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Get Fit While Multitasking With the Best Under Desk Ellipticals

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Get Fit While Multitasking With the Best Under Desk Ellipticals

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Under Desk Elliptical Buying Guide

We’re in the internet age, and our workstation hours have been increasing every day. To make matters worse, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent wave of working from home made our lifestyles even more sedentary. So, if you sit at your work desk all day, chances are you’re concerned about your fitness. Exercise helps people feel healthier and improves your sleep. There is a solution to decreased exercise, under desk ellipticals. These slide right under your workstation and allow you to burn hundreds of calories while still being productive. Multi-tasking has never been easier! From resistance and noise levels, to the size, adjustability, and build quality, there are tons of factors to consider to buy the right under desk elliptical. That’s why we’ve already researched and listed our favorite under desk ellipticals in 2023. Have a look!

This list has covered some of the highest-quality under desk ellipticals available today. If you’re convinced that you want to purchase this newest exercise trend, there are many factors to consider. Luckily, the market has tons of variety to fit your customized description of needs and wants, so let’s go over some key considerations to find your ideal match!

Noise Level

Ellipticals can be very noisy, and that fact often goes unnoticed amidst the gym’s ambient sounds of metal plates clanging together or treadmills buzzing. In the silence of your bedroom, the noise level of your under desk elliptical can be frustrating. Since the goal is to exercise while being productive at work, you need an elliptical that’s silent and doesn’t disrupt your workflow. If you plan on using your under desk elliptical in a shared workspace or your office, you can make no compromise on the machine’s noise level. Some machines are silent when used on carpeted floors, while others can maintain a reasonably low noise level on any type of flooring. So, be sure to read internet reviews very carefully and make a decision according to the type of environment you plan on using it in. Also, check the product’s specifications to find out how many decibels of sound it produces during operation.

Safety and Pedal Comfort

If the under desk elliptical isn’t comfortable to use, chances are that you’ll set it aside and forget about it quickly. Since it’s something that you need to interact with every day for a considerable amount of time, optimal pedaling comfort is paramount. Make sure that the elliptical pedals are well-contoured and grippy enough to prevent foot slips. The width and length should also be appropriately-sized for your feet, along with adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit every time you use it.

Resistance Levels

The number of calories you burn on your under desk elliptical depends upon how hard you work. Being able to adjust and increase the resistance level will help you lose weight faster. Cheaper machines only have one resistance level, which means you won’t be able to adjust it as your fitness improves. All of the ellipticals listed above have eight different levels of adjustable resistance, so don’t settle for an unadjustable machine! It is recommended to purchase a machine with several levels of adjustable resistance to give you more control over your workouts. Also, bear in mind that resistance mechanisms on ellipticals will wear out over time. Generally, mechanical resistances fade out quicker, so invest in an elliptical with electromagnetic or magnetic resistance.

Measure Your Under Desk Space

Here’s a simple yet crucial tip; measure your under desk space. Sometimes, people make the blunder of investing in a great-looking under desk elliptical, only to find out that it’s too big or too wide to fit into their workspace. Take precise measurements of the space you have under your desk, and make sure that the dimensions of your chosen elliptical can fit inside comfortably.

The LCD Screen

Some under desk ellipticals come with built-in motors and integrated LCD displays to give you valuable insight into the duration of your exercise, the number of calories you’ve burnt, and the distance you’ve traveled. This makes it way easier to keep track of your progress and motivates you to outdo yourself every time you work out.

01 Deskcycle Under Desk Elliptical

The Deskcycle Under Desk Elliptical is a great option for those with large feet or people who like having some extra room to work. It has the longest pedals out of all other options on this list, allowing you to adjust your elliptical motion by switching up the positioning of your feet.

It also has a clear and easy-to-read LCD screen with six functions integrated into it. It can track and display your revolutions, burned calories, RPM, elapsed time, and more. You can even remove the display from the elliptical and place it right in front of you on your desk for even easier viewing. This elliptical is perfect for burning calories during your work day.

Pros

  • Large and roomy foot pedals
  • Resilient magnetic resistance that’s slower to wear
  • Easier display viewing with a detachable LCD

Cons

  • May start making noises after extended use
Deskcycle Under Desk Elliptical

02 ANCHEER Under Desk Elliptical

Get this under desk elliptical from ANCHEER and kill two birds with one stone: going to work and exercising! This mini elliptical allows you to get your heart rate up while answering emails, or strengthen your quads while sipping your morning coffee. The two modes on this machine are auto and manual, the latter of which comes with five speed levels to control how intense a workout you truly want to get. 

Use the remote control included with this elliptical machine to switch the mode and speed easily without having to bend down and adjust the machine. It’s portable so you can easily slide it from your home desk to the base of the couch for a little workout while watching TV. If you’re in a shared office, don’t worry about it making any noise as it has an enhanced, silent design. The built-in display monitor will help you track your time, distance, speed, and even calories burned so you can improve day after day. 

Pros

  • Great gift for Father’s Day
  • Includes remote control
  • Portable and silent

Cons

  • Cannot pedal if not plugged in
ANCHEER Under Desk Elliptical

03 Stamina Under Desk Elliptical

Since under desk ellipticals are designed to be used while you’re sitting down, most of them aren’t designed to take on your full weight. That’s why you can’t use them while standing up. The Stamina Under Desk Elliptical is versatile enough to support both standing and seated positions. Using this mini elliptical, you can not only exercise while working at your desk or watching TV, but also while doing the dishes or working in the kitchen.

It’s fully supported by an all-in-one workout app called “müüv” so you’ll get free access to professional guidance and custom workouts that are tailored to your personal fitness goals. Aside from being a practical, effective, and sturdy piece of equipment, this option has a nice, aesthetically pleasing look.

Pros

  • Very easy to set up
  • Very versatile design
  • Has an easy, built-in carry handle

Cons

  • Standing on it can make it squeak
Stamina Under Desk Elliptical

04 Lifepro Under Desk Elliptical

If you like having seamless connectivity between your workout equipment and your smartphone, the Lifepro Under Desk Elliptical is ideal for you. Forget bending under your desk to check your stats, simply check the compatible app for information about your time, distance, revolutions, calories burned, and more. If the phone isn’t nearby, the LCD on the under desk elliptical shows all essential information you may need. This option is great for those looking for a quiet, discrete option, as it is very quiet. It is also very small, so it will fit under almost any desk.

Pros

  • Highly secure purchase with lifetime warranty
  • Seamlessly connects to your phone via Bluetooth
  • Includes free resistance band and yoga mat

Cons

  • Small range of motion for tall people
Lifepro Under Desk Elliptical

05 Sunny Under Desk Elliptical

Since an under desk elliptical is typically used in the home, you may want something that matches the aesthetic and colors of your home. This Sunny Under Desk Elliptical offers three different color combinations to choose from, including a pink and white one, a classic white machine with red wheels, and a black one, so feel free to order one that looks like it belongs in your workspace!

Aside from aesthetics, it’s a highly effective piece of equipment with eight different levels of adjustable resistance. It’s made from high quality materials, so it won’t fade out any time soon. Plus, the compact size allows it to fit under the smallest places without forcing you to bang your knees into the desk every time you use it.

Pros

  • Trendy color choices
  • Spacious pedal length and width
  • Free on-demand exercise videos via app

Cons

  • Too loud for shared workspaces
Sunny Under Desk Elliptical

People Also Asked

Whatu2019s better, an under desk elliptical or an under desk bike?

While both machines fulfill the same purpose, an under desk elliptical has two practical advantages over the bike. First, the motion is easier on your knees since it’s more ergonomic. Second, you’re much less likely to bang your knees on the desk with an elliptical. If you’re looking for a more discrete way to get your daily exercise minutes, try out an under desk elliptical.

Is an under desk elliptical good for me as a senior citizen?

Yes! According to a recent study, seated or under desk ellipticals can be great for older adults, as they help reduce sedentary stress without putting any significant pressure or stress on the legs or joints, making it an effective low-impact way to encourage daily movement. If you’re looking for a way to workout without irritating old injuries, this may be the solution you are looking for.

How fast can I burn calories using an under desk elliptical?

You can burn about 150 calories per hour using an under desk elliptical. This figure does depend on the level of resistance you’re working with and the pace of your movement. It will also vary based on your body type, so try to avoid comparing stats with friends and colleagues.

What are the most popular brands for under desk ellipticals?

The whole marketplace is absolutely flooded with a ton of different brands. Some of the most famous ones are: Cubii, Deskcycly, Stamina, Sunny, Lifepro, Inmotion, and Ancheer. All of these brands have been widely recognized for their quality build and reasonable price tags. Purchasing an elliptical from one of these brands ensures great quality and amazing customer service in case of an issue.

Denise McNamara

Aug 22, 2022

85 Articles Published

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