Being able to fold up exercise equipment and stick it in a corner or closet sounds like a perfect solution for seniors who have moved into a smaller living space. It's easy to clean under, too. Those are about the only advantages of folding equipment, however.
Treadmills
Lower-priced treadmill models are comparatively not stable. That's not so important if you plan to walk or do light jogging. All folding machines should have wheels to allow easier storage, but a machine needs more weight to provide additional stability. Even with wheels, more weight means more problems if you plan to move it in and out of a closet, though not so much if you can simply fold it back into a corner. Try out the folding mechanism. Heavier models that must be manually folded could be difficult to handle. To keep down the weight, some folding models skimp on motor size. Try out the treadmill; if the motor gets louder as your workout progresses, look for a model with a larger motor. Price: $700 to $2,000--and up.
Steppers
Folding steppers sacrifice stability, especially on carpet. Look for a machine that provides variable resistance and handlebars for balance. The handlebars should extend high enough that you don't have to bend over too much during workouts. Folding steppers are relatively inexpensive -- $150 or less -- but they also tend to wear out sooner than other folding equipment.
Elliptical Trainers
There are many more folding treadmill models than folding elliptical trainers, and you won't find upper-body workout handles on folding ellipticals. Folding elliptical trainers also tend to be taller than other folding exercise equipment. The height of the folded machine needs to fit the space where you plan to store it. Folding ellipticals are less likely to have wheels than treadmills, so be sure you can handle the weight for your storage plans. The machine's width and user weight capacity are the best stability predictors. Wider is better, and if you weigh 140 pounds or more, be wary of an elliptical trainer listed with less than 300 pounds of capacity. Expect to pay a little less at the upper end than you would for a comparable treadmill.
Exercise Bikes
You can get upright or recumbent folding exercise bikes. Uprights tend to be lighter, but recumbents are more stable and easier to use. Plus, recumbent bikes have a wider seat and put less strain on your lower back. But recumbents take up more floor space, are taller when folded for storage, and are more difficult to move around. Especially if there will be more than one user, don't waste your money on a bike that doesn't provide various resistance levels or that you cannot easily adjust -- particularly the seat height . Try out the folding mechanism. For the same price, a folding exercise bike is likely to be less stable than a standard model. Folding bikes tend to be cheaper with fewer amenities than the stationary variety. Expect to pay at least $250 -- and as much as $1,000-- for adequate models.
Combination Machines
Some folding machines give you both an upper and lower body workout, for example, a combination recumbent bicycle and rowing machine. Expect to the starting price to be a little higher, at least $750. See that the machine operates smoothly and offers variable resistance.
Aerobic Step Bench
The simplest, most economic easy-to-store exercise equipment is an aerobic step bench. For $50 to $60, you can get a similar workout to a stepper. Plus, you can easily use hand weights or dumbbells for an upper-body workout, too. Buy a platform that has a large enough step surface -- at least 13 --- 36 inches. The step surface also should be nonslip and the base or feet need to be nonskid. Check out the weight capacity and look for a bench that can easily be adjusted to various heights. Aerobic step benches typically are made of heavy plastic, making them light and easy to move.
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