pairs of walking and hiking shoes.
Nothing beats the NuStep for ease of use.
I’m looking for some resistance band recommendations myself. About to head to another round of rehab in a few weeks.0 -
You already saw what I have — depending on how you want to use them the Bodylastic set I have came with a number of accessories to customize use. You definitely want anti-snap. Before I bought mine, anti-warp was suggested too but couldn’t wrap my brain around that for regular bands. Must have been related to loops 🤷♀️1
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NerdyScienceGrl wrote: »You already saw what I have — depending on how you want to use them the Bodylastic set I have came with a number of accessories to customize use. You definitely want anti-snap. Before I bought mine, anti-warp was suggested too but couldn’t wrap my brain around that for regular bands. Must have been related to loops 🤷♀️
I looked at them. And basically I just need to figure out where or if I can install them in my little cottage.
I’m leaning towards getting a set.1
