The Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees
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Knee pain, whether from a knee injury (old or new) or age, can limit your ability to exercise due to discomfort. However, there are many types of exercise equipment that go easy on your knees while working the rest of your body. Equipment that’s good for knee pain is low-impact, yet adjustable and versatile enough for you to get a solid workout. For example, equipment like battle ropes or slam balls might allow you to increase the speed or resistance without adding stress to your knees.
We’ve created a list to get (and keep) you and your knees in shape. The best exercise equipment for bad knees includes everything from an elliptical trainer to a stationary bike, plus gym equipment that can target muscle groups all over the body. We made sure our list includes machines for cardio exercises and strength training, so you can get low-impact exercise for your heart and muscles that don’t increase joint pain and chronic knee problems.
Our Picks for the Best Equipment for Bad Knees:
- Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Elliptical: Sole Fitness E25
- Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Rowing Machine: Aviron Impact Series
- Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Stationary Bike : NordicTrack Commercial R35
- Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Resistance Bands: TRX Exercise Bands
- Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Free Weights: REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells
Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Elliptical : Sole Fitness E25
Sole Fitness
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 71 inches high x 70 inches long x 24 inches wide
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, three years electronics, three years parts, one year labor
Elliptical workouts are a classic replacement for running outside or on a treadmill. Their design reduces the force involved with the landing portion of your gait. A 2013 review found that the forces on the knee while on an elliptical are similar to force experienced when walking. The best elliptical machines allow you to increase speed and resistance for a greater calorie burn while reducing the shock of impact on your knees.
The Sole Fitness E25 is an excellent elliptical that lives up to Sole’s reputation for quality. This model’s oversized pedals are set at a two-degree inward slope designed to reduce stress on the knees and ankles. They’re mounted on heavy-duty rails with four wheels that glide to create smooth, stable movement.
This elliptical is also Bluetooth-capable and can connect to an included heart rate monitor. You also have the option of connecting to built-in Bluetooth speakers. Additional features worth noting are the 20-pound flywheel for quieter operation, 10 preset programs, a water bottle holder and a 6.5-inch backlit LCD display. However, there are some complaints of poor customer service when dealing with this model, though that doesn’t tend to be a pattern for Sole overall.
For more information on this elliptical, check out our Sole E25 review.
Pros:
- Angle of the pedals may reduce stress on the knee joint
- Heavy-duty rails and wheels create smooth movement
- Quiet operation of the 20-pound flywheel
Cons:
- Poor customer service for this model
Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Rowing Machine: Aviron Impact Series
Aviron
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 43 inches high x 97 inches long x 21 inches wide, 62 inches long x 54 inches long x 21 inches wide (folded)
- Warranty: three years
Rowing machines put the least amount of stress on the knees, according to the above-mentioned review. Additionally, it was found that rowing can improve knee flexion while working the rest of the body. While rowing machines are gentle on the knees, it’s important to note that rowing with improper form can aggravate your lower back.
The Aviron rower may span 97 inches in length, but it folds down to a more manageable 54 inches. When folded, the frame rests on four wheels so you can easily move it around your home gym. The Aviron runs on a dual air and magnetic resistance system that mimics the feel of moving through water, where resistance increases near the end of each stroke.
This rower has a 22-inch touchscreen for navigating workouts and adjusting the resistance. It’s loaded with speakers and a front-facing camera to take photos or video for Aviron’s social platform. You have the option of a monthly subscription to Aviron’s workout app, which offers workouts in eight categories, including scenic rowing, games, social contact with other users and coached programs. Without the subscription, you only get access to the performance workouts.
Pros:
- Air and magnetic resistance system mimics rowing in water
- Large touchscreen is easy to use and provides an excellent viewing experience
- Folds up and rolls for easy storage
Cons:
- Requires a subscription for the best user experience
Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Stationary Bike: NordicTrack Commercial R35
Nordictrack
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 68.22 inches long x 23.69 inches wide x 53.42 inches high
- Warranty: 10-year frame, two-year parts, one-year labor
Stationary bikes are one of the best cardio machines for knee pain, according to the 2013 review. Further research in a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis found that riding a stationary bike can relieve pain and improve sports performance in those with osteoarthritis-related knee pain. Recumbent bikes, like the model we’ve picked, don’t burn as many calories as treadmills or rowers, but they’re gentle on the knees and are a good option for those with balance issues.
We like the NordicTrack Commercial R35, a recumbent exercise bike made by a well-known and trusted brand. It has magnetic resistance with 26 resistance levels and a 25-pound flywheel for quiet, smooth pedaling. An oversized seat with lumbar support can move horizontally for better comfort. However, the seat back doesn’t adjust, so some users might feel too upright or too reclined based on their comfort preferences.
This bike is iFit-enabled and comes with a 30-day trial. You can watch workouts on a 14-inch HD smart touchscreen. The bike has automatic trainer control so that if you choose to pay for a monthly iFit subscription, some programs will automatically adjust the resistance based on the workout. You can use manual mode with an iFit subscription.
Pros:
- Smooth (and quiet) magnetic resistance
- Seat moves horizontally
- Option of trainer-let workouts with iFit subscription
Cons:
- Seat back cannot adjust
- Requires a subscription for the best user experience
Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Resistance Bands: TRX Exercise Bands
TRX
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 12 inches
- Warranty: 30-day return period
Resistance bands, as the name implies, offer resistance when doing various exercises. Resistance bands are often used by seniors, physical therapists, and sports trainers to strengthen the quadriceps and other knee-stabilizing muscles. For example, a resistance band placed at the knees, ankles or feet can be used to address anterior (front) knee pain by promoting greater thigh abduction and external rotation. Resistance bands are also a lightweight, portable way to add resistance to any bodyweight workout.
We like the TRX Exercise Bands for their quality and versatility. The mini loop design is a closed circle that can be placed just above the knees, at the ankles, feet or used for upper body exercises. The TRX set includes four tensions—two to eight pounds, five to 12 pounds, six to 17 pounds and 10 to 25 pounds. With several resistance options, you can gradually increase resistance or use two bands as you get stronger. These exercise bands are also sold in sets of two or three. They’re made of natural rubber latex, which is more durable and long-lasting than synthetic latex. However, natural latex can potentially cause an allergic reaction.
Pros:
- Four tension options to increase resistance over time
- Durable natural latex
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Natural latex can cause an allergic reaction
Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees, Free Weights: REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells
REP Fitness
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 17.5 inches (handle length), one inch (handle diameter)
- Warranty: Lifetime (home use), one year (commercial use)
Strength training of all types, whether that’s using dumbbells, a barbell, bodyweight or weight machines is invaluable to reducing knee pain. A 2021 study found that strength training reduces pain sensitivity in the knees. Free weights, like dumbbells, can be used to train the lower body. A 2017 study found that hip and knee strengthening together reduced knee pain and improved activity. Plus, free weights can be used for upper body exercises.
The REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells are some of our favorite free weights for their durability (lifetime warranty) and versatility. Each adjustable dumbbell can hold a range of five pounds to 85 pounds, including the weight of the handle and collar. There are two sets available, a 20-pound pair or 52.5-pound pair. There’s also an option to buy a 40-pound add-on if you need more weight.
Adjustable dumbbells save space, and they’re a great option for households with several users of different strengths. You can work your glutes, calves, shoulders and everything in between for a complete lower and upper body workout.
Pros:
- Option to load light or heavy based on the exercise
- Save space
- Can be used for versatile exercises
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- May arrive chipped
How To Choose the Best Exercise Equipment for Your Knees
If you have bad knees, you may tread lightly (quite literally) around exercise equipment. However, research continues to show that strengthening your legs can help reduce, though maybe not eliminate, knee pain. Your quadriceps stabilize your knees, and weakness in this area can cause instability that leads to pain. However, knee pain can be a result of all kinds of injuries, muscle imbalances or chronic conditions. It’s best to consult your doctor to identify what’s causing your knee pain. We’ve put together some basic tips to help you choose the right equipment.
Cardio machines
Look for low-impact cardio machines with the ability to increase or decrease the intensity as needed. For example, an exercise bike is an excellent option because it takes body weight off of the knees and significantly reduces impact on your joints. Yet, you can adjust the workout intensity by increasing the speed or resistance. We’ve already mentioned three of the most popular knee-friendly machines, which are ellipticals, stationary bikes and rowing machines. Any cardio machine that offers a low-impact workout and has some speed or resistance settings can work.
Strength/weight/resistance training
Weight-bearing exercises strengthen the muscles that support your knees. We like equipment for the home gym that’s versatile, so adjustable dumbbells are at the top of our list. They can be used for a full-body workout or to target leg muscles or abdominals, and they don’t take up as much space as a full set of dumbbells.
Beyond strength training machines (like at the gym), both resistance bands and body suspension systems are easy on joints. Resistance bands add gentle tension to basic exercises like squats, lunges and certain upper body movements. They’re small and take up very little space. Suspension systems are a great choice because you can adjust the difficulty for your fitness level simply by moving your feet closer to the system’s focal point or adjusting the handle length. They can be used to take force off of the knees by supporting the lower body with your upper body, too.
Support equipment
Support equipment includes things like an exercise/yoga mat, cushions and foam rollers. For example, a yoga mat offers cushioning while you stretch or can be rolled for use as a cushion under your knees. Foam rollers are used for self-massage, and cushions can also be used to cushion under the knees during floor exercises or for balance exercises.
How We Chose the Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees
First, we researched the best workouts for knee pain and arthritis. Then we searched for the best exercise equipment for bad knees by looking at the equipment categories that reduce impact and forces on the joints. For cardio equipment, that meant looking among the best ellipticals, rowing machines and stationary bikes. From there, we considered the design, suspension systems, cushioning and adjustability.
Designs that suspend the body to reduce impact were a key feature for cardio equipment. Adjustability in speed, resistance and body position played an important role, too, because each of these can impact the quality of the workout and your ability to reduce shock to the joints.
For the other types of equipment, we considered the quality and versatility of each of the products on our list. Our final selections weren’t made until we thoroughly researched user experience, customer reviews and third-party reviews. We looked for patterns of high performance and build quality for each of the products on the list.
Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees FAQs
Can knee pain be cured by exercising?
The source of the knee pain determines whether or not it can be cured by exercising. If pain is the result of an injury, working with a physical therapist and following given exercises may eliminate knee pain. However, conditions like osteoarthritis may prevent the knee pain from completely disappearing. Exercise may help but some discomfort might remain.
Related Post: The Best Joint Supplements for Knee Pain
What exercises should I avoid if I have bad knees?
The exercises you avoid will depend on the source of your knee pain. If you have osteoarthritis, you may want to avoid high-impact exercises, like running or high-impact sports, such as basketball and tennis. Opt for exercises like swimming, yoga and the elliptical. Injury-related knee pain may respond well to strength and balance training, but follow the recommendations of your physician or a physical therapist.
What type of cardio is easiest on the knees?
Swimming is the gentlest form of cardio for your knees. But if you don’t have access to a pool, a rowing machine is low-impact and provides an intense full-body workout.
Is walking on an incline bad for knees?
Incline walking can actually be helpful for knee pain. A small 2014 study found that incline walking reduced internal knee abduction (movement away from the body), with the potential to reduce knee pain. Incline walking can also strengthen your quadriceps, the main knee stabilizers.
Are exercise bikes hard on your knees?
No, exercise bikes are not hard on your knees. In fact, they’re one of the best exercises if you have bad knees because they are low impact, can strengthen your legs and improve functional movement.
Final Thoughts
If you have bad knees, it doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. It does mean you have to be more selective about the kinds of cardio and strength training you do. Choose low-impact cardio and strength training movements. Equipment like rowers and ellipticals can provide an intense cardio workout, but don’t put undue stress on your knees. General strength training is a necessity for everyone, too, so don’t forget to incorporate a day or two of strength training into your exercise routine.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
