If you are currently searching for ways to alleviate heel pain, propper treatment must be followed, and today we’ll be telling you how low impact workout can help. When you get diagnosed with plantar fasciitis you’ll learn this condition can be tough, it can be recurring, and it can be painful.
Luckily, treatment is quite successful with the help of the right plantar fasciitis exercise equipment. This is why today, we’ll be sharing with you fantastic low-impact exercise equipment options.
First things, first, you need to understand your condition. It results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot and connecting your heel bone to the bones of your toes.
Experts often recommend lots of rest, the right footwear, and stretching exercises, to help you rehabilitate your injured fascia.
However, when it comes to exercise, you should go for low-impact exercise which keeps you active and in movement, and avoid high-impact activity which could worsen your condition.
You see when exercising, not only adequate support and proper fit are needed to avoid heel pain and prevent additional injuries, but also the right low-impact exercise equipment.
This is why opting for elliptical cardio won’t cause plantar fasciitis, nor will it make it worse if you have it. If you have no idea where to get this type of equipment and think it would benefit your fight against heel pain relief, look no further.
Below you will find a curated list with some of the top-rated equipment currently available on the market, so feel free to invest in the right low-impact exercise equipment.
Low-Impact Exercise Equipment Reviewed In This Guide
- Best Overall Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Plantar Fasciitis: Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper Stair
- Best Seller on Amazon Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Plantar Fasciitis: Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer
- Best Affordable Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Plantar Fasciitis: Vive Pedal Exerciser – Stationary Exercise Leg Peddler
- Best for Weight Loss Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Plantar Fasciitis: Full Motion Rowing Machine Rower
- Best Magnetic Resistance Low Impact Exercise Equipment for Plantar Fasciitis: Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical
How To Choose The Perfect Low-Impact Exercise Equipment?
When searching for low-impact exercise equipment, you ought to consider a number of features that involve stepping, walking, and other movements that don’t get your feet pounding against the ground.
Low-impact activities including swimming, cycling, yoga, or elliptical cardio won’t cause plantar fasciitis, nor will cause more pain.
When exercising, however, you do need to follow certain guidelines such as stretching out your calves and feet both before and after any physical activity. You can do things like curling and relaxing your toes and making circles with your ankles and feet.
Doctors usually recommend a more stationary workout to get your cardio in while not exacerbating a plantar fasciitis injury. Stationary workouts such as on an elliptical machine or recumbent bike, are considered best as they are lower impact and they allow for less pressure on your feet.
With numerous models, how do you identify the right low-impact exercise equipment? Choosing the right low-impact exercise equipment is vital; you need equipment that provides comfort, keeps you moving, and won’t cause symptoms to return.
One of the most popular types of exercise machines found in homes and gyms across the planet is the elliptical. Most appreciate an elliptical because it can deliver a robust cardio workout without much impact on joints that are experienced with other machines.
The right low-impact exercise equipment must provide you with an effective workout minus the worry of having the long-term effects that high-impact cardio can provide. These effects can be injuries or stressed joints, tendons, and ligaments.
Types Of Low Impact Exercise Equipment
Elliptical Low Impact Exercise Equipment
By keeping your feet in a stationary position on an elliptical, you can avoid the majority of pounding stress that comes from running. Some plantar fasciitis patients with especially sensitive feet may require days off between sessions to avoid pain.
Stationary Bikes Low Impact Exercise Equipment
You can avoid the normal pounding on your feet that comes with typical cardio exercises by riding a stationary bike with a hard-soled shoe. You can enjoy an aerobic workout with minimal strain on your feet.
Rowing Low Impact Exercise Equipment
Whether you actually row on a lake or river, or on a machine in the gym, rowing is an outstanding way to fully engage your body. Because you are using almost your entire body, you burn calories quickly, and rowing puts almost no stress on your feet.
Stair Climber Low Impact Exercise Equipment
Climbing up and down the stairs is an effective cardio exercise. Because of this, the stair climber machine was born and has become a staple in every gym.
Many home gyms also opt for a stair climber as it only eats up a small space in your home. But despite the small space it needs, it can provide a huge impact on your fitness journey.
It is also a good machine that focuses on your lower body as you will need to exert more force from your legs down your feet when using the machine. In addition, you can make use of your glutes, calves, quads, hamstrings, and core if you utilize the stair climber machine.
Vertical Climber Low Impact Exercise Equipment
These types of non-impact exercise machines mimics the movement of climbing a mountain. It incorporates both cardio and aerobic activity, as well as strength training.
Exercising on a vertical climber, according to fitness experts, is an excellent way to engage in effective full-body workouts while burning hundreds of calories per session.
Upper Body Ergometer Low Impact Exercise Equipment
This piece of exercise equipment it’s an obvious way to avoid straining your plantar fascia is to not use your lower body while exercising. An upper body ergometer provides a vigorous workout for your arms and chest without involving your legs at all.
Low Impact Exercise Equipment List
1. Mini Stepper Low Impact Exercise Equipment
Pros
- Resistance Bands
- Steel
- Digital Monitor
- Adjustable
- Sturdy
Cons
- Makes A Squeaking Noise
Upper body resistance bands provide a comprehensive workout to tone your arms, shoulders, back and chest muscles.
With this low-impact exercise equipment, you can tailor the height of your steps to suit your workout; steep climbs or a high-intensity quick mini-step workout.
What Our Testers Say
I’ve had this stepper for nearly 4 months now, and I love it. I have had no problems with malfunctions. It’s easy to use, and easy to store away when not in use.
I expect to use this stepper until the day it dies, and I’ll probably buy a new one when it does. I already feel I got my money’s worth from it. I recommended it to a friend who wants to lose weight, and she loves it, too.
Expert engineering and quality materials enable the Total Body Step Machine to feature a max user weight of 220 LB.
Keep your steps steady and unshakable. The stabilizing ring on the foundation of the stepper provides added safety and peace of mind while you stay focused on your exercise session.
Tips
This is definitely under 20lbs, so pretty easy to move around. Also, if your machine is squeaking, then you need to lube the bolts.
2. Elliptical Cross Trainer Low Impact Exercise Equipment
Pros
- Digital Monitor
- Easy Set-Up
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 8 Resistance Levels
- Durable
Cons
- Tension Cord Makes A Clicking Sound
This compact machine is ideal for people looking to achieve an incredible workout, but don’t have much space to work with. Achieve smooth and even movement by leveling your elliptical bike with the onboard stabilizers.
Easily adjust the intensity of your workout with the twist of the precise micro-controller equipped with 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
What Our Testers Say
I bought this for my 72-year-old mother and she LOVES it! She wanted something like the treadmill she has out in the garage, but she needed it to fit out of the way in her living room and yet allow her to watch TV as she exercised… it fits perfectly in that VERY SMALL space she and she’s enjoying it!
Follow along with your workout progress on the digital monitor that displays your time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse.
Avoid the hassle of overly complicated setups. This convenient elliptical cross trainer has been partially preassembled.
Tips
Connecting the tension cable in the handlebar post is tricky unless you sprout a 3rd arm. It is recommended to have someone else assist you or lay the elliptical on its side to perform this step.
3. Stationary Leg Peddler Low-Impact Exercise Equipment for bad knees
Pros
- Slim Design
- Compact
- Quiet
Cons
- Pedals May Loosen
This low-impact exercise equipment has been designed with your convenience in mind. The compact pedal exerciser can be used to strengthen arms and legs, increasing circulation, improving stamina, and relieving tension for greater focus and concentration.
The quiet and smooth pedal operation allows the Vive pedal exerciser to be used in the office as well as at home. Use while on your phone, watching tv, or playing video games to include beneficial exercise in your day.
What Our Testers Say
This is a sturdy exerciser that stays in place. I am using it after having two knee replacements. It is a great supplement to my physical therapy sessions. It is easy to set up and use. I have not as yet tried to adjust the tension but I will as my therapy progresses. I could not be happier. I will see if it continues to live up to my expectations.
The compact design is 12.5” high, easily fitting under a desk or similar space. Non-slip, nonmarking feet ensure the pedal exerciser stays in place on any surface, including any tabletop, carpet, or hard floor surfaces.
The low-profile design keeps the pedal exerciser from wobbling and sliding while in use. These are considered among the best low-impact exercise equipment for bad knees.
Tips
Adjust the resistance level with the tension knob for a personalized exercise experience.
4. Rower Low-Impact Exercise Equipment for weight loss
Pros
- Weight Capacity
- LCD Monitor
- Alloy Steel
- Anti-Slip Foot Pedals
Cons
- It Slides On The Floor
- Arms Take Up More Room
Fitness at its best can only be accomplished by the best low-impact exercise equipment. This Rowing Machine with hydraulic resistance features full-motion arms that help burn more calories.
Increase strength by activating muscles in the back, shoulders, and core while you row. It features an LCD digital monitor which displays: scan, time, count, calorie, and total count.
What Our Testers Say
The reason for choosing this particular style is so I am in control. I can choose whether I do just legs, arms, or use as a whole whilst not having to get right down on the floor. With the problems I have, it’s important to try and keep the strength you have for as long as you have as it will deteriorate over time no matter what, and whilst I will never be able to get to number 12 on resistance or even probably 6, it is a smashing piece of easy to use the equipment. Very recommended. Thank you very much.
The Tension Systems features hydraulic cylinder with12 levels of adjustable resistance. And large anti-slip foot pedals with adjustable foot straps will secure footing
The separate rowing arms emulate an authentic rowing experience. Customize your workout by using the wide-range rowing arms individually or simultaneously. You will love this low-impact exercise equipment for weight loss.
Tips
The seat slides all the way up and will go back only as far as you slide it.
5. Recumbent Cross Trainer Low Impact Exercise Equipment
Pros
- Total Body Workout
- Smart Design
- Quiet
- Zero-Impact Exercise
Cons
- Expensive
- No Heart Register
This is ideal for all fitness levels. The naturally-reclined seated position eliminates stress on the joints and back and reduces body fatigue while delivering a total body, fat-burning cardio workout.
The natural striding motion follows a smooth, linear path to protect your knees and joints. With 13 levels of smooth magnetic resistance, a simple turn of the dial takes your workout from zero to intense.
Dual power motion works your upper and lower body simultaneously, engaging all major muscle groups to build strength and burn more calories.
What Our Testers Say
It was easy to shad et up, great instructions and we’re just a couple of amateurs. This works great for a couple of short old timers (77 & 83) who need exercise but have lots of arthritis in their backs and really can’t walk very far without a lot of pain. It’s very solid. Very pleased with the purchase.
Modify the workout by isolating your legs or arms for added intensity. Track progress with the easy-to-read, battery-powered digital console.
Tips
The unit is about 110 lbs. You can take it apart in the garage and easily carrier the pieces to be assembled.
non-impact Exercise machines Buying Guide
What Is Low Impact Exercise Equipment?
Low-impact exercise equipment is the one that provides a solid cardiovascular workout, strengthening the heart and burning calories. It has less impact and puts less stress on joints, it is an alternative for older users and those who have joint issues, since the user completely controls the pace of the workout, and routines can be easily changed based on your current fitness level.
It essentially means you are not doing any movements that require both of your feet to leave the floor, hence, no “impact” caused by landing on the floor.
This equipment is particularly beneficial in building leg muscles even changing directions from moving your feet backward instead of forwarding can provide a workout for your calves and hamstring muscles.
How Does Low Impact Exercise Equipment Work?
Low-impact exercise equipment such as an elliptical helps users improve their overall fitness by helping to improve their aerobic capacity. As aerobic capacity improves, the ability to conduct longer, more strenuous workouts improves. This serves as the foundation for the overall fitness program for many.
Along with being good for building aerobic capacity, users can also target specific areas of the upper and lower body, depending on desired results.
Simple home exercises can strengthen your plantar fascia. Pay particular attention to stretching your calves, Achilles tendon, and the bottom of your foot. Additional exercises that strengthen your lower leg and foot muscles can help stabilize your ankle, reduce your pain, and prevent plantar fasciitis from returning.
Features To Look For In Low Impact Exercise Equipment
Versatility
If you are looking for versatile non-impact exercise machines to help you get an intense workout with maximum benefits without straining your joints, you might want to consider investing in a rowing machine.
A rower can help you get a full body workout no matter your fitness level. They are easy to use and are highly effective for fat burning. They are also an excellent choice for strength training workouts.
Resistance Level
A machine that can provide whole body movement and resistance will help you increase the calories you burn while helping you build your core, arms, and legs.
Some models are equipped with several resistance levels and advanced features that can reduce the risk of injury, they can increase your range of motion and can lower your blood pressure.
Inclined Position
Non-impact exercise machines that allow you to work out in a reclined position are designed with accessibility in mind and were created to help those who might not be able to use other types of fitness equipment due to age or risk of injury.
Unlike many other types of equipment, these are the perfect machine for those who are looking for equipment that can provide comfortable, low-impact workouts while reducing the stress on their bodies.
Adding an incline can increase your heart rate without increasing the impact on your joints.
Joint-Friendly
Look for a machine that is joint-friendly and has the ability to help you get in a good cardio workout. These are often recommended to people who are recovering from injuries.
They help you mimic the running motion without straining your joints, enabling you to get the benefits of running without the risk of injury; these non-impact exercise machines are perfect for those who want comfort while providing the perfect low-impact cardio exercise.
Hands-Free Exercise
Seated elliptical machines take off the pressure and stress on your ankles, knees, and back.
They also allow the user to perform a hands-free exercise which offers you the chance to read a book or use your smartphone, or tablet while working out.
Extra Features
There is low-impact exercise equipment such as the stepper, that has platforms for your feet and a handle to hold for balance. Steppers are great because they offer a zero-to-low impact on your joints.
Make sure the platform offers a sturdy and non-slip surface, comfortable enough for your feet.
Common Questions About non-impact Exercise machines
What exercise equipment is best for plantar fasciitis?
When trying to recover from plantar fasciitis, it’s best to keep things low impact. This is especially true if you have suffered from recurring heel pain in the past or have undergone surgery.
Keeping the impact low will help you recover faster so you can get back to high-impact activity with time. This is where the best non-impact exercise machines are essential.
Can I do low-impact cardio with plantar fasciitis?
Stationary workouts such as on an elliptical machine or recumbent bike, are considered best as they are lower impact and they allow for less pressure on your feet.
What is the lowest impact exercise machine?
The ellipticals are considered the best low-impact exercise machines or non-impact exercise machines. Along with being good for building aerobic capacity, users can also target specific areas of the upper and lower body, depending on desired results.
High Impact vs. Low Impact Exercise
When done properly, both high and low-impact types of exercise are excellent for helping you get your body into shape. In this case, “impact” refers to the action of one object coming into contact with the other on the body.
- High-impact workouts come into contact with the floor, equipment, etc. harder and more often.
- Low-impact workouts come into contact with very little. There are also “no impact” activities, like swimming, that may not come into contact at all.
Are low-impact exercises effective?
Of course. Low-impact workouts can be just as efficient. For example, a 155-pound person will burn 446 calories while swimming leisurely for an hour and 744 calories when doing the breaststroke for an hour. The same person can burn 744 calories running at 6 miles per hour.
Enjoy Your New Low-Impact Exercise Equipment
As you can see there are some great options for low-impact exercise equipment to help you burn calories, get the heart pumping, increase flexibility, keep your feet from hurting, and overall improve physical endurance.
Remember, choose low-impact exercise equipment that’s efficient, enjoyable, and safe.
We sure hope you found this information useful. Feel free to send us a message with comments or questions you may have. We are always thrilled to hear what you have to say.
