Have you ever feel bored to death with your office work? Or you have to sit for hours per day and don’t have time going to the gym? If so you’d better check out a type of training machine called under desk elliptical. As its name indicates, an under desk elliptical trainer is built specifically to be used while sitting which allows you to work out at the office or under your desk at home.
With the best under desk elliptical, you can take advantage of your time easily throughout the day finishing all your jobs while having some warm-up exercises. Contrary to what you might think, this kind of elliptical does not distract you from your work but help you stay focus. Sounds interesting, right? Health professionals advise being active at least 5 minutes after 30 minutes of work. This not only helps to maintain your healthy lifestyle but also reduces stress and, consequently, allows you to concentrate on your routine work.
After sourcing through many brands, models, and feedback from customers we have delivered here for you the 6 best under desk elliptical reviews. Be sure to check it out before buying one to put under your desk!
Do The Under Desk Ellipticals Work?
Sitting too much is one of the main reasons which raises the risks of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, and blood pressure. There is no way that you can easily change your bad condition until you get yourself out of the office and start to workout. Here, we would like to recommend the under desk ellipticals, which are supposed as the most outstanding trainers that overall help you improve your mental and physical health better without disturbing your work at the entire office.
Under desk ellipticals are designed to provide great physical exercises for your lower body by pedaling while you are sitting down for long hours. These machines are placed under your desk so you are able to adjust the height to aim your body into a comfortable and right position. Burning calories, upgrading your energy level, increasing productive thinking, and reducing stress during your work are totally offered by these high-quality exercisers.
>> Related Post: Best Elliptical under $1000
Who Should Buy An Under Desk Elliptical?
As we mentioned above, these under desk elliptical trainers work well for all people who spend most time at the office instead of getting out and going for a walk, or the ones who usually stick their eyes on the screen like couch potatoes. If you have workout restriction which stop you from strengthening your body frequently, an under desk elliptical is absolutely a must thing to have for your daily workout. Under desk ellipticals offer great benefits that allow people to work and do exercise at the same time without taking up any space.
With these durable exercisers, you can feel free to pedal and feel the emotion slightly get through your legs. Every pedal motion is super quiet and ergonomic to make sure that you can enjoy your work, deal with tasks, see a movie on the computer and workout at the same time. It means the noise of the pedal emotion will not drive anybody around you to crazy.
An under desk elliptical trainer is considered as one of the most efficient and usable workout machines for the officera nowadays. Its good design gives you a productive workout, burn calories, strengthen muscles, improve thinking better without creating any bad impacts on your joints. There is a button on this exerciser regarded for the pedal setting. The higher the setting levels you take up, the more calories of your body can be burned.
Here, we would like to lead you to the top 6 under desk ellipticals to help you find out the best one for yourself.
Top 6 Best Under Desk Elliptical Reviews
PRODUCTS | MODEL | FEATURES | CHECK PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Cubii Jr - Seated Under Desk Elliptical |
| Check Price | |
Cubii Pro - Seated Under Desk Elliptical - Bluetooth Enabled, Sync with Fitbit |
| Check Price | |
Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider |
| Check Price | |
Sunny Health & Fitness Fully Assembled Magnetic Under Desk / Stand Up Elliptical Machine |
| Check Price | |
jfit Under Desk & Stand Up Mini Elliptical |
| Check Price | |
Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with Cords |
| Check Price |
Below are detailed reviews of these under desk ellipticals
1Cubii Jr - Seated Under Desk Elliptical
Specifications:
- Resistance Levels: 8
- Display monitor: Yes
- Product Weight: 25 Lbs
- Noise: Whisper-quiet
- Dimensions: 23.2 x 17.5 x 10 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
The Cubii Jr Seated Under Desk is one of the best selling products in Elliptical training machines on Amazon and also made it to top best under desk ellipticals for a reason. It has all the great features that can get the job done perfectly without breaking your bank.
This model is designed with 8 resistance levels which can be changed with a quick turn of the knob to choose and control your workout’s intensity. The digital display tracks your activities in real time and provides data of burned calories, speed, steps, RPM, and distance.
The flat pedals are large and comfortable to put your feet on. The patented ergonomic angels deliver a smooth and low impact motion that can reduce strain on your joints. This smooth elliptical motion along with the low measurements will prevent your knees from hitting the underneath of your table and thus, keep your training quiet. Moreover, the assembly process has never been so simple with only 4 screws right out of the box and 3-4 minutes to finish everything.
Pros
- Whisper quiet
- Solid & Stable
- Low impact workout
- Adjustable resistance
- The screen displays exact real-time tracking data
- Quick & easy assembly
Cons
- Quite heavy (~28 lbs)
Cubii Pro - Seated Under Desk Elliptical - Bluetooth Enabled, Sync with Fitbit
Specifications:
- Resistance Levels: 8
- Bluetooth: Enabled
- Display monitor: No
- Product Weight: 27 Lbs
- Noise: Whisper-quiet
- Dimensions: 22.8 x 17.2 x 9.8 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
This model is an upgraded version of the Cubii Jr. You have an option to pay 100$ more to benefit from some smart features which are considered superior functions over the rest from Cubii brand.
The most prominent feature of the Cubii Pro is Bluetooth connectivity. It allows you to sync your data of steps, distance, and calories burnt with mobile devices, Fitbit – a fitness app & watch, and Apple Health Kit and then set and track your fitness goals. This feature helps to automatically monitor daily targets progress through the Android and iOS apps and motivates you to compete with other users online, all over the world! You can also watch the machine’s battery level via the Cubii app to check when you have to recharge it.
Cubii Pro is designed with ultra-smooth gearing and low step pattern which optimize the seated use at home or office in a joint-friendly way. Like the Jr model, this model has the same weight and 8 levels of resistance. It also has large flat pedals in common with Cubii Jr.
Pros
- Sync your data with fitness apps via Bluetooth
- Easy assembly
- Quiet operation
- Solid & Stable
- Low impact workout
- Adjustable resistance
Cons
- Expensive
- Quite heavy
Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
Specifications:
- Resistance: Adjustable tension
- Display monitor: Yes
- Product Weight: 24 Lbs
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs
- Noise: Quiet
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 17 x 11.4 inches
- Warranty: 1-year frame; 90 days parts
Stamina InMotion E1000 is considered as one of the best alternative choices for a full-size, expensive elliptical trainer thanks to its dual functionality allowing you to work out while sitting or standing depending on your needs. It creates impacts on your body that are close to a regular elliptical machine without a bulky front-drive design.
The foot pedals provide multiple motion options to help you focus on different muscle groups. Your movement can be worked in forward or, conversely, reverse direction to target your lower body more efficiently.
You can control the resistance of your workout by simply turning the tension knob. However, the intensity is not divided into specific numbers so maybe you don’t know which level you are training at. When striding as hard as you want, the anti-slip texture of the pedals will support your feet not falling out of the stride.
The InMotion E1000 is equipped with an LCD that shows workout stats including calories burned, time, strides per minute, total strides, but no RPM and distance compared to the Cubii ones. The screen also comes with a scan function for you to watch all your data after each period.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Can be used while sitting or standing
- Quiet operation
- Lightweight
- Non-slip pedals reverse direction for more efficient workout
- Scan your data periodically with scan mode
Cons
- LCD does not track RPM and distance
Sunny Health & Fitness Fully Assembled Magnetic Under Desk / Stand Up Elliptical Machine
Specifications:
- Resistance levels: 8
- Display: Digital Monitor
- Product Weight: 24.2 Lbs
- Stride length: 7 inches
- Noise: Quiet
- Under Desk / Stand Up (2 in 1)
- Dimensions: 24 x 19 x 11 inches
- Warranty: 1 year, 180 days Manufacturer Warranty
Sunny Health & Fitness is definitely top manufacturer in producing regular ellipticals, under desk ellipticals and, of course, two great machines in one. The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk / Stand Up Elliptical Machine will fit comfortably underneath a table and you can exercise your lower body while typing or writing something. It will also turn to a stand up elliptical if you want to use it while talking on the phone, standing by a table doing something, etc.
There is a digital monitor tracking your time, speed, burned calories and distance. The variables are not too many compared to other ellipticals, but the monitor provides a scan mode to scroll through all of your workout stats instead. The machine also has a handlebar located at the center for convenient transportation. It also arrives fully assembled; just take it right out of the box and you’re done! No time-consuming for assembly and you will have a whole elliptical to step your foot on.
In addition, the 7-inch stride length and textured non-slip foot pedals will fit all sizes and support safe footing during your workout. You can use the tension knob to choose between 8 levels of belt drive magnetic resistance to provide a wide range of intensity.
Pros
- Lightweight & compact in size
- Belt drive magnetic resistance
- Resistance is divided into 8 levels for users to choose easily
- Have a transportation handle
- Large textured foot pedals
- Arrives fully assembled
Cons
- A little noise may occur
jfit Under Desk & Stand Up Mini Elliptical
Specifications:
- Resistance: Adjustable tension
- Display monitor: Yes
- Product Weight: 32.3 Lbs
- Stride length: 10″-15″
- Noise: Quiet
- Under Desk & Stand Up (2 in 1)
- Dimensions: 23.3 x 16.8 x 12.9 inches
- Warranty: 1-year frame, 90 days parts
The Mini Elliptical from jfit is another 2 in 1 piece of equipment in this best under desk elliptical reviews. It features a smart and sturdy design with adjustable angle pedals delivering effective motion for both under desk and standing up exercising.
This model has a Series 1050 display that can record your time, distance, speed and calories burned while working out. It also features a tension dial to help you adjust the intensity of your workout from simple to sweat-it-out exercises. Be aware that it does not rate resistance level with numbers. But for an affordable combination of an under desk and stand up elliptical, we think it’s not a problem.
The larger wheels are equipped in order to provide a smoother, quieter ride, reduce wear and tear and, consequently, improve the durability of the machine. Moreover, a top and a front handle are in charge of easy portability and additional support, respectively. The rear wheels also support moving the machine easily around your office or your sweet home.
Pros
- 2 in 1 mini elliptical
- Affordable
- Adjustable angle pedals
- Have top and front handle & rear wheels for superb convenience
- The larger rollers provide a smoother, quieter ride
Cons
- Heavy (~32 lbs)
Stamina InMotion Compact Strider with Cords
Specifications:
- Resistance: Adjustable tension
- Display monitor: Yes
- Product Weight: 24 Lbs
- Medium Resistance Tubes with Handles
- Use Sitting or Standing (2 in 1)
- Noise: Quiet
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs
- Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 12 inches
- Warranty: 1-year frame, 90 days parts
Like the Stamina E1000, this model is an under desk/ stand up elliptical machine but a little bigger and innovated with tension cords. If you are riding under your desk and want to turn up the workout, extend the arm-cords to switch into stand up mode. The reverse-motion foot pedals can be used in a forward or backward direction to exercise your lower body effectively in different ways. Plus, the padded and adjustable handles of the medium resistance tubes make your upper body workout more comfortable.
The convenient carrying handle allows you to simply bring the trainer with you or place it anywhere in the room. Near the handlebar located an electronic monitor displaying your strides per minute, the total number of strides, time and calories burned and scanning through your workout stats for better data control.
The adjustable tension allows you to customize the intensity of your workout. Just ride faster and harder to get more strong resistance. And it doesn’t count with numbers like some of the above, which is not a really big deal for most users.
Pros
- Low cost
- Lightweight
- Can be used sitting or standing
- Have a carrying handle
- Have tension cords for arm-training
Cons
- The stride is a bit short
Features to Consider Before Buying a Under Desk Elliptical
There are so many types of under desk ellipticals which have been released on the market so far. Having good knowledge about these products is necessary because you are able to pick up the right machine without breaking a sweat, which means you will not face any problems with money and time-wasting. This review covers some of the top high-quality under elliptical exercisers, that bring you a general view on every single product. But, all products are different from sizes, features, designs, and materials, so you should have a careful consideration whenever you tend to pick up the best under desk elliptical for yourself. There is nothing more important than selecting a good product, so keeping these following features is a must thing to do.
Weight
There is no doubt to say that an amazing under desk elliptical machine should be offered at a medium weight, not too light or too heavy. This medium weight allows you to carry or move it from places to places easily. In addition, an under desk elliptical with perfect weight will definitely work well for the users and ensure its stability better. Most under desk ellipticals normally reach from 15 to 30 pounds. And, the ideal one will have dimensions around 23 x 17 x 10 inches. If you are 5’6’ or over that height level, an under desk elliptical weighs 30 pounds is the right option for you.
Resistance
Resistance is another important feature that you should pay close attention to before grabbing an under desk elliptical machine. It is a tool to measure how hard the pedals can be rotated. Casually, the device of this exerciser offers 3 to 6 basic levels of magnetic resistance in total, from easiest to toughest levels which can meet people’s needs. However, some machines these days can provide massive resistance with 8 different levels which are more challenging and harder for the users who already used this machine for a long time.
Pedal Height
The best under desk elliptical machine has to be the one that comes with a suitable stride length. Users who have over heights will need special under desk elliptical trainers which offer enough clear space to pedal so that their knees are able to fit the space well while pedaling. When you get an under desk elliptical, you have to ensure that the height between the floor surface and desk should meet the height of your legs.
Portability
An under desk elliptical is used at home only is much easier to pick up than the one for using at the office. Here, the portability of this trainer is another indispensable factor that you must think about. Clearly, a good under desk elliptical machine should be carried simply with you. In another way, this machine has to come with durable materials, good design, and lightweight to move from your home to your workplace casually.
Durability
There are more and more under desk elliptical machines sold on the the market so far. Some of them are made of high-quality materials which last for a long time so that the users can benefit a lot from them. However, some of them are produced in bad condition which is easily damaged after a year. If you expect to get the best under desk elliptical which allows you to hold, carry and set up under your desk frequently, you should just get a well-made product which offers higher price.
Noise
In fact, 100% of under desk elliptical machines make noise. The noise sounds like clunking or squeaking noise or background noise when you pedal. There is not much noise when you pedal backwards, but it will appear a little bit stronger while pedaling forwards. It happens all the time and you can not avoid it. If you are interested in using an under desk elliptical at your workplace, make sure that you have a good one which creates less noise and distraction to your co-workers.
Budget
Various types of under desk elliptical machines come with different price tags. Regularly, a product offered at a higher price will have more benefit features come around. But, you don’t really have to overspend on an elliptical machine. Most under desk elliptical machines range from $100 to $300. You can get a basic machine at $100 which works well enough for you. More than that, you can get a better trainer which is about $250. This trainer syncs directly to your fitness apps for tracking purposes so you can follow your workout session better.
Warranty
Asking for the warranty when you buy an under desk elliptical machine is suggested. Your machine can be damned after some months of use so that you should look for a famous brand name which offers a warranty period. In fact, all high-quality under desk elliptical machines have a 1-year warranty for the entire machine or 30 days money back guarantee. Otherwise, some others unwell-known brands won’t offer any warranty coverage. Don’t rush to shop an under desk elliptical for yourself so that you can stay away from the wrong one.
Under Desk Elliptical FAQs
Q: Can I Lose Weight With An Under Desk Elliptical?
A: Yes, definitely. Under desk ellipticals in fact can not burn as much calories as running or working out at the gym for a hard long time. However, these machines provide resistance which are good enough to move some specific parts of your body and burn fat at these places when you are sitting to work, play games or read a magazine. Therefore, we don’t hesitate to say that they play a role as a fat fighter.
Q: Can I use under desk ellipticals sitting and standing?
A: Well, the under desk ellipticals are classified into main 3 kinds. One is mainly used when you are standing, one works well when you are sitting, and another is a complexion of 2 models. Thus, picking up an under desk elliptical depends on your using purposes. To purchase a right machine, you have to figure out which model that you need to get, and if you don’t have any ideas about it, you should ask the sellers for the advice. In fact, all under desk ellipticals for standing exercise always come with large capacity up to 250 lbs, and they clearly can not come along well with sitting purpose.
Q: Can Under Desk Bike/Elliptical give you a high-intensity workout?
A: If you are looking some machines for doing exercise with a high-intensity, then under desk bikes and under desk ellipticals can not meet your needs. These trainers otherwise offer low-intensity but you still 100% take their source of advantages. These resistance is similar to biking or walking which improve your mental and physical health better. More than that, they are available to burn calories, tone your muscles, improve your circulation and protect your joints. And, both of these machines are so convenient to be placed under your desk or some where else at home.
Conclusion
To conclude, an under desk elliptical machine is a necessary piece of equipment for office staffs who need to release stress and keep their bodies in fit while still sitting all day long. Its main function is to tone up your lower-body muscles, burn calories and especially, help you stay focus on work. This piece of equipment is also portable and easily stored, obviously, under your desk!
We’ve come through 6 short reviews of top 6 best under desk ellipticals for your buying decisions. Your choices could be based on price, resistance level, connectivity, quietness and so on. We listed the prominent features as well as some pros and cons of each model above and we hope that you have found one that fits easily into your daily workout routine.