Are you like me and spend most of your time sitting behind a desk? With increasing work schedules and less time to exercise than ever before, finding ways to maximize your time can be challenging.One of the best ways to effectively incorporate exercise or a cardio workout into your daily life without having to invest extra time is by investing in an under desk exerciser product.
But what is the best under desk exercise equipment?
Desk workout machines come in various forms. After careful research the answer is it really depends on whether you prefer an under desk elliptical vs bike.
Under desk pedal exercisers can be broken into 2 categories: those that you pedal like a typical bicycle in a circular motion or those that use an elliptical pedaling motion.
Within each category there are plenty of options that you can consider when you are in the market for an under desk exerciser. Both types of products, either a desk bike or elliptical, will get you moving. Some are low impact making them much easier on the knees and other joints.
Best Under Desk Exercise Equipment
Listed below are 5 selections for the best under desk exercise equipment available on Amazon.com. Below, we will be going over some of the best options for home fitness equipment that you can choose from on the marketplace.
For me, I prefer a bike model and my top selection for best under desk exercise equipment is the DeskCycle bike or pedal exerciser. It is the top selling brand on Amazon. For those that prefer an elliptical model, my choice for best under desk elliptical is the Cubii Pro.
DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike Pedal Exerciser
DeskCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike Pedal Exerciser
Desk bikes are extremely popular and easy to use due to the circular motion.
Even celebrities, like Carrie Underwood, use a deskcycle. Click on this link to see the video.
Special Features For This Under Desk Bike:
1. Usability.
This particular desk exerciser is extremely versatile due to its low height for desk clearance. Because it is only 10 inches in height, it can be used with a variety of desks without the use of risers.
2. Resistance.
Another good thing that you can get from this exercise bike is the ability to utilize 8 distinct resistance settings which allows you to get in varied workouts as you progress. This will ensure that you do not grow out of the exerciser and that you constantly push yourself more and more as time goes on. You control the resistance level.
3. Magnetic Resistance.
Another big reason this product stands out is due to it utilizing the superior magnetic resistance which offers much better and smoother motion. This makes the bike extremely quiet which is essential in the workplace to optimize productivity and to avoid disturbance. This is a great magnetic mini exercise bike.
Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical
Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical
Special Features For This Under Desk Elliptical:
1. Quiet.
The product was designed to be extremely quiet which is essential in an office environment.
2. High-Quality Construction.
The product was built to last. It features extremely high-quality parts, construction, and better quality control. Unlike some alternatives that you might find on the marketplace, you don't have to worry about the unit sliding around.
3. Bluetooth Compatible.
This is the only Bluetooth enabled desk elliptical that you will find on the market. You can connect to the exclusive mobile app in order to track everything from the calories burned to the distance and time you spend on it each day. This will allow you to achieve even better results with your workouts, track your progress, and gain motivation for new goals and objectives. If Bluetooth is not a make or break option, you should look at the Cubii Jr.
Read a detailed review at Cubii Jr Under Desk Elliptical Review – READ If You Sit Too Long!
Sunny Health and Fitness Mini Under Desk Exercise Bike
Sunny Health and Fitness SF B0418 Magnetic Mini Under Desk Exercise Bike
Special Features:
1. Magnetic System.
This bike features a magnetic system which features 8 distinct resistance levels of tension which provide a moderate to an intense workout.
2. Height.
The under desk bike is only 14 inches in height which makes it a practical option for those that are looking to use it with standardly sized desks. You should be able to fit this bike with a variety of desks which means no further investment would be needed to integrate it into your work environment. Desk bikes of this height are ease to use under most desks.
3. Digital Monitor.
This unit features a digital monitor directly on it. This makes it effortless to be able to effectively track and monitor your progress.
4. Upper Body Workout.
This particular model was designed to operate as both an under desk bike and an on-top of a desk exerciser. Therefore, you could potentially get in a total body workout and burn calories if you were to prop the bike on top of your desk and use it to exercise your upper body as it has small finger grooves located on the different foot positions and handle grips which allow for a very comfortable and ergonomic fit.
FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical Trainer
FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical Trainer
Special Features of This Elliptical Trainer:
1. Low Rotation Height
The rotation height is only 8 inches which makes it easier to maneuver under desks as low as 25 inches high
2. Hands Free Tension Adjustment
You can easily change the tension with the foot adjuster.
3. Rolling Office Chair Wheel Lock
Comes with a wheel lock to prevent you from separating when using with a rolling desk chair
Pedal Exerciser by Vive Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser
Pedal Exerciser by Vive Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser
Do Under Desk Bikes and Ellipticals Really Work?
Looking for a cardio workout? Although you wouldn't get to burn as many calories as with a regular elliptical machine, under desk ellipticals and bikes are still very effective. On average, you can burn up to 150 calories an hour with an under-desk elliptical, and that's without breaking a sweat or taking time off work. A regular elliptical machine can help you burn about 350 calories, so the one under the desk isn't that far behind, given its other benefits.
Under desk bikes and ellipticals help you move more even while being tied down to a desk job. Such movements are required for weight loss, optimal heart function, and bone and muscle strength. So if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, the question is not under desk elliptical vs bike. Either elliptical machines or excise bikes will help you burn calories, lose weight and stay fit.
What Are the Differences Between an Under Desk Bike and Under Desk Elliptical?
While under desk bikes and ellipticals may seem pretty similar, there are notable differences between them. Let's take a quick look at some of these key differences:
• Motion
Whereas under desk bikes have a full circular motion, under desk ellipticals are more of backward and forward movements, like ellipses, hence the name.
• Desk Heights
Since under desk bikes make circular movements, they require more desk clearance than under desk ellipticals.
• Versatility
Under desk bikes are also suitable for upper body exercises. Most even come with an ergonomic handgrip as well. Conversely, under desk ellipticals are usually limited to lower body workouts.
• Variability
Under desk ellipticals are able to target several muscles as they allow you to adjust your foot positioning. It's not so with under desk bikes, whose foot positioning is restricted
What Are the Similarities Between Under Desk Bikes and Under Desk Ellipticals?
Although they come with their differences, under desk bikes and under desk ellipticals are built for the same purpose: to burn calories and increase movement.
They also usually come with the same features, including resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, and monitor display.
Although the pedals of older models are quite noisy, manufacturers have gone on to produce silent or near-silent ones. This is to avoid distracting yourself and your colleagues.
Finally, under desk bikes and under desk ellipticals have virtually the same dimensions. They're built to fit under the desk. However, you'll find ellipticals a little bit flatter due to their elliptical motion.
How Many Calories Can You Burn With an Under Desk Bike vs Elliptical?
The number of calories you burn will depend on several factors such as duration of workout, intensity, weight, gender, and metabolism, among others. According to the American Council on Exercise, a 160-pound person can burn up to 290 calories in 60 minutes when pedaling at 5.5 mph. For a 200-pound person, calorie burn will be around 362 at the same conditions.
Bottom Line
For anyone who barely finds time to hit the gym or a cardiovascular workout, under desk bikes/ellipticals are an excellent solution. Multitask seamlessly—handle your desk job while burning some calories.
You can find more home fitness equipment on our website. Just click the link.