Do you have ways to ease use of vinyl?


The reason for this post is to help some of the older guys here who recently said they gave up on vinyl because of its physical challenges. And at 66, I could not agree more. I used to have a two shelves rack for my turntable, which placed the top of the platter above knee height, at 25". To flip vinyl was either bend over and hurt my back, or doing it and one knee and hurt those.
Well, NO MORE.
Late last year I purchased a 4 shelves rack which puts the top of the platter at my belly button height, 40". Btw, I am of average height, 5'10".
What a difference! My back and knees will be forever thankful.
Here is another thing that greatly eased my vinyl experience.
I use an outer ring, center weight and brush my vinyl for each play. This was the process it entailed: Put on the center weight before brushing because I play my vinyl on a bare aluminum platter. Wait until the brushing was done before putting on the outer ring because I brushed the conventional way, finishing by dragging the brush outward to get rid of the dust. Once brushed, removed the center weight so I could install the outer ring and then reinstall the center weight and I finally could drop the needle. Ouf!
NO MORE!
Now I put on the outer ring first, then brush the record taking the brush INWARD instead, leaving the minute dust on the label (and I found out it does a much better job of brushing since the brush moves in the direction of the grooves, inward). Once brushed, simply put on the center weight and drop the needle. Voila!
Easier ten fold.
Another important pointer, the center weight, brush AND OUTER RING must be near the TT and at the SAME HEIGHT. Your back will thank you.
Those changes took me over 50 years to figure out and they have literally made my listening to vinyl experience a dream instead of dreading to flip those vinyl. 
Please share any tip you may have to ease up the physical burden that some older folks here may have about using vinyl. Thanks.

128x128baylinor
@melm
Imaginative setup. My ring is a canadian Audio TTW, it is extremely thin over the record and is advertised as not hurting the stylus if accidentally dropped on it. Not going to test it but had it for about three years and never had an issue with stylus or cantilever damage.

Thanks for the tips... I’m an old fart also. My TT is at ~42”... but I could add one more shelf and lift more. So I’m not the only one that doesn’t like bending over.

A note: With contemporary equipment streaming can be as satisfying as vinyl at most levels. A bit more investment is needed than for the analog side. But the rewards are huge... library goes from the thousand or so to nearly infinite for the monthly cost of one album... and No getting up at all... I still bicycle every day, so I get my exercise in other ways.

For any older guys that have the means... I highly recommend an upgrade to your digital end to get it in line with your analog... your ears and achy bodies will increasingly appreciate it. Then the big problem becomes finding the album you liked so much who’s title you can’t remember and unknown group name... darn, now where did I leave my Prevagine?

Alternatively, get an old record changer so you can just stack four or five records and listen. (-:
The problem for me with having it at chest high is having to lift up my arms to do the flipping. My shoulders are so messed up with arthritis, it makes it another problem. Bellybutton high is perfect for me, body straight, arms naturally down without stressing the shoulders. I need to upgrade to a new body, not a new system ha.
"My shoulders are so messed up with arthritis, it makes it another problem"  

baylinor-

I know the pains you speak of, mine are just in other locations. Hopefully, you have consulted a rheumatologist and done lifestyle changes to help with your discomfort. Gamechanger for me.
Unfortunately, with my wife having worked in a hospital most of her working life, I have seen way too many doctors. The primary every 6 months and currently seeing specialists for the ears, dry eyes and dermatologist. At least I haven't had to see my cardiologist for a few years.
I was a professional snow skier into my early thirties, so that was that. No regrets whatsoever, at least I used the body I have to its full potential and I always knew there would be a price to pay for over working it.
Thanks for your concern.