Updated 1/6/21. 60Up is a balance improvement device you've probably seen on TV commercials featuring game show host Bob Eubanks. The device is said to reduce falling and make you stronger. So does it really work, or is this just another piece of junk soon to collect dust in your basement? As an exercise physiologist who specializes in helping older folks, the TV commercial caught my attention. In this 60Up review, I'll answer all your questions and give you the pros and cons to help you decide if 60Up is right for you.
What's The Name Mean?
The name is catchy and tells you who this balancing machine is for – people aged 60 and above.
Do You Need Better Balance?
60 Up Balance Board with Poles
Statistics from the National Council on Aging tell us that:
- 1 out of 4 Americans over age 65 falls each year
- Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries sustained by older adults
- Each year, 27,000 Americans die from falls
- In 2015, fall-related injuries cost the US healthcare system 50 billion dollars
Going hand in hand with a poor balance is a lack of muscle strength. This is called sarcopenia. Listen to my podcast episode about sarcopenia.
People with poor balance and lack of strength are less likely to take care of themselves and perform their daily activities. Those people have a greater risk of being confined to a nursing home one day.
Bottom line: improving balance and strength can give people a better quality of life.
Science of Balance Boards
I've seen many balance boards in gyms. As you stand on them and wobble back and forth, they improve balance by helping the brain and muscles talk to each other better. This is technically called proprioception (pro-pre-O-sep-shin). The faster the brain can send signals to the muscles, the quicker those muscles react. Having fast relays between the brain and muscles can be the difference between falling and not falling.
Traditional Balance Board
However, the problem with most balance/wobble boards is that they are not designed for people with very poor balance, such as older folks or those with multiple sclerosis or stroke survivors. Unsupervised use of balance boards could increase the risk of falling for those people.
How Is 60 Up Different?
After looking at the design, here are two ways I believe 60 up differs from traditional balance boards seen in gyms:
- It has poles for you to hold on to. This helps you balance yourself better.
- It's less wobbly than traditional boards.
The idea of combining vertical poles with a balance board system is smart. It makes the board less intimidating to those who are afraid of falling. As the name suggests, this device is not made for most 20-year-olds. It's created specifically for people who have poor balance. Some of those groups include:
- Older folks
- Stroke survivors
- People with MS and Parkinson's
- Hip/knee replacements
Will It Make You Stronger?
It's possible you will get stronger using 60UP. If your activities are limited because of fear of falling, then anything you do to move more will strengthen the muscles in your legs and buttocks. Since you will be using the yellow poles to stabilize, your upper body muscles will become stronger, too.
The degree which you get stronger will depend on your starting point. If you are a frail person who has difficulty getting around the house, then I believe the improvements will be better than someone who is more active.
The 60Up TV Commercial
Here is one of the TV commercials you may have seen.
Any 60Up Clinical Research?
The company has said they have an ongoing clinical study. So far, the results of that investigation have not been published in medical journals. So we don't know how well it works. Also unknown is who it works best with. On the website, it's said 60 Up “builds new neural connections.” Without research, this claim is difficult to prove.
That said, there is evidence that balance training benefits older adults.
Balance Board Research
In one investigation, 9 older adults were put on a balance board training program. The study lasted 5 weeks. Researchers saw significantly better balance in those who worked just 10 minutes a day, 3 times a week.
Other researchers recruited 65 older people with type II diabetes and put them on a 12-week balance-training program with Nintendo Wii Fit. The people completed three 40-minute training sessions per week. Results showed a clinically significantly reduced risk of falls.
So far, researchers have not compared 60Up to Wii Fit or other balance training systems to see which is best. Keep in mind The Nintendo Wii program does not have poles for you to hold onto like 60 Up does. As such, the Wii system may be harder to use for some people.
What Are 60Up Balance Board Dimensions?
The balance board
This is what you stand on. The board is almost 3 feet wide (35 inches) and 2 feet from back to front. So it's pretty wide and able to accommodate most people's feet.
The balance board is also 4 inches high. This means you will step up 4 inches to get onto the balance board.
When fully assembled, 60Up weighs 19 pounds. Most of this is from the balance board which weighs about 15 pounds.
The poles
The poles that you hold onto are 45 inches long. That's a little less than 4 feet. For tall people – those over 6'2″ – you can order 50-inch poles. For shorter people under 5'2,” you can order 38 inch long poles.
You will receive instructions on how to assemble 60Up. If you prefer, there is an online video or DVD if you prefer.
Overall 60Up is portable and should fit in most places.
60Up Assembly Video
Here is a video the company created to show you how to put 60Up together
Quick Start Set Up and Safety Video
If you have never used 60 Up before this quick video will give you an idea of how to begin
Safety Tips
- To prevent slipping, use 60 Up on a mat or carpet. Don't use it on a hard surface like tile or stone floor. You can purchase an anti-slip mat from the company for $19.95.
- If your balance is poor, perform the exercises with a friend/relative present.
Who Makes 60UP?
Dan Metcalfe is the creator. Dan is a professional soccer coach,so he's familiar with balance, mobility, and stability issues. As an aside, he appeared in several movies and TV shows. Both Dan and Bob Eubanks are on the 60Up trademark, which makes sense, given Bob Eubanks's TV commercials. Here's a quick video of the history and some of the science behind the balance board. The company website is 60Up.com.
Contact 60Up Company
To place orders, call 800-393-4491. Call 24 hours a day. It may take up to 2 weeks to receive the delivery.
Customer service is 800-481-6087, M-F, 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time.
How Much Weight Can It Support
The balance board can hold up to 300 pounds. So if you weigh over 300 pounds, 60up may not be right for you.
Some may be confused because the 60UP website also states that the “base is made of engineered composite compound resin tested to hold over 2000 pounds.”
To clarify, the 60Up will not support someone who weighs 2000 pounds. I called their customer support about this and they confirmed the device is appropriate for people weighing up to 300 pounds.
Tell Me About The 60Up Poles
60Up comes with two flexible yellow plastic poles to help you stabilize while you stand on the board. The poles are 45 inches long (just under 4 feet long). The yellow poles flex a little bit to get your legs to improve your balance. These poles can withstand up to 250 pounds of pressure being placed on them. If you are taller than 6'6″ or shorter than 5'2″, you can order longer or shorter poles.
For those with very poor balance, such as stroke survivors or people who weigh over 250 pounds, you can order metal poles that do not flex and are more stable. The metal poles can withstand up to 350 pounds.
I think the poles are what separate 60Up from other balance boards. They help you stabilize better on the balance board, reducing your fear of falling.
What Is The Red Ball Used For?
On the board, there is a red ball that has dimples on it. The red ball is used to improve strength and flexibility in the feet. This helps your brain anticipate uneven surfaces faster. The faster you can adjust to uneven surfaces, the better your balance is, and the faster you might re-balance yourself if you thought you were going to fall.
If you are starting out, you won't be using the red ball. The intermediate exercise video included with 60Up shows you how to use it.
How Much Does 60Up Cost?
60 Up Balance Board. Complete System
The cost is $249.95. This includes:
- Non-slip balance board
- Two yellow poles
- Low-resistance exercise bands
- The red exercise ball
- Bob Eubanks 3-week workout DVD
- Intermediate and advanced workout DVDs
Shipping is free. Here it is on Amazon too.
What's The 60 Up Warranty?
There are different warranty limits for different parts. Here is the breakdown:
- Balance Board: 2-year warranty
- The poles you hold on: to 1-year warranty
- Stability half ball: 1-year warranty
- Resistance bands: 1-year warranty
- Safety security pins: 1-year warranty
- Safety hole hooks: 1-year warranty
I'd prefer to see a longer warranty on the safety hooks and security pins. You have the option to purchase a lifetime warranty for $39.95, which covers everything if you prefer.
60 Up Money-Back Guarantee
The system comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. The 2-month guarantee begins when you receive the balance board (not when you order it) This is good because it gives you more time to try it out. You pay shipping costs to return the item if you're not satisfied and want to send it back.
How To Return 60UP
Call the company first at 800-393-4491. If you will be boxing it up and sending it back yourself, you will need a return merchandise authorization number (RMA). You can get this from customer service.
If you prefer, the company can provide you with a prepaid shipping label. The cost of this is $39.95. This amount will be deducted from your original purchase price. I suggest you call the company for the best way to return 60Up and its accessories.
What About International Orders
60Up ships inside the continental US. For orders to Alaska, Hawaii, or elsewhere call customer service at 800-393-4491.
Where Is It Made?
60up is made in America. Their customer service people could not tell me if the component parts are also made in the US or imported from other countries.
Does Insurance Cover 60Up?
At this time, no. The same is true if you are thinking about using your flexible spending account (FSA) o cover the cost too. The company states that getting insurance reimbursement is a long process. They do mention that their study – which has not yet been published – will be presented to insurance companies when it is completed. This gives some hope that maybe insurance may cover it eventually.
60Up Bands
Resistance Bands. Different colored bands mean different resistances
The device comes with 2 yellow resistance bands that you can use to do exercises depicted in the 60Up workout DVD. The yellow bands are the lowest resistance. As your strength and stability improve, the company also offers resistance bands of different colors that are more challenging. Here is what they offer:
- Red Level 2 bands (improve bands): $32.95
- Green Level 3 bands (strong resistance): $34.95
- Blue Level 4 bands (rough resistance): $37.95
- Black Level 5 resistance (Beast resistance): 39.95
For most people, I think the yellow bands which are included will be good enough.
60 Up Nutrition Program
If you want to go full in, you can also opt to purchase the 60Up Nutrition program. Currently, the company offers two dietary supplements in this program:
- Ultra Hydration
- Daily Balance Formula
So what are these?
Ultra Hydration
This supplement is a powder you mix in water. It's high in vitamin C and magnesium and contains a soluble fiber called inulin, which may improve gut health and help keep you regular. Older folks may not drink enough fluids. Being dehydrated could result in being tired and this may increase the risk of falling. There is evidence for this connection too.
That said, it's up to you if you think you need the Ultra Hydration supplement. There's no proof it works better than water, Gatorade, or other sports drinks. The 60Up website incorrectly states that coffee dehydrates people.
Daily Balance formula
Despite the name, there's no proof the supplement improves your balance or reduces falls. They call this a memory and strength supplement. For the most part, the Daily Balance Formula is a multivitamin. The Daily Balance also has ingredients like GABA, ginkgo, bacopa, leucine, and glutamine among other things. Some of these ingredients may interfere with medications like blood thinners. If you take blood thinner medications like Coumadin (warfarin), speak to your doctor first.
My opinion is that both supplements are expensive. There are less expensive options. Leave a comment below if you want to know more about this. For honest reviews on dietary supplements, see my other website SupplementClarity.com.
60 Up Pros and Cons
Here is a quick rundown of what I liked and didn't about this balance board system. Your opinions may be different.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easier to use than other balance boards | The cost |
| Not intimidating for most people | Lack of clinical research |
| 2-month money-back guarantee | The 60Up dietary supplements |
| The guarantee begins when you receive it | Only 1-year warranty on safety pins |
| Portable | |
| Option to purchase life-time warranty | |
| Easy to assemble | |
| Made in the USA | |
| Easy to reach customer service |
Does 60Up Work?
I believe 60Up can help improve the balance of some people who are very weak and have a lack of lower body muscle strength and endurance. The big advantage is the yellow vertical poles that should also reduce the risk of falling compared to other balance boards. The benefits of 60Up would likely be best in those with very poor balance caused by weak muscles. More research is needed to determine if 60Up will benefit stroke survivors or people with Parkinson's disease, hip replacements, multiple sclerosis, or vertigo.
I LOST MY INSTRUCTION DSK FOR MY 60UP. CAN I PLEASE OBTAIN ANOTHER ONE
Hi Louis, scroll up to see how to contact the 60-up company. They have a phone number I posted the info in the review. They can help you. I wrote this review but am not associated with the 60 up company. I hope this heps. Reach out if I can be of any further assistance.
Hi Joe, I connected with you almost 2 years ago. Just want bring you up to date. I purchased 60up and have been faithfully using it almost every day as well as lifting weights and walking on treadmill. The 60up board has really helped me early on. Now, however, at 89 I’m pretty much holding my own. Can’t see any improvement but if I can continue to stay upright and not fall I’m a happy camper.
Hey Mort, good to hear from you! It sounds like the 60Up did its job and got you to the point where you might not need it as much as you did back in 2021. If you are walking on the treadmill and lifting weights, it sounds like your balance has improved a lot since when you first wrote me. Staying upright and not falling is a great thing so I will take that as win! So glad to learn you are doing so well and I hope you continue to prosper 🙂
I bought the 60up balance
did not receive directions
did not receive instructions
did not receive a video
which all were advertised in my purchase
please contact me
Hi Gail, this site isnt the 60-up company. Scroll up to the section showing 60 up customer service phone number. They can help you. Let me know what happens.
I am curious as to whether this device would help ones balance caused mainly by a equilibrium problems of the ears? I have been given physical therapy for balance similar to what the 60 up device offers. I always called the DUI exercises for lack of a better description of what they’re like.
Eli, I’m familiar with those exercises 🙂 I’m not aware if 60Up would help issues regarding vertigo caused by meniere’s or similar syndromes. I don’t think it would hurt to try but am not sure if it would improve your outcomes. Are the physical therapy exercises helping?
They did help but they are cumbersome to do at home. Hard to stay with it. Thought the 60up might be easier to do and safer and more apt to stick with it. They told me it would cure me but should make things better.
Eli, well it cant hurt thats for sure. When you do those vertigo PT exercises, standing in a corner will make them safer too. Im sure the PTs mentioned that to you.
No they just gave me the foam pads and told me to use a chair to balance myself.
Oh boy Eli. If your vertigo is really bad, I think a corner may be safer. Im not familiar with the foam pads though.
The pads are color coded for stiffness for you to stand on to do the DUI exercise . The softer the pad the more difficult it is to do the exercises especially the eyes closed part. They told me I probably never be able to do the closed eye part on the sofest pad.
Eli, that is new to me. When I was given PT exercises, pads like that were never mentioned. What caused your balance issue?
I was tested by the VA . They has me lay on a table and flushed water in my ears on me test . They put me in a chamber strapped. Me in a chair closed the door it was pitch black . You couldn’t see anything. Then they asked questions. I had a hard time answering. They said it was because I was dizzy. But you don’t know it. You don’t feel anything . Staid I had dead nerve cells in my ears that was causing me hearing and balance problems. I have colliery dyskinesia.
oh ok Eli, that’s very different than what I had done. I’m not familiar with colliery dyskinesia, unfortunately. Im sure the VA knows better than I do about these things. If you try the 60Up I hope you will let me know if it helps you. Im really curious.
Hi Joe –
This is possibly the best review of anything I’ve ever seen. It was detailed, but not overly so; clear and easily readable; factual based on research and information gathered from the manufacturer. I try to read reviews whenever I buy something mechanical or electronic, or some type of equipment. However, I’m often skeptical about the reviews as I’m usually left wanting more information since what’s available is limited and often unclear. I’m very interested in improving my balance but don’t know if I really need this kind of equipment.
Are there other “tools” or equipment you can recommend for people who have slight balance issues? If I close my eyes I definitely “sway”, and often lose my balance when turning around quickly. I can get up from a chair without having to use my hands.
I’d appreciate any suggestions or information you can provide.
Thanks again, Joe!
Diana
Hi Diana, first, thank you SO MUCH for your very generous words! I am so glad my review has benefited you. I am the same way as you and like to look at reviews first before buying things that may be a bit technical. Im happy I was able to answer give you insights on 60Up.
As for your questions, one question for you – do you do any strength training? There is clinical research showing lower body resistance exercises like using a leg extension machine or leg press machine can improve balance. I like resistance exercise because it also strengthens muscles and bones too. Both yoga exercise and tai chi also have clincal studies supporting their effects on improving balance as well. You can probably find classes on this at local YMCAs or private studios.
Id bet most people would get off balance when they close their eyes and try to balance themselves so dont beat yourself up too much on that 🙂
I hope some of this helps Diana. Thank you again for your nice words and feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.
Joe,
Like you I’d like to see some professional medical backing of this outfit. Some endorsements by reputable specialists such as neurologists, Neuro surgeons, physical therapists, etc. who will document and put their names behind 60up?
The other thing is the price of 60up compared to the actual manufacturing cost! There’s not over $75 worth of material and labor into a complete set. Come on Dan
Benny, Thanks for sharing. I think it’s an interesting device and I’d also love to see more research on 60Up.
Thank you for detailed review. After hearing my 96 year old father lost his balance & fell again while using a walker & trying to stop cookies from sliding off seat. He has lost the ability to re-balance resulting in falling if loses balance.
He has neuropathy in both feet from agent orange exposure- not diabetes, has CKD & lives alone in wonderful retirement apt complex with low level assistance options. And he gets PT at least once per week – most other days he works out on 3-4 various machines in workout room & tries to walk half – one mile everyday.
He was fully vaccinated but got & survived Delta/Covid over a year later – but after 2 months in rehab/ nursing home last Aug-Oct, he’s yet to regain strength he had prior to Covid, in legs & had to get riser for toilet + uses cushion to rise from chairs (other than lift recliner in apt). He’s lost balance & fallen 3 or 4 times since —- no injuries thankfully.
Wondering what you think —- if I can get PT to oversee his use of 60up if it would help him retrain balance + work on strength (I live different state).
Also wonder your opinion about vibration boards – is that something might help strengthen legs, improve circulation & maybe help neuropathy? Seems he could either use seated or while holding onto walker with brakes locked or maybe even using poles from upside down point on 60up (not sure that’s possible) but other options – IF a PT there to help & supervise? He won’t do exercises on his own in his apt except when PT comes anyway & even hiring a personal trainer be option – if either these would help.
He walked w/o assist until after moving into retirement apt 2017 (after mom died & they married 66 years but he’s social, 27 year retired USMC radio operator so he decided to keep on “living” 🙂 only the PT talked him using walker everywhere to decrease fall risk…we argued this as falling wasn’t an issue then – seemed PT more concerned about facility liability or residents not falling on her watch but dad trusts what therapist says so had to watch him get weaker/start leaning on walker but it was Covid that really took its toll on his muscle strength & suspect worsened neuropathy – had several nerve tests done recently but won’t know results til next week.
I’m torn between leave the man be since he’s not totally “lifeless” & encouraging use of product such as this —- IF it’d help him improve balance & leg strength. He’s happy, loves sharing jokes, keeps good attitude & basically ok health —- he just wishes he had strength back like before Covid & wouldn’t fall.
Any input would be greatly appreciated – if you’re still responding. Thank you.
Hi Kc
First let me say I’m very sorry to hear about your dad but I’m very glad to hear he beat covid and you still have him at 96. That is phenomenal. My grandmother lived to 104 so I know what great stories your dad has to tell people.
I understand about the nursing home situation. I’ve seen it firsthand with family like my grandmother and friends. Often times when people go into a nursing facility they don’t want them to walk because they’re a fall risk. And so they have them sit more and eat which causes them to gain weight and grow weaker. I’m not sure if that’s the thinking of the physical therapist and why he recommended a cane for your dad.
I’m not sure if 60 up would help your dad or not. Neuropathy can make balance more difficult because it’s hard to feel the ground under your feet. However I can’t say it wouldn’t help either and because of that it may be worth to try. I would feel comfortable with a physical therapist or a personal trainer to be with him when he uses it. I think that is safest.
Have you contacted the 60 up people to see if they can offer any insights on whether it may help your dad? It may be a long shot but it can’t hurt to call them. I’m not sure if there is any research on neuropathy and 60-up and so that would be a question I would ask them.
Vibration boards- if we’re thinking about the same thing – have some research. My guess is they may improve blood circulation and I’m sure they feel good too. I’m not sure if they would improve muscle strength in your dad’s lower legs. Overall, to improve your dad’s balance, walking is something he should be doing and I feel best if he did while supervised. In the world of exercise, there is a principal called “SAID” which stands for specific adaptations to imposed demands. It’s a fancy term that basically means if you want to be better at walking you have to walk.
Doing some lower body strength exercises may also improve his balance. This could be something as simple as standing up from a seated position and sitting back down again. Doing that simple movement will strengthen the muscles of his legs. This may also help his balance.
I’m sure the physical therapist and any personal trainer you may eventually employ knows about this.
I wish I had some words of wisdom about your dad’s not so love affair with exercise. If it were me I would explain to him that this is something he’s doing for you. Because the stronger he is the more time you can spend with him and the more things he can do in and out of the nursing home.
One of my favorite studies that I’ve ever read involved people in a nursing home where they only performed one exercise – the leg extension – and after just 1 ne month they became over 170% stronger, they could walk faster and their balance improved so much that some of them no longer needed canes and walkers anymore. So this is proof for your dad that you do not need to do a lot of exercises to get a lot of improvements.
Here’s that study:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2342214/
I understand how you feel torn between wanting to leave him as be and wanting him to improve. At the end of the day he has to want to do it. I’d remind him that he’s a US marine – he still is – and they never give up.
I hope some of this helps. If you decide to hire a personal trainer let me know. I can help you with some interview questions as you try to find someone who may be a good fit.
Joe, my father-in-law was 81. He was falling 1-3 times a week. Primarily from starting to walk before fully standing up from a chair. I bought him a 60up and went over to work with him every morning. The first time he tried it, he took 5 minutes trying to get up on the board. After 6 weeks of near daily use, he was doing the basic exercises on his own. He would wait for me and then we would work on more advanced things.
Between the 60up and being mindful of not letting his body get ahead of his feet (especially when standing up) he didn’t have a fall for months.
Unfortunately, we moved 3000 miles away. He stopped using the board and has deteriorated. I am 70, and noticing I have balance issues. I am now ordering a 60up for my wife and I. BTW my F-i-L has walked at least 2 miles every morning for 40+ years, so exercise was not his problem.
In summary, I know the 60up can be helpful. The key is the mental security afforded by the poles. The mind is amazing, but it needs help sometimes. Anyway, I am giving 60up my strongest endorsement, I’m buying one myself.
Hi Michael, I thank you for your endorsement. That is so nice to know how well 60 up helped your father-in-law. Im sorry to hear he’s slid downhill since you moved. I’ve heard from others who have also said 60 up helped them and I agree those polls do make all the difference. I hope it helps you and your wife as it did your father-in-law.
You have a great description & knowledge of of the working & benefits of the product.. I have had 5 back surgeries over the years have pins & screws from T11 all the way down.. I’m having trouble with my balance.. I think this might just work for me.. I don’t know if you have any refurbish ones or not. I’m not fussy.. I have Medicare & AARP
Hi Jacquelin, thanks so much, I really appreciate the feedback and compliments. So I am not the 60 up company so I don’t have any inventory but I’d suggest calling them and seeing what they have for you? another possible option maybe is to check craigslist. I hope that helps and wish you much success at improving your balance.
Thanks, Joe, for your excellent review of 60up. I’m a ‘young’ 87 yr old with severe balance problems. My neurologist doesn’t seem to think it’s age-related so he has tried to rule out possible causes i.e. Parkinson, MS etc. and all have been negative. Since I’ve been going through vestibular and other physical therapy for the past 2 years with no improvement, I’m beginning to think it IS age-related. Except for balance problems I’m in pretty good shape. Thinking seriously about purchasing 60up as a last resort. Thanks again for your fair and honest reviews.
Hi Mort, Im glad my review helped you. Are you doing any type of strength training? Sometimes lack of strength can lead to poor balance. Just a thought since the vestibular PT isn’t helping. If you decide to try 60 up I hope you will let me know if it helped you or not.
I ordered the 60Up and will keep you posted. I really appreciate, Joe, your expertise and your help…not only for me but it’s obvious how many other people rely on your informed opinions.
Mort, I really appreciate you saying that. I hope 60up helps and will look forward to learning what happens.
I have spinal stenosis and balance has become a real issue ( mixed with vertigo).Is this safe to use and would it be helpful for folks like me? Not quite 60 yet and I would like to retain as much mobility as possible.
Hi MJ, I’m not aware of any problems for people with spinal stenosis. I wish I had an answer on your vertigo question. The 60Up website mentions vertigo but doesn’t specifically say much as to whether it helps it or not, just saying that you don’t have to move your head, which can bring on vertigo attacks. Do you know what triggers your vertigo? have you ever received physical therapy? There are physical therapy exercises that may help vertigo.
My husband is 46, but had his big toe amputated about 5 years ago. He also has neuropathy in both legs from just above his knee down. He has diabetes also, and is always having issues with balance. The surgeon warned us about this, so not surprised but I am wondering about health insurance covering this for him? Any info on that?
Hi Stacey, I wondered if insurance might cover the cost of the 60Up balance trainer too. When I checked the 60 up the website they said at this time, insurance doesn’t cover it. Same is true about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). They do point out that they are working on their year-long study on 60up that involves doctors and when it is completed they will be sharing it with insurance companies. So maybe, eventually, insurance will be an option. When that happens, I can’t say.
You can always try calling the company to see if things have changed. Anything is possible. Question for you, has your husband gotten balance training physical therapy? I’m sure insurance will cover physical therapy.
He has not had that, until I read the comments here, I didn’t know it was an option. Thank you for your prompt attention on this. I will be sure to have him look into the physical therapy.
Stacey, so glad I was able to help you! Do let me know what happens with physical therapy. 🙂
I have neuropathy in my lower legs and feet, on top of that I lack the mobility I had since I stopped working. My balance and fear of falling seems to get worse and worse. I’ve been interested in the 60up for a couple months now, but really struggling with the cost. Could this piece of equipment make a difference in my mobility? Cost isn’t an issue if I knew it will truly help me.
Hi Chris, is your neuropathy caused by diabetes? just curious as that often happens to people with diabetes. When we can’t feel the ground under our feet, it can hurt our balance and make falls more likely. While it’s controversial if diabetic nerve pain can be reversed, controlling blood sugar levels can help slow it down and help your body in many other ways.
As for 60Uup, I have not seen any studies on 60Up helping neuropathy (nerve pain) so I can’t say for sure if it would help your balance. That said, when I looked on the 60Up website I saw a testimonial from someone with neuropathy (“Barbara W”) who said 60 up helped her. She said she wasn’t back to normal but did feel it helped. Generally, I tend to be a bit skeptical of testimonials but it’s all the info I could find.
That said any activity is better than none. I’m sure 60up will strengthen your muscles to some degree. In theory that should help your balance some. How much thought I can’t say. Question. have you went to get physical therapy? Sometimes they can help improve balance too.
If you try 60up I hope you will let me know what happens. I’m really curious to know how it helps.
Joe, your review is the best product review that I have ever seen. It is very informative and totally honest.
I have a balance problem due to cerebellar ataxia. I have been to a therapist in the past. The therapy helped, but once I stopped, the benefits did too.
In your opinion, is the 60up system a good possibility for dealing with my condition.
Thanks, Dan
Hi Dan, thanks so much! Im really glad to hear that! As far as I can tell 60Up was created for people whose balance problems are due to muscle weakness caused by lack of movement. So, I’m not sure if 60Up would help cerebellar ataxia balance problems or not. That said, if the balance exercises your therapist gave you helped, then its possible 60Up would also. But, just like with the therapist -prescribed exercises, if 60Up worked too, you’d have to use it regularly. All exercise works as long as we keep doing it.
If you decide to try it, let me know if it helps or not.
My husband is on dialysis and I have noticed that he struggles with his balance and he has fallen at least 3 times in the past month. I have bad knees and that also puts me off balance. I am very afraid of falling. We brought the subject of buying the 60up to our son and he said there were a lot of cheaper ways to recover our balance.
What he does not understand is that as you get older it’s not easy to recover your balance if you trip on something like you did when you were young. After reading your 27 points, I feel this purchase is the right thing to do. Thank you.
Hi Andrea, Thanks for sharing. I hope the 60Up helps you and your husband. Please let me know how it goes with you both. I agree with you that it’s sometimes difficult for younger people to put themselves in the shoes of those dealing with health issues. Balance is so important to being able to take care of ourselves and staying alive too. When you use the 60Up ask your son to be present at first so you both have someone with you as you get used to it.
Again, I really hope 60Up helps you both.
I just saw this thing on TV and wondered if it would help my mom. I searched Google and you were the first review I saw. I’m thankful for your hard work. You answered all my questions. I’m going to get the 60UP balance machine for my mom and will let you know what happens.
Jennifer, thanks, I’m so glad to hear I showed up first! Yes, do let me know how your mom does with the 60UP. I’ll be very interested to learn what happens 🙂
Joe, thanks for the review. This is an important topic given the statistics. I remember standing on a bosu ball a few years ago, and it challenged my balance. I had not heard of the 60Up before this. It looks like it could be helpful, but I can think of much less expensive (even free) ways to improve balance.
There are several balance programs and even a few evidenced-based programs targeted at 55+ adults. Something as simple as standing on one leg while standing in front of a sink or counter for stability or just gradually shifting weight from one leg to the other while holding on can help.
Judy, thanks. I agree there are other options out there. As balance gizmos go I like that 60Up has handles that people can hold on to. For frail people, its less fearful than the bosu ball which I agree also helps balance. 60Up has a very targeted market including those very weak and frail people who can’t travel or not aware of what else is out there. Since writing the review I’ve heard from people who can’t /won’t go to the gym because of COVID and are looking for some time to maintain themselves until things get back to normal.
Joe, what you said about the 60Up Brain Balance supplement caught my attention. Can you talk more about this?
Hi Sally, Some of the ingredients in the Balance Formula -like ginkgo – have blood thinner effects. For someone taking blood thinner medicine like coumadin (warfarin), in a worst case scenario blood-thinning supplements + blood thinner medicine, might over-thin the blood – making bleeding more likely. Because of this, I think its best to show the ingredients to a doctor first if you or your loved ones take blood thinner medications.
As always, a very complete and fair review thank you, Joe! My husband is very shaky since dealing with a medical issue last year. Do you think 60Up would help him?
Hi Jane, its possible it might. It would depend on why your husband is shaky. If its a stroke I’m not sure. I think 60Up will work best in men and women who are weak from lack of movement. As we move less, we get weaker. Its the use it or lose it principle. If we dont use our muscles, they get weaker. I think 60Up may help some of those issues. I also think just standing up and sitting down and walking can too. Anything that helps the muscles in the legs get stronger can improve balance.
I’ve been seeing this all over TV so thanks for this very detailed review! My mother has very bad balance and I was wondering if this might help her? I may give this a try but since my mom takes blood thinners I will NOT be getting the supplements. Thank you SO much for pointing this out.
Rebecca, thanks so much I’m glad my review helped you decide:) I agress ask a doctor before using the 60 up supplements.