An under-desk exercise bike is a great way to stay fit, lose weight, and work out simultaneously. Using a desk cycle allows you to pedal while you work at your office desk. Although an under-desk exercise cycle can’t deliver an intense workout like a spin bike or upright exercise bike, it’s an excellent way to boost your fitness levels.
The best under-desk exercise bikes have pedals and a small flywheel—like a stationary bike. Some of the easiest under desk peddlers are mini elliptical machines. These offer pedal or cycling motion but look more like a small step machine.
Suppose you work in a home office or at a desk and don’t have time for the gym. In that case, incorporating home exercise during your workday can help keep you fit. For example, sitting at your desk, you can cycle great distances while typing, attending a Zoom meeting, or doing other tasks. The mini exercise bike is also helpful for exercising while watching TV.
Finding the best under-desk exercise equipment for your needs can be challenging. There you have to choose between a portable under-desk bike, a mini elliptical exercise bike, or a seated desk cycle for working out while you work.
To help you make an informed decision, this under-desk exercise bike review examines the top eight stationary bike pedals for under a desk. Then, for each mini-indoor exercise bike, you’ll find out the pros and cons so that you can make the best choice.
What Is An Under Desk Exercise Bike?
An under-desk exercise bike typically has the pedal units of a stationary exercise bike or step machine. The mini under desk exercise bike is small enough to fit under a standard desk, allowing you to pedal while working. In addition, the mini cycle enables you to burn calories and build leg muscle.
Typical under desk exercise bikes have the basic features of an indoor exercise bike. There is usually an LCD display, adjustable tension, pedal with adjustable straps, and non-slip supports. The best mini exercise bikes like Cubii under-desk bikes have connectivity to fitness apps to track your progress.
Review Of The Best 8 Under Desk Exercise Bikes
If you have a desk job and want to increase movement while you work, please read on to check out the best under-desk exercise equipment for your office.
1. DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
The DeskCycle 2 is one of the best under-desk pedal bikes you can buy. The portable compact desk cycle has eight resistance settings using high-quality magnetic resistance. A nice feature of the DeskCycle is that you can adjust the height if you need more space under the desk. In addition, the six-function LCD console shows distance, time, speed, and calories burned.
What sets the DeskCycle pedal exerciser apart from the other under-desk bikes is the precision flywheel. This gives a smooth ride without any jerky motions or noise. Also, it’s one of the lowest under-desk bikes, making it suitable for most home office desks
Pros:
- Eight calibrated resistance levels
- Adjustable pedal height
- Easy to set up and use
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Magnetic resistance
- Works with tables as low as 27” (69 cm)
- Users highly rate this under desk exercise cycle in reviews
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not ideal for taller individuals
2. Cubii Pro Seated Under Desk Elliptical Pedal Bike Cycle Motion
Cubii is a brand leader in under-desk exercise equipment, and the Cubii Pro is one of the best elliptical machines on the market. As one of the most advanced desk exercise steppers, this model connects via Bluetooth to the Fitbit app and Apple Watch. Using the fitness apps, you can track your fitness progress as you work at a desk and pedal.
The Cubii Pro elliptical can help you burn up to 125 calories per hour. There are eight resistance levels to help you achieve your fitness goals. Additionally, you can use the compact elliptical while relaxing, watching TV, or taking a video conference call.
The Cubii Pro is one of the most expensive under-desk machines. If you are looking for a similar elliptical but a cheaper version, then check out the Alternative Cubii Jr.
Pros:
- Connect to Fitbit, Apple Watch, and other fitness apps with Bluetooth
- Compact and portable
- Burns up to 125 calories an hour
- Reliable and durable
- Natural pedal motion
- Bi-directional drive system — pedal forward and backward
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not ideal for use with an office chair that has wheels
3. Sunny Health And Fitness Magnetic Mini Under Desk Exercise Cycle
The Sunny Health and Fitness under-desk cycle is an ideal choice for a budget-friendly exercise machine. This desk bike has an LCD screen to show calories burned or distance. The magnetic flywheel ensures a smooth, quiet operation. With the eight resistance levels, you will have the intensity of a desk workout that you require.
An advantage of the Sunny Health & Fitness desk cycle is that you can use it for an upper-body workout. The pedals are adjustable for feet and hands. There is also a handy carry handle to make this under-desk cycle truly portable.
Pros:
- Value for money under desk exerciser
- Large LCD screen
- Use for exercising arms and legs
- 8-position magnetic resistance
Cons:
- Need ample clearance under a desk to avoid bumping knees
- Tends to slide on the floor
4. MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike
One of the best mini exercise bikes is the MangeTrainer-ER. What sets this mini stationary bike apart from the rest is the 20 magnetic resistance levels. This magnetic resistance range allows you to intensify your workout when you need it. In addition, the heavy flywheel and magnetic resistance make this the closest you’ll get to an upright exercise bike that you can use at your desk.
This desk pedal exerciser can also be used for an upper-body workout. The ergonomic pedals are suitable for gripping with your hands for arm workouts. There is also an easy-to-read LCD screen to track calories, distance, time, and speed.
Due to the pedal height, this is only suitable for working at an adjustable height desk for cycling exercises.
Pros:
- Adjustable resistance knob with 20 settings—the most on any under-desk exercise bike
- Digital display to track progress
- Suitable for lower and upper body workouts
- Forward and reverse pedaling
Cons:
- Not suitable for standard size office desks
- No straps to attach to an office chair with wheels
5. FitDesk Elliptical Trainer Under Desk Cycle Motion
The FitDesk elliptical cycle motion trainer is the best alternative to a Cubii exercise machine. The mini elliptical has a low height and works with low office desks. The under-desk trainer has a six-function display, an easy foot shifter to change resistance, and a whisper-quiet operation. The digital display is removable, so you can place it on your desk to monitor daily progress.
One of the advantages of the FitDesk elliptical trainer is the heavy flywheel. This allows for eight magnetic resistance settings for smooth, quiet, elliptical motion.
Pros:
- Suitable for desks as low as 25” (64 cm)
- Hands-free resistance shifting
- Built-in rolling chair wheel lock
- Removable LCD display
Cons:
- It needs some maintenance to prevent squeaks
- Lacks the Bluetooth connectivity of a Cubii elliptical under desk machine
6. Vive Pedal Exerciser – Stationary Under Desk Exercise Bike
The Vive Pedal Exerciser is a versatile mini exercise bike for a low price. The compact under-desk exercise bike has a quiet and smooth pedal operation with adjustable resistance for most types of exercise sitting at a desk. There is also a large LCD screen to show RPM, speed, time, calories, and distance. In addition, the pedals double up as an arm exerciser, and the sturdy unit can be used on top of a desk.
The Vive under-desk pedal exercise is 12.5” (32 cm) high and is suitable for going under most desks. However, taller people may struggle to use this desk bike. You can use this floor exercise bike as a recumbent exercise bike, desk bike for lower body workouts, or arm exerciser for upper body workouts.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Compact design and suitable for most desks
- Adjustable resistance levels
- Handy LCD monitor
- Forward and backward pedaling to target different muscles
Cons:
- The difference between the resistance levels is poor
- Not ideal for carpeted surfaces
7. JFIT Under Desk And Stand Up Mini Elliptical Pedal Motion
The JFIT under-desk elliptical with pedal motion is a sturdy piece of compact exercise equipment. One of the benefits of this under-the-desk exerciser is that you can also use it as a stand-up step machine—a rare feature among ellipticals. The peddler is ideal for using under low office desks to ensure you meet your daily number of steps.
The resistance comes from magnetic tension and a heavy-duty flywheel. You can adjust the resistance levels to suit your fitness goals. But suppose you work at an adjustable-height desk. In that case, you can also use the stand-up feature to keep active throughout the day.
Pros:
- The only elliptical suitable for under desk and stand up
- Ideal for desks with a low clearance
- Convenient handle and rollers for easy transport
Cons:
- Not suitable in the stand-up mode for constant use
- The LCD screen is barely readable
8. FlexCycle Under Desk Exercise Bike For Lower And Upper Body Workouts
The FlexCycle under-desk pedal exerciser is the best choice for working your lower and upper body sitting at a desk. The sturdy pedals with adjustable straps and eight resistance levels allow you to pedal while you work. In addition, there are two resistance bands included for upper body exercises. And, you can swap the pedals to exercise and tone your arms. The easy-read LCD monitor also shows vital stats while you exercise.
One of the rare features of an under-desk exercise bike in this price range is its Bluetooth connectivity. You can monitor your fitness and achieve goals by syncing to popular fitness apps. The unit’s height is 13” (33 cm) high and is only recommended for a minimum desk height of 36” (91 cm).
Pros:
- Ideal for upper and lower body workouts
- Interchangeable arm pedals and two resistance bands
- Excellent value for money
- Sync to the most popular fitness apps
- Portable and easy to transport
Cons:
- Resistance levels could be better
- Minimum desk height 36” (91 cm)
The Benefits Of Buying An Under Desk Cycle For Exercise
The main benefit of a pedal exerciser under your desk is improved health. Many studies show that a sedentary lifestyle increases your risks of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, or dementia. Using an under-desk cycle during your day has significant health benefits. One study found that cycling while working didn’t affect productivity but countered the harmful effects of sitting at a desk all day.
So, if you want to help keep your body in shape but can’t get to the gym, regular pedaling at your desk could be a great solution to improve your health.
The Best Features To Consider When Looking To Buy An Under Desk Exercise Bike
If you are thinking of buying an under-desk bike for exercising, what are the considerations? Here are a few things to think about before purchasing this new piece of home exercise equipment.
First, it’s vital to choose between an under-desk pedal bike or an under-desk elliptical. Typically, you need more clearance with an under-desk cycle to avoid banging your knees off the desk. However, the pedal bike works more muscles.
Here Are Some Other Things To Think About:
- Pedal height—The most crucial factor is pedal height. Make sure that you can pedal in comfort while at your desk. Therefore, desk clearance is a critical fact to check before buying a desk cycle. Otherwise, you may have to sit in an uncomfortable position to use the bike.
- Levels of resistance—Another factor to consider is resistance. Magnetic resistance is the best because it provides a smoother ride. Make sure that the number of resistance levels is adequate to help reach your fitness goals.
- Noise—The best under-desk exercise bikes like Cubii and DeskCycle are so quiet that you can’t hear when you pedal. Some cheaper models may create background noise while you work out.
- Smoothness—Check out reviews of under-desk exercise bikes to see if they have a jerky motion or are smooth. Typically, pedal cycles without a flywheel tend to be jerky and can distract you from your work.
Under Desk Exercise Bikes — FAQs
Do Desk Cycles Work?
Many studies show that desk cycles help to improve overall health when used regularly. Studies suggest that under-desk bikes don’t affect work quality or productivity. Scientists say that pedaling while working for 23 minutes a day could be enough to improve the health of office workers.
What Is An Under-Desk Elliptical?
An under-desk elliptical exercise machine is a mini elliptical machine that fits in limited spaces. The elliptical exercise “bike” has a forward and back motion and is like pedaling. Compared to the number of calories to burn, there is no difference between an under-desk elliptical or desk bike.
Can You Lose Weight With An Under-Desk Cycle?
Using an under-cycle desk bike or elliptical can help you lose a modest amount of weight. Due to the light workout regime, calorie burn isn’t the same as a traditional upright exercise bike. However, you can shed extra pounds with regular use.
One study found that using an under-desk elliptical pedal device for 50 minutes daily can help lose weight. Participants in the study burned an average of 107 calories daily. Due to the low-impact workout, there was no reported increase in back pain, muscle soreness, or discomfort.
Is An Under-Desk Bike Or Elliptical Better?
The main difference between an under-desk elliptical and a desk bike is the pedal motion. With the desk bike, your legs move up and down in a circular motion. With an elliptical machine, your legs move back and forward in a shuffling motion. So, there is less chance of bumping your knees off the underside of a desk with an under-desk elliptical.
Conclusion
A stationary bike with pedals for under your desk is an excellent choice if you have a desk job. You can help minimize the health risks that come with a sedentary lifestyle and improve your fitness levels. You may even find that your concentration and productivity improve due to getting regular exercise at work.