What is the best type of home exercise Mom can get?

If you don;t want the equipment,, my mom does light housekeeping,, it makes her feel useful and gets her moving around. Her Dr approves as she does not walk too well . just some dusting or laundry.. she does fine with it

My husband exercised to a DVD from National Institute on Aging at NIH. I don't remember if it was free or a small charge. The exercises could be done sitting down or standing behind a chair. If I remember correctly some used light weights. Several people did the exercises in the video so you could see different ways to do them if you needed to make an adjustment. Very small investment and worthwhile.

If you are looking for exercises that don't need equipment elder gym website is a wonderful resource.

I've noticed in commercial and hospital therapy settings that older people are more often given a seated bike (recumbent, but upright) to ride while younger people are assigned to treadmills. The treadmills don't provide the support that more fragile and less strong people often need.

Pedaler bikes can also be helpful, and fairly easy to use. They contain the pedaling apparatus of a bicycle, and can be used for foot pedaling or arm cycling. All exercise is done while seating; standing isn't possible.

If your mother's ever had home PT or OT, the therapists could make good recommendations. The bikes are expensive; the pedaler can be purchased through catalogues like Walter Drake, Harriet Carter, for about $15.0.

The heavier duty ones are larger and more expensive, and are used in PT at rehab facilities.

I think though that goals are also important in determining the type of machine to use. Is your goal for your mother overall or specific muscle group strength? Stamina?

What are her limitations? Can she stand and move freely?

You're in NY and it is snowing. Put skates on her walker and ice grippers on her slippers. (Just kidding. I'm 65 and live in WNY)

A lot depends on the mobility of your Mom, how old she is, and what are her health issues. And would she even use any type of exercise equipment.