Under-Desk Bike and Under-Desk Elliptical Reviews 2023

An under-desk bike is a mini bike, like a regular bike but without the tires and handle bar. It is portable and fits under a work desk. The user can burn some calories using it while working at his or her desk. It is especially great for buyers whose work requires sitting for long periods of time. They can workout at the office without stopping or interfering with their desk responsibilities.

In this article, the top 10 of the best under-desk bikes and under-desk ellipticals will be reviewed extensively. It is a comprehensive buyer’s guide and is divided into two sections. This first section comprises a side-by-side comparison of the top 10 under-desk bikes and under-desk ellipticals and their respective reviews. The section has the buyer’s guide, which features what to consider when purchasing an under-desk bike or elliptical, limitations, etc.

If you spend more of your active hours on the desk and barely have time to work out, this is the solution for your fitness. Also, if you are finding it difficult to keep up with an after-work exercise schedule, the under-the-desk bike is the way forward.

The use of it, to be precise. An under-the-desk bike can actually help you with weight loss and keep your mind active all day, which can enhance your work. It is a useful work companion.

Our Best Choices

PhotoProductPriceBuy
DeskCycle Under Desk...image DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser with Standard Height - Stationary Bikes for Home & Office (White) Buy Now
Cubii GO -...image Cubii GO - Under Desk Elliptical Seated Bike Pedal Exerciser, with Illuminated LCD Fitness Tracker Screen, Adjustable Resistance, Work from Home Fitness, Built-in Wheels and Handle $249.59 Buy Now
Cubii JR1, Under...image Cubii JR1, Under Desk Elliptical, Bike Pedal Exerciser with LCD Fitness Tracker Screen, Adjustable Resistance, Work from Home Fitness, Aqua (Renewed) $159.99 Buy Now
FitDesk Under Desk...image FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical Trainer - Elliptical Bike Pedal Machine for Home Use or Office $121.25 Buy Now
FitDesk Desk Bike...image FitDesk Desk Bike 3.0 - Folding Exercise Bike for Work from Home Fitness, Stationary Bike and Desk Exercise Equipment with Built-in Tablet Holder, Desk Workout Equipment, Extension Kit Not Included $289.99 Buy Now
Stamina InStride Cycle...image Stamina InStride Cycle XL - Folding Cycle Pedal Exerciser - Fitness Bike with Smart Workout App for Seated Exercise - Foldable Exercise Bike for Home Workout $48.98 Buy Now
Sunny Health &...image Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B0418 Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike with Digital Monitor and 8 Level Resistance Buy Now
MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise...image MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser Buy Now
Inspired by Drive...image Inspired by Drive 10270KDRSV-1 Pedal Exerciser, Silver Vein Finish $27.34 Buy Now
Platinum Fitness PFP2100...image Platinum Fitness PFP2100 Fit Sit Deluxe Folding Pedal Exerciser Leg Machine with Electronic Display, Blue $49.11 Buy Now
Vive Under Desk...image Vive Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser - Stationary Exercise Leg Peddler - Low Impact, Portable Mini Cycle Bike for Under Your Office Desk - For Arm or Foot - Small, Sit-Down Recumbent Equipment Machine $59.99 Buy Now

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

DeskCycle: Best Under-Desk Bike

The DeskCycle is an under-desk bike built strong, which makes it firm and not slide around during use, with a magnetic resistance mechanism that makes it noiseless during operation. It has eight adjustable resistance levels that can be set to fit the user’s preferences at any given time.

You may choose to start from the highest to the lowest, or vice versa. The highest level is the most strenuous to overcome, while the lowest level is the least strenuous to overcome.

One of the main features of the DeskCycle is the magnetic mechanism, which facilitates its noiselessness. This makes it fit for use in an open office setting, so the user can actually workout without disturbing others.

The DeskCycle has an LCD display right on top of it that shows the amount of calories burned, exercise time (100 minutes), speed, and distance pedaled. When the DeskCycle is not in use, the LCD display becomes more or less a foot rest. This can easily damage or knock off the display.

Advantages:

  • Magnetic resistance. The magnetic resistance gives the under-desk bike a smooth and quiet operation. No worries about wear since there are no belts to wear out.
  • Quiet. It makes it suitable for an open office setting as well. The pedals can be tightened as required if they become loose, given the user’s 100% assurance of noiselessness.
  • Stable. It comes with a Velcro strap, which you can loop around your chair and connect to the under-desk bike, although it is heavy enough to prevent sliding when in use. The primary function of the Velcro strap is to keep a wheeled chair from rolling around (many offices use chairs with wheels) when the bike is in use.
  • Simple assembly. It comes with a complete set of assembly tools and even its own wrench.
  • Bidirectional. The DeskCycle features back pedaling. There is a blue poxy included in the package. Ensure it is applied when the back pedaling function is to be used.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Shortfalls:

  • LCD display. Relatively put, the LCD appears cheaply made but it gets the job done. It looks cheap for the price of the under-desk bike.
  • No connectivity. The DeskCycle is not designed to allow devices to be connected to it remotely or directly. This is quite disadvantageous in this era of remote devices.
  • Small Surface Area Pedals This is a limitation, given the basic purpose of an under-desk bike exercise. The small surface area can limit the foot angles and number of muscles exercised per minute. The surface area is like the size of a regular bike pedal, unlike the under-desk elliptical, which has a larger surface foot pad.

The rotational radius (the crest or highest point to which the pedals rise) of the pedals is 10”. A stack of books or a box 10” tall can be used to determine if the DeskCycle will fit under your desk or not. Simply put the box or books under your desk.

Place your foot on it, elevating your knees, and check if they do not touch the underside of your table. If it doesn’t touch, then the DeskCycle is a perfect fit for you!

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii

Armav Dalmia’s request for a standing desk while he was a college intern led to the creation of the Cubii. He decided to look for an alternative to staying active while working and came up with the idea of an elliptical.

The Cubii Under Desk Elliptical is ergonomic, silent in operation, modern, and connected. Its pedals have wide surface areas, which is the main difference between an elliptical and a bike. The pedals of an elliptical bike are longer and their foot pads wider than those of an under-the-desk bike. With the elliptical, you can exercise your feet at different angles, working out more muscles in the process.

The Cubii is quiet and smooth, almost effortless during a workout. It is suitable for open offices where you can work without irritating or disturbing your colleagues. It has an adjustable dial for regulating the resistance level.

The Cubii has two attractive color combinations: grey and black and red and black. When pedaling at high resistance levels, the user can burn up to 150 calories per hour depending on a number of factors, like the weight of the user, the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the pedaling action, etc.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Advantages:

  • low knee clearance. Just 4 inches of space between your knees and the underside of your desk is all you need to keep your knees from hitting the underside of your desk when pedaling.
  • Quiet. It is noiseless. This makes it possible for use in open office spaces and even while on conference calls!
  • wide and grip-friendly Pedals. This allows you to move your feet up and down the pedals to get different angles in order to exercise more muscles. The rubber grip keeps your feet from slipping on or off the pedals.
  • Bluetooth connectivity. The Cubii has a Bluetooth feature that enables you to connect to your devices, like your smart phones or fitness devices. An app is available for iOS and Android devices.
  • Wheel stoppers. They keep your chair from rolling around during exercise with the elliptical. They are included in the Cubii package and should be placed on the front wheels of the chair before commencing exercise.
  • Bidirectional. Pedal action can be backwards or forwards.

 

Shortfalls:

  • Price. The retail price is higher than most under-desk ellipticals in the market. However, it is an investment in your health and its features are arguably worth the extra cost.
Highlighted Features
  • PORTABLE UNDER DESK ELLIPTICAL- Cubii Go is our most portable lightweight pedal exerciser that features a retractable handle, built-in wheels, and weighs less than 20 LBs
  • WORK FROM HOME FITNESS - Now you can exercise while you work from home - right at your desk! Burn calories, lose weight, and feel great with Cubii elliptical machines for home use
  • LOW IMPACT, ULTRA SMOOTH ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE MACHINE - Move a little more each day to reach your wellness goals! Use this under-desk elliptical, burn calories, improve mobility, and increase strength. Does not have the impact on your joints like an under desk treadmill, under desk bike pedal exerciser, stair stepper, or workout bike
  • ILLUMINATED LCD DISPLAY FITNESS TRACKER - This lighted digital monitor clearly displays your progress so that you can use your desk elliptical in a dimly lit room while you watch television or a movie
  • USE THE CUBII MOBILE APP – Use the Cubii mobile app to track your progress by manually entering the data from your LCD display

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

You might feel interested in Cubii Jr., though we did not include Cubii Jr. reviews here. Except for a few features, all the basic features are the same. To find out more about this product, click the button below.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Cross Functional Elliptical Trainer: Stamina InMotion E-1000

The Stamina InMotion E-1000 Elliptical Trainer is cross-functional in the sense that it can be used while in a sitting or standing position and can also be used as an under-desk elliptical trainer. It is small in size, making it perfect for home and office use.

It employs a stair-climbing type of motion, so there’s no significant stride. If you use a standing desk, you would find the Stamina InMotion E-1000 very useful. After a little practice, standing desk exercise will have you “sitting pretty” fitness-wise. When not in use, it fits in the closet and takes up little room. It’s portable, too.

Storage: Is it a problem for you?

With its small size, it is a great alternative to a large elliptical trainer. Many people who buy full-size trainers end up not using them, and they become an eyesore and storage nightmare. This one is small enough to fit in the closet when not in use. It is also portable enough to carry with you wherever you go.

It has an electronic meter display that shows time (up to 100 minutes), distance (up to 1,000 miles), count (up to 9,999 strides), and calories burned (up to 1,000 Kcal). This is displayed at intervals of six seconds.

Advantages:

  • Standing Position Option It can be used while standing as well as under the desk. This is the only Elliptical reviewed in this article that has this option and can be used as a full-scale exercise machine like its contemporaries in the gym.
  • Price. It is relatively and mostly affordable.
  • Bidirectional. Forward and reverse motions are available, giving you more muscle-exercising options.

Shortfalls:

  • Weight limit. It can only be used as an under-desk elliptical for heavier users because the weight limit is 250 pounds. Only lighter users can engage it while standing.
  • Slightly noisy. It is slightly noisy for an open office space. It is most likely to distract others in a very quiet office. best suited for a private office.
  • Stride length. It has a shorter stride length than most elliptical bikes, which can limit the effects of the exercise.

It is quite easy to assemble. The main attachment to be done is connecting the pedals to the base and attaching the front plate and rear bar. All tools for assembly are included in the kit. It might take between 10 and 15 minutes to assemble completely.

Buy From Amazon

FitDesk Under Desk Bike Pedal Machine

The distance from the floor to the crest of the pedal swing is only 8”. Therefore, if you have a desk with a clearance of at least 25” between the floor and under the desk, the FitDesk is a good fit for you. It is quite heavy; weighing 31 pounds, you can be certain it won’t slide around while in use. The heavier an under-desk elliptical is, the firmer it will be during operations or exercise.

Highlighted Features
  • WORKS WITH LOW DESKS - Lowest pedal rotation height available; only 8 inches, Can work with desks as low as 25 inches
  • SMOOTH & QUIET - 8 position magnetic resistance and balanced high velocity flywheel keep the pedal motion smooth and whisper quiet
  • HANDS-FREE ADJUSTMENTS - No reach easy foot shifter allows for hands-free tension adjustment
  • 6-FUNCTION DISPLAY - Desk stand included for easy access to 6 function display
  • COMFORTABLE PEDALS - Large pedals are easy to locate under desk and comfortable when not in use

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Highlighted Features
  • EXERCISE WHILE WORKING: FitDesk Bike Desk 3.0 is equipped with a high-quality gearbox, quiet twin belt drive, and high-velocity flywheel to provide reliable operation with resistance bands just underneath its seat. Included is a built-in tablet holder and storage tray for comfortable exercise while working.
  • ADJUSTABLE ARM SUPPORT: The FitDesk Table Top features adjustable forearm supports that act as arm massage rollers that prevent arms from becoming weary.
  • STEEL FRAME: Made from heavy-duty powder-coated steel with a strong base that can carry up to 300 pounds of weight. Adjustable ergonomic fit for bike riders from 4’10” to over 6’ with adjustable bike seat, backrest, and semi-recumbent design. Comes with easy to understand user manual for easy assemble.
  • PERFORMANCE METER: Built with an 8-level magnetic tension control system for any fitness level and includes an easy reading performance meter to track your exercise cycling mileage, calories, and distance.
  • NON-SLIP TABLE SURFACE: It has a soft-grip 16” x 19” desktop surface that safely secures laptops or tablets. Also includes a tilt-top tablet or cell phone holder which has a storage panel that can store earphones and other small accessories. Desk Extension Kit not included.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Stamina InStride 15-0125 Folding Cycle

The Stamina 15-0125 InStride Folding Cycle is a compact portable exercise bike that can be used both under and on top of the desk. The resistance mechanism has a “T” handle for increasing and decreasing the resistance level of the cycle.

The handle is turned clockwise for an increase and anti-clockwise for a decrease. The Stamina 15-0125 InStride Folding Cycle measures only 15.5”, just over a foot long! It is also very light in weight, which allows it to be used on top of the desk as well.

Because of its compact shape and lightweight nature, it may be utilized to exercise both the lower and upper bodies. It can be positioned on top of the table to work out the arms (hands are used for pedaling here) or under the desk to work out the legs (feet are used for pedaling here).

Slip Prevention

It is noiseless enough to use in an open office (so don’t be bothered about disturbing others) and has rubber feet meant to prevent it from slipping around while exercising. Due to their lightweight construction, the rubber feet don’t offer much assistance, especially with hard floors, but you can check this by using them on a rubber mat or carpet. Alternatively, simply push them up against a wall to test for firmness.

It has a monitor that shows how much time the user spends working out, allowing him or her to keep track of his or her progress. It was already put together, so it works right away. In terms of price, it is less expensive than the DeskCycle. However, price changes occur regularly, so it is advised that you check the Amazon website for the current prices of these products.

Advantages:

  • Compact, lightweight, and portable—good for use at home, work, and vacation
  • Resistance levels can be adjusted to suit the user’s capacity at any given time.
  • can pedal forwards and backwards
  • Upper and lower bodies can be exercised.

Shortfalls:

  • not firm on hard floors like tile and hardwood floors. Slips around.
  • relatively low quality, as compared to other products with higher price tags.
  • Can I “jerk” when pedaling at higher resistance levels?

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike (Model SF-B0418)

This mini exercise bike is multi-functional in that it can be used to work up the legs and arms as well. It can be used under the desk for the legs and above or on top of the desk for the arms. It is magnetically driven, ensuring smoothness and quietness in operation. This makes it eligible for use in an open office with colleagues in close proximity.

The Sunny exercise bike has eight levels of resistance with a knob for turning up or down the resistance levels. It weighs 24 pounds and is heavy enough to prevent slipping on hard floors during exercise. It has a rubber base to achieve this effect but it is better to push it against the back of your desk or wall for extra firmness.

LED Display

It comes with a battery-powered LCD monitor that displays time spent pedaling, speed, distance covered, calories burned, and an odometer. The pedals can go backward and forward with a rotational crest of 14”. It is a good idea to do a test with an object that is 14” high to check if the Sunny mini exercise bike can be used under that particular desk.

Place the object under the desk, put your feet on top of the object and check if your knee touches the underside of your desk. If it does, you might want to check out other products with shorter pedal lengths or rotational crests for purchase. There is a chart further below in this article where comparisons between exercise bikes are displayed. You can check if the product is suitable for your under-desk clearance.

Advantages:

  • Exercises for the upper and lower body (arms and legs)
  • Open office friendly due to noiselessness
  • Heavy and durable

Shortfalls:

  • 14” pedals can make knees hit the underside of the desk while exercising.
  • There is little documentation for support and the LCD display is difficult to operate.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

MagneTrainer ER (Extended Range)

The makers of the DeskCycle, which is among the best reviewed products in this article, also produce the MagneTrainer ER (Extended Range), which is 16″ long without the extension and 20″ long with the extension. As with the DeskCycle, the MagneTrainer ER is noiseless and suitable for use in a closed or open office.

The MagneTrainer has an edge over most under-desk bikes reviewed; it features up to three times the resistance of other under-desk bikes. It has a knob for regulating the resistance level and can be turned up to as high as 170 watts, whereas the DeskCycle boasts a maximum resistance of 130 watts. Both measurements are based on 60 RPM (revolutions per minute).

It weighs 22 pounds with a 15” wide base, which gives it good stability when exercising. However, if it is being used on a hard floor, the Velcro strap (included in the product’s package) should be wrapped around the base of the machine and the chair. It pedals backward and forward and can also be used on top of the desk to exercise the arms.

Rotational crest

The MagneTrainer has a rotational crest (the highest point of pedal rotation) of 15″, which means that you would require a desk with an under-desk clearance of 34″–36″ in order to use it conveniently. As with other under-desk bikes, you can test the eligibility of your desk by using a 15″-high object like a box or stack of books.

Put your feet on top and see if your knee touches the underside of your desk. If it does, you may want to visit the comparison chart further below to find a more suitable under-desk bike. The LCD display shows the speed, exercise time, calories burned, and distance covered.

For sustained stability of the under-desk bike when exercising, try to push downwards and not forwards. It may take some time to be able to master this, but you will get the hang of it after a few attempts. Another alternative is to push it (the under-desk bike) against the wall or the back of your desk.

Advantages:

  • Features a resistance range of 2–3 times that of other mini exercise bikes.
  • 15” wide base gives extra stability
  • Noiseless; convenient for office use
  • It extends up to 20” long

Shortfalls:

  • Requires a tall desk for use in the office
  • Has the tendency to slide around when used on hard floors

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Drive Medical Pedal Exerciser, Model 10270KDRSV-1

The Drive Medical Pedal Exerciser is a basic under-the-desk bike primarily for medical purposes like surgery recovery and physical therapy. It weighs 6 pounds, making it very prone to slipping when in use, especially on hard floors. It is bi-directional, pedaling forwards and backwards. The tension can be adjusted using a knob on top of the machine.

The tension is not as spectacular as on other under-desk bikes like the Cubii GO or the DeskCycle but it is fair enough. It is made with a “silver vein”-colored metal. “Silver vein” color is made up of a blend of silver and black.

Wear Protective Clothing

The feet or legs of the Drive Medical Pedal Exerciser are made of rubber to prevent slipping. But the lightweight design of the machine will undermine this feature unless it is used on a carpet-like surface. It rocks and even jerks as the rate of pedaling increases and produces a significant amount of heat as a result of friction during operation. Be sure to wear protective clothing for your legs while using it.

It can also be used to work the arms, especially for therapeutic purposes. Unlike other under-the-desk bikes, it isn’t a great option for burning calories or weight loss. It is primarily for medical recovery purposes, hence the lightweight design and few resistance options. It is a simple bike.

Advantages:

  • one of the most affordable under-desk bikes available. retails at a very low price.
  • Backwards and forward pedaling
  • It is suitable for users who are recovering from a medical condition.

Shortfalls:

  • Too basic. Hardly any extras
  • cannot be folded for storage.
  • wobbles if the pedaling is fast.
  • generates heat during exercise.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Platinum Fitness FitSit Deluxe

The FitSit Deluxe is a simple and basic mini-exercise bike. It comes in a variety of colors, which include blue, green, pink, yellow, and orange. It can be used in the office since it is noiseless and has a rotational crest (highest point in the pedal rotation axis) of 12.25”.

As with other under-desk bikes, it is advisable to test the compatibility of the machine with the clearance of the intended desk by using an object with a height of 12.25”. Place the object under your desk and put your foot on it. If your knee is not touching the underside of your desk, then you are good to go with the FitSit Deluxe.

Anchor Strap

The tension options aren’t many, but they are still adjustable with a knob on top of the machine. It comes with a Velcro anchor strap, which can be used to attach the under-desk bike to the chair. This will keep the under-desk bike from sliding around during exercise or pedaling, especially on hard floors. The FitSit Deluxe weighs 7 pounds (this is considered lightweight), hence the need for a strap to keep it firm during an exercise session.

The pedals are 4” wide and have adjustable straps, which make them fit a number of foot sizes. However, the pedals may be small for extra-large-footed people with shoe sizes 13 and above; they can be managed but may not be convenient.

It doesn’t get heated up due to friction as much as the Drive Medical pedal exerciser. It gets a little warm, though, during use but not hot. A technological feature ensures this. It is bi-directional (rotates forward and backwards), making it suitable for exercising the arms and can be folded for portability and easy storage.

It measures 15.25”x 10.5”x 6.5” when folded. The LCD monitor is battery-powered and displays RPM (revolutions per minute), calories burned, exercise time, and the number of revolutions.

Advantages:

  • Adequate technological measures are being taken to prevent overheating.
  • Variety of colors to choose from
  • Easy transportation and storage

Shortfalls:

  • slides around when pedaling on hard floors, except with the use of a strap.
  • Users with extra-large feet may find the pedals too small.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Vive Pedal Exerciser

The Vive Pedal Exerciser is a bi-directional mini bike with a wallet-friendly price as compared to other under-desk bikes. It is firmly built and mechanically driven, unlike most desk bikes, which are magnetically driven. It can be used on top of the desk to exercise the arms; it is quiet in operation even with the mechanically driven pedals.

The knob, with which the resistance level is regulated, is fixed on top of the machine. The resistance can be tuned to fit the workout capacity of the user per time. It has rubber feet and weighs 13 pounds. Both features make the Vedal Pedal Exerciser relatively steady when pedaling, especially on hard floors. It may not be as steady as the DeskCycle but it’s fair enough.

Vive Pedal Exerciser

Noiseless Operation

It is as smooth in operation (pedaling) as its magnetically driven counterparts and noiseless as well. This makes it good for office use. It has a rotational clearance or crest, of 10.5”, which implies that your under-desk clearance must be high enough to accommodate the machine when your foot is on the pedal at its crest.

Your knees must be clear of the desk’s underside. You can measure this using a stack of books or any other object of the same height as the rotational crest, in this case, 10.5”. Put the stack of books under your desk and place your feet on it; if your knee touches the underside of your desk, then it will certainly do so when using the bike.

The LCD screen or monitor uses batteries for power and shows RPM, odometer (up to 9999 miles), exercise duration, distance traveled, and calories burned.

Advantages:

  • It is noiseless enough to use in the office.
  • Built strong, heavy, and durable
  • compatible with hardwood and tiled floors

Shortfalls:

  • Mechanically driven, this may require maintenance relatively often.
  • The LCD display is difficult to read under a desk because it doesn’t light up.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

The Buyer’s Guide

Under Desk Bike: Definition

An under-desk bike is a mini exercise bike designed to fit under a desk with shorter strides or rotational axes than those of regular exercise bikes. It is a manifestation of the new “deskercise” trend, which means to exercise while sitting at your desk.

It is also an official, well-known institution that has incorporated exercise during work through under-desk bikes.

Buying an Under Desk Bike or Elliptical: Factors to Consider

Here are factors to consider when buying an under-the-desk bike or elliptical. They are summarized below:

Quietness

Ensure that it is as noiseless as possible since it will be used in the office. Quietness is sacrosanct in most offices so mutual respect for each other’s convenience and organizational policies in such matters should be given.

Pedal height

You have to consider this to determine if you can use an under-desk bike or an elliptical at all. Get a measurement of the clearance between your knees and the underside of your desk that is comfortable for you and use it to pick a bike that will fit under your desk. Check for the pedal height that corresponds to the measurement you have.

Adjustable tension

The tension or resistance settings determine how hard you need to work the pedals. So if you are really looking to burn off some calories, you should look up an under-desk bike with the highest resistance level options.

Connectivity

Some under-the-desk bikes feature this option. Connection is usually through Bluetooth to a mobile device like a smart phone (an app is available to facilitate this) and other accessories.

Pedal dimensions

This factor should be considered, especially when you are looking forward to exercising as many muscles as possible. With an elliptical, you can place only your toes, back heels, and flat foot to get different angles. This is because the pedal is wide enough but an under-the-desk bike has pedals with the dimensions of a regular bike.

Weight

The weightier the machine, the firmer it will be during exercise. Weightier machines are usually more expensive than lighter ones. So if you have zero tolerance for slipping while working out, consider a heavy machine.

Price

This is strictly the buyer’s prerogative in this sense; expensive machines last longer and are smoother in operation as compared to less expensive machines.

Difference Between Under Desk Bike and Under Desk Elliptical

Under desk bikes and under desk ellipticals are both types of exercise equipment designed to be used while sitting at a desk, providing an opportunity for physical activity in a sedentary work environment. Here are the key differences between the two:

FeatureUnder Desk BikeUnder Desk Elliptical
Motion TypeCircular (similar to traditional bikes)Elliptical (mimics walking or running)
Muscle EngagementLower body: quadriceps, hamstrings, and calvesFull body: legs, thighs, buttocks, and some arms
Impact on JointsGenerally low-impactLow-impact, smooth elliptical motion
Caloric BurnGood cardiovascular workout, leg-focusedMore comprehensive workout, higher calorie burn
Size and DesignSimpler design may be more compactA slightly larger, complex design for elliptical motion
Variability in ResistanceAdjustable resistance levelsAdjustable resistance levels
Keep in mind that individual preferences and fitness goals play a significant role in choosing between an under-desk bike and an under-desk elliptical. If you prefer a more focused leg workout, a bike might be suitable, while those looking for a full-body workout might opt for an elliptical. Adjustability, space constraints, and personal comfort also contribute to the decision-making process.

How many calories can a user burn with an under-desk bike or elliptical?

About 1000 calories per workday is ideal and expected, depending on resistance level, weight, age of the user, etc. Use the DeskCycle online calculator to estimate calorie burn. Simply enter your height, weight, gender, etc. The table below illustrates The following criteria determine the values:

  • Age = 35 years old
  • Workout time = 1 hour
  • Resistance level: 8
  • Distance = 7 miles
HeightWeight (male)Male (Calories Burned/Hour)Weight (Female)Female (Calories Burned/Hour)
5′ 5″190295.2169245.3
5′ 6″195302.2172248.2
5′ 7″200309.3175251.0
5′ 8″205316.3178253.8
5′ 9″210323.4181256.7
5′ 10″211330.4184259.5
5′ 11″212337.4187262.4
6′ 0″213344.5190265.2

Limitations of an Under-Desk Bike

The under desk bike can’t replace the regular exercise bike function-wise. This has a limited effect on the fitness of the user. You burn calories and workout muscles while using them, as the LCD display reveals.

However, the display can be inaccurate sometimes. Also, under-desk bikes tend to slide around during a fast pedaling session, with the exception of the DeskCycle and Cubii GO. But lighter-weight machines will slide around on hard floors.

The primary function of an under-the-desk bike is to keep the user active during work hours, especially for jobs that require lengthy sitting periods. The use of under-the-desk bikes can facilitate healthy blood flow in the body, reducing cramps and fatigue in the process.

Promoting a healthy workplace

Organizations or employers usually provide health packages for their employees to keep them fit and productive. These health packages or benefits are mostly in effect outside the office or off-work hours. This practice does not sustain or improve man hours as much as on-the-job exercise can.

Many employees don’t work out after office hours and if they do, it may not be enough. The pressures of the job may influence them to develop a need-to-relax attitude towards after-work hours. Many can hardly subscribe to a workout after working at the desk for hours as a way to keep fit and promote health.

It is much easier to incorporate a workout activity during work hours than after. Employees can workout at work because they have a work conscience.

Sustainable fitness

The under-desk bike or elliptical, provides a suitable platform to achieve this all-important aspect of building and sustaining fitness. The compact build of under-desk bikes and their noiselessness in operation make them work-friendly in the sense that they don’t distract the user or colleagues.

With constant use, it can enhance focus, which in turn reflects productivity. It is imperative to practice exercise during work hours, as this can forestall health breakdowns and help recover lost man hours. An under-the-desk bike can achieve this.

Keeping fit is primarily a preventive health measure. Employers can install under-the-desk bikes in their offices and even incorporate “desk exercise” into their work policies. Apart from the fact that it is organizational policy, hardly anyone refuses an opportunity to stay healthy while working and enhance his or her productivity in the process. It is worth looking into. Get desk bikes, get employees using them and get more man hours!

Invest In Your Health

Purchasing an under-the-desk bike is a valuable investment in your health. Fitness is wellness. Make these mini-exercises a lifestyle. Work hours can be very fleeting and there is the tendency to take in food substances that certainly need some burning off. Yes, working at your desk will burn a few calories but it is far from adequate to keep you physically fit.

The use of an under-the-desk bike will take care of an appreciable chunk of your physical fitness requirements. Consider getting one today, and be consistent in using it. Consistency yields more results than the time spent per session. It is an ultimate investment in your future.

If you consider under desk bikes a cool move or idea, why not share with friends on social media and see what they think? You never know; they might even have one and haven’t told you about it!

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