10 Best Exercise Equipment For Bad Knees 2025 in the United States

The CAP Barbell High Density Exercise Yoga Mat features thick, extra cushioning that provides excellent support for knees, hips, and elbows, making it a good option for people with bad knees who require low-impact exercise support. Its 12 mm thickness helps reduce pressure on joints during floor exercises, while the high-density foam offers stable yet comfortable padding. The non-slip surface enhances safety by preventing slips during yoga poses or stretches, which is important for maintaining balance and avoiding injury.

The mat's size (71 x 24 inches) offers ample space for various movements, and the included carrying strap makes it easy to transport and store. This product is primarily a mat rather than a piece of active exercise equipment with adjustable resistance or range of motion features. It provides cushioned support but does not actively assist with strengthening or rehabilitation exercises by itself.

While it’s sturdy and stable on flat surfaces, it doesn’t have built-in ergonomic design elements like handles or specialized knee pads outside of the mat’s thickness. This mat is best suited for gentle, low-impact exercises such as yoga, stretching, or floor workouts where cushioning and non-slip grip are essential, rather than for resistance or motion-based knee rehab equipment. For those needing a simple, comfortable surface to protect their knees during exercise, this mat is a strong choice.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper is a compact and portable exercise machine designed for at-home use, making it suitable for individuals with bad knees who need low-impact workouts. Its heavy-duty steel frame provides stability, and the upgraded weight capacity of 300 lbs ensures durability and safety during use. The stepper's hydraulic system offers smooth and quiet operation, allowing for an unobtrusive workout experience at any time of day.

The adjustable intensity feature, controlled by a height adjustment knob, lets users customize their workout to their preferred level of resistance, accommodating different fitness levels and needs. The machine's ergonomic design includes cushioned support, enhancing comfort for users with knee issues. It also incorporates removable resistance bands for a full-body workout, engaging various muscle groups beyond the lower body. The LCD monitor tracks steps, time, and calories burned, helping users stay informed and motivated.

The range of motion may be limited compared to larger exercise equipment, which might affect users seeking more extensive movements. Additionally, while the pre-assembled feature is convenient, some users might find the small size less stable compared to larger, more robust machines. The Sunny Mini Stepper is a choice for those needing a low-impact, space-saving, and easy-to-use workout machine, particularly beneficial for individuals with bad knees seeking a gentle but effective exercise solution.

The MERACH Ab Machine is positioned as an effective tool for working out your abs at home, with the added benefit that it includes features aimed at protecting the knees, making it suitable for people with knee concerns. Its key strengths lie in its adjustable difficulty levels, ensuring it caters to users of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced. The adjustable incline settings and height adjustments allow for a customized workout, which is excellent for targeting different muscle groups including the abs, arms, and glutes.

The ergonomic design includes thick sponge padding at the knees and elbows, enhancing comfort and enabling longer workouts without discomfort. Another notable feature is the built-in LCD display that tracks essential workout statistics like exercise counts, time, and calories burned, helping users stay motivated and informed about their progress. The foldable design is convenient for storage and portability, making it easy to store even in small spaces, which is ideal for home use. Assembly is straightforward, catering to users who may not be experienced in setting up exercise equipment.

However, there are some drawbacks. The machine is primarily focused on abdominal workouts, which might limit its versatility for those looking for a more comprehensive full-body workout machine. While it provides good knee protection through cushioned support, it may not offer enough stability for users with severe knee issues who might require more robust support. Its bright pink color might not appeal to everyone, although this is a minor aesthetic concern. In summary, the MERACH Ab Machine offers a range of features that make it a strong candidate for those seeking effective, low-impact exercise for bad knees, but its focus on ab workouts may be limiting for some users.