Alyssa Brascia is a commerce writer PEOPLE, covering beauty, fashion, home and lifestyle products. She has previously written commerce content for Dotdash Meredith brands such as InStyle, Shape, Southern Living and more during her time as the E-Commerce Editorial Apprentice while she was an undergraduate fashion student at Iowa State University. Her passions include fashion and beauty writing as well as makeup artistry and styling. You can find her on Instagram to follow along on her creative journey.
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Nowadays remote work and home workouts have become the norm due to our newly molded ways of life. It can be hard to get the right amount of movement in throughout the day. While this may not be a piece of fitness equipment that’s guaranteed to work up a sweat, under-desk ellipticals are a great choice for someone who works from a desk for most of the day but still wants to move their body.
“Under-desk ellipticals offer a wide variety of users great opportunities to improve their overall health, wellness, and lifestyles, in a way that fits into their daily schedules,” says Amber Kivett, the head of health and wellness at Lifepro. “For those who work long hours behind a desk or in a seated position, the under-desk elliptical provides better circulation in the lower body, decreases stiffness in the joints, improves overall metabolism, and boosts energy and productivity while at the workplace.” It’s hard enough making time for a workout in your already packed schedule, so being able to multitask with light movement as you get your work done is a monumental benefit for those who are constantly on the go.
We spoke with fitness professionals and conducted our own research to compile a comprehensive list of the best under-desk ellipticals for your workspace or home.
Keep reading for PEOPLE's picks of the best under-desk ellipticals, and while you're at it, look to Khloé Kardashian for some workout inspiration.
Someone who wants a sleek, quiet, and easily portable piece of equipment that fits compactly under a desk.
Anyone who wants to work up a serious sweat, as it's designed to be low intensity.
It’s no question that when it comes to under-desk elliptical equipment, Cubii tops the charts with the best-quality gear. “The main benefits of using an under-desk elliptical are better all over body circulation, which allows your brain to work better if gently exercising whilst working,” says Idai Makaya, health and fitness coach with ElliptiGo. Though most under-desk ellipticals can execute this task, the Cubii JR1 does it phenomenally. This small piece of ergonomic equipment sits perfectly under a desk to allow you to pedal day in and out while you work, relax, read a book or game on. The modern design comes with an LCD light display that monitors your distance pedaled, calories burned, and more, as you ride.
This model is not only great for those who are looking to get some movement in while sitting at the desk, but also for rehabilitation efforts or people in physical therapy. Its gentle movements allow for enough mobility and circulation due to the constant motion in the legs, while still being a calorie-burner that makes a difference in one’s overall health. The grooved pedals keep the feet grounded firmly onto the plates with their non-slip surface, allowing for a better grip and different angles of foot placement, which can give you a different workout depending on where you add the most pressure.
However, keep in mind that this under-desk elliptical will not be the type of gym equipment that works up a cardio-induced sweat. In fact, the machine is designed to be non-weight bearing and low intensity so that the hips, knees and joints can be protected, while still getting a bit of movement in. Chic in design, small enough to be stored away, and portable moved around, this selection from Cubii was a customer-loved and research-approved pick that ticked all of the boxes when it came to the optimal under-desk elliptical.
Price at time of publish: $249
Dimensions: 23.15 x 17.56 x 10 inches | Weight: 29.7 lbs. | Resistance levels: 8
Someone looking for a complete equipment set, rather than just the elliptical machine.
Those wanting to save a bit of money in an under-desk elliptical.
When it comes to the Cubii JR2+, an enhanced version of our best overall winner, the motto is to “go big or go home.” This elevated design is a better (but not bigger, because it’s still just as compact) version of the first machine, and is improved with Bluetooth technology, a mat, two 2-lbs. handheld weights, and three hand exercisers. Not only can you sync your phone and smartwatch to the machine to track your progress, distance traveled, and calories burned, but you can also up the ante with a floor mat and handheld weights for an extra boost of endorphins. You can also sign up for Cubii Studio+ workout classes, which is an added benefit when splurging on this model.
Kivett finds the resistance you add on to be paramount when using an under-desk elliptical. “I look for variable levels of resistance that are easy to adjust,” she states, describing the ideal machine. “Some models might not offer any resistance levels while others can offer up to 16 different levels of resistance for a wider range of abilities and users,” she adds. The JR2+ is in the sweet spot, featuring 8 resistance levels to challenge your stride.
However, this may not be the ideal purchase for someone who is just starting out with home gym equipment or anyone looking to save money. This Cubii selection is on the pricier side, making this an investment piece. But for the extra perks and pieces of equipment, this could be well worth your purchase.
Price at time of publish: $321
Dimensions: 22 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 18.9 lbs. | Resistance levels: 8
Anyone looking for a lightweight machine who wants to save money while still getting a gentle workout at home.
Someone who wants a more refined machine, wider pedals, and/or more solid footing.
This affordable grab from Wakeman is a no-frills under-desk elliptical that can fit comfortably under any desk, next to a couch, or be stored away thanks to its small frame. The price is easily the most attractive thing about this elliptical, making it an easy choice for those who are just starting to get into the home gym life or anyone who is looking to save money while getting in a passive workout. There’s the possibility of getting this elliptical with an electronic calorie tracker (which this style has), or the standard model without the electric components, in turn subtracting a few dollars from the original price.
Though simple in design, this machine still consists of the essential functions that you’d want in an under-desk elliptical. The easy-to-use pedals have a non-slip texture and foot straps to keep your feet in place while you cycle, making this an easy and inexpensive way to get your multitasking movement in. (Although we want to note the pedal size may be too small if you plan to use while wearing chunky shoes or have wider feet.) Additionally, the electronic display is a feature that spruces up this skeletal design, including a five-function view of revolutions per minute, revolution count, time, and calories burned.
However, this pick is the lightest of them all in terms of weight, coming in at less than 6 lbs. If you’re looking to plant a small elliptical in one place alone, you may want to go for a heavier design. Lightweight ellipticals risk tipping over if the wrong amount of pressure is applied in a delicate area. Though this is uncommon, it is a possibility; a heavier design could provide more solid footing, if that's something you need.
Price at time of publish: $29.84
Dimensions: 19.5 x 14 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 5.82 lbs. | Resistance levels: Adjustable dial
Someone who needs a small, yet structured machine that can fit into smaller areas and be stored away when necessary.
The fitness buff who wants more features than the basic cycling function.
If you’re looking for a structured mini elliptical that’s easy to fit in small spaces, then this selection from LifePro could be perfect for you. This is one of the smaller devices in comparison to the other options on this list, making the Flexstride a good choice for those with less wiggle room. The body is a made from a sleek stainless steel that features wide, textured pedals to prevent the foot from sliding and an optional strap that can be attached to the stem of your chair to keep the machine close. Another perk, as deemed by Kivett, is the range of resistance levels, as they allow you to increase or decrease the intensity of the workout. With 16 different levels of resistance, you can switch between levels “with the ease of turning a knob clockwise or counterclockwise,” says Kivett.
While this elliptical is small, functional and sleek, you may be someone who wants a little more in their under-desk elliptical than this model can provide. Where some styles offer Bluetooth connection, class programs, and more, this model has the bare function of cycling (as well as a range of resistance levels). For a quality machine that gets the job done, this elliptical is a great choice — but if you’re looking for a few more bells and whistles, we suggest opting for another machine.
Price at time of publish: $159.99
Dimensions: 22.7 x 18.5 x 12.9 inches | Weight: 26.5 lbs. | Resistance levels: 16
The person who is often moving their elliptical from place to place, like the workspace or home office.
Someone who wants to have a machine that’s designated for one place in their home.
Oftentimes people will invest in these kinds of small ellipticals so that they can easily pick them up and carry them to the couch, to the office, and of course, under the desk. If you’re someone who plans to do this, it’s incredibly important to go for a lightweight design that won’t be difficult to re-home. “It’s likely this device will be moved and relocated often, so it’s also essential to make sure it’s ergonomically friendly to move around,” Kivett explains. The Stamina Inmotion Elliptical is a shining example of this type of machine, weighing only 24 lbs. but being able to support the weight of 250 lbs. Its light frame is so weight-bearing that it can be fully stood on, meaning you can pedal upright if you want to take a break from the chair and get moving.
Price at time of publish: $121
Dimensions: 24.5 x 17 x 11.4 inches | Weight: 26.5 lbs. | Resistance levels: Adjustable dial
Someone looking for more of a challenge, as it features 18 resistance levels and three different workout programs.
The person who needs a gentler machine for rehabilitation or physical therapy.
As mentioned before, one of the most important aspects for an elliptical is the inclusion of several resistance levels, so that the changing intensity can really work the muscles.
This model from Sunny, a motorized design constructed from steel and polyurethane, can switch effortlessly between 18 resistance settings and three different workout programs to supercharge the body. You can watch your resistance level and RPMs climb with the built-in digital monitor that allows you to track your performance while you ride, as well as control your speed with the included wireless controller.
While a sitting elliptical can only work up so much of a sweat, this model is definitely made for someone who seeks a bit of a challenge while they work at their desk. With so many programs and settings available, it can be hard to justify buying a machine like this for someone who wants the regular cyclical function of a manually-operated elliptical. Narrowing down your fitness goals will help you decide if this is the right machine for you.
Price at time of publish: $274.90
Dimensions: 22.8 x 18.4 x 10.6 inches | Weight: 21.4 lbs. | Resistance levels: 18
Someone who wants a few extra bells and whistles or needs an under-desk elliptical that's super quiet.
Anyone only needing the bare-bones essentials of a mini elliptical.
The LifePro FlexStride Plus is like the Russian doll of machines — equipped with a yoga mat and resistance band to truly trick out your home workout area, this machine truly has it all. Ideal for those who are looking to improve their fitness from a beginner’s level, keep their body moving during a sedentary work day or recover from an injury, this set has everything you need to not only get your legs moving, but be able to stretch and sprawl thanks to the yoga mat and band. Lifepro understands how necessary it is to move your body in several different ways, which is why these extra features have been added — so you can double up the resistance with a resistance band and one of the 8 different resistance levels, or lay down and stretch on the mat after you’ve gotten in a sweat.
Another perk of this compact elliptical is how whisper-quiet it is while it works — ensuring that the person next to your cubicle won’t hear any mechanical whirring or squeaking. But if you’re someone who’s not looking for anything too fancy, then this may not be the ideal design for you. The machine’s standout qualities include helpful equipment add-ons, which may not be the best for use in the office. However, if you want to get a deal on a machine with a few extras you can use both in your home and at the gym, then you’re set with this pick from Lifepro.
Price at time of publish: $269.99
Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 10 inches | Weight: 30.2 lbs. | Resistance levels: 8
Someone recovering from an injury, surgery, or of a mature age.
The fitness guru who wants a more intense workout.
Many things are inevitable in life, and one of those is getting hurt from time to time. “For those who are recovering from an injury or surgery, it’s beneficial to have access to portable equipment at home to maximize recovery as well,” says Kivett. “Many people suffer from sedentary movement whether they are injured or not. The under-desk elliptical is an opportunity to get started with something basic without the intimidation of buying a gym membership, scheduling extra physical therapy visits, or hiring a professional to independently monitor them through recovery.” This particular model from Deskcycle is the perfect piece of workout equipment for someone who is looking to better their physical health or nurse their bodies back after a surgery or injury, as its magnetic resistance pedals allow for smooth cycles and gentle movement. The eight resistance levels provide the options to start working at the lowest level in the beginning of your recovery and let you build up towards the highest setting as your strength builds.
“The under-desk variety is really more for just increasing circulation and getting some lower extremity movement for those getting very little exercise otherwise,” shares Patrick Netter, branding expert and inventor of the miniTread. This means that machines of this caliber are unfit for the fitness buff who is looking to get a hard-hitting cardio session in, as this particular model is better suited for someone in physical recovery. There are other options in this list for a more intense workout, but this model from DeskCycle is the perfect choice for someone requiring gentle movement on their road towards recovery.
Price at time of publish: $259
Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 10 inches | Weight: 30.2 lbs. | Resistance levels: 8
Think about the space you’ll be storing it compared to the size of the machine itself. “If you are planning to use this device under a desk rather than sitting on a couch or on a taller chair, it’s important to check your desk height to make sure the elliptical will fit under it without hitting your knees,” Kivett says. Both the LifePro FlexStride Pro and the Wakeman Under Desk Pedal Exerciser are compact options if you're wanting to save space; either way, take some measurements before hitting “purchase” on your new machine.
There are many aspects to look out for in an under-desk elliptical, like resistance level, wheels, dimensions, and more. One area you may not think to check is the flywheel, or the large wheel that powers the machine. “It’s what gives the pedaling motion momentum, which translates into smoothness," Netter explains. "Therefore, all things considered, the heavier the flywheel, the better." Professionals like Kivett have also asked us to consider the levels of resistance available, as the increase of resistance is what helps build the muscles and incite real changes in the overall health and appearance of the body. It’s also important to analyze whether or not you want extra pieces, like the LifePro FlexStride Plus’s yoga mat and resistance bands or the Cubii JR2+’s handheld weights.
The ease of moving each elliptical around is extremely important if you’re someone who wants to use a machine like this in several settings. If you plan on taking it from one room of the house to the other, or moving this elliptical into the office, it can be challenging to fully execute with a heavy piece of equipment. “Some can be bulky in size or aren’t convenient to carry, while others have a built-in handle for moving,” Kivett explains. “They [can] also range from 20 to 30 lbs., so keep in mind what you personally can move easily.” The health and wellness professional also recommends checking the machine’s maximum user capacity, especially if you want to use it while sitting or standing. Most machines support 250 to 300 lbs., but checking this information before buying is important for both your safety and the machine's longevity.
The benefits of any under-desk elliptical machine are to rehabilitate, build up muscle, and get moving while you’re sitting at a desk working or lounging. “Most exercise experts recommend at least 20 minutes for a cardio workout,” Netter says. “It’s not easy to get into an aerobic zone with these devices, so I’d say [to bike] as long as you can.” You can bike throughout the day as you work or watch television — there is truly no limit to how long you can or should stay on the elliptical. Pedal for as long as you need and for as much movement as you desire.
Kivett broke down the logistics of the caloric burn that a ride on the under-desk elliptical should accrue. “According to a study of 32 inactive adults ages 25 to 65, participants expended a median of 179.1 kilocalories per hour while using the elliptical device (range = 108.2–269.0), while watching TV or sitting at a desk,” she shares. “That doesn’t seem like much, but when you add it up for the entire week, it can be over 1000 calories for seven days, which is a huge caloric expenditure with little effort. Consistency and patience is key to seeing results over time!”
However, Kivett explains how important it is to pedal at the speed that feels right for you. “Any duration of exercise is better than none, so start with whatever you can do reasonably.”
An under-desk elliptical only requires the use of your legs, as opposed to the upper half of your body, as you are typically seated and pedaling while using this type of machinery instead of standing. An under-desk treadmill targets the entire body, from the swinging of your arms to the engagement of your glutes. “It's usually not about working up a sweat — it's more about gentle movement and time on my feet,” Makaya shares, regarding his experience with under-desk treadmills and ellipticals. “Standing is also proven to be considerably healthier for the human body than sitting. Better posture, keeps your hips from tightening up, and helps with breathing,” he shares. Though both sitting and standing machines will provide you with movement of some sort, Makaya stands by the importance of vertical exercise. “Because you are standing, it’s a weight bearing activity, which helps maintain bone density.” That said, an under-desk elliptical shouldn't entirely replace vertical exercise (if it's already incorporated in your workout routine), but rather act as a supplement. Both sitting and standing equipment will provide you with some movement — it just depends on what your workspace and fitness level can accommodate for.
Alyssa Brascia is a commerce staff writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as InStyle, Shape, and Real Simple. When researching the best under-desk ellipticals, she spoke with Amber Kivett, the head of health and wellness at Lifepro; Idai Makaya, health and fitness coach with ElliptiGo; and Patrick Netter, also known as the Gear Guru, for their expert picks and insight. She also took a close look at size, function, features, and portability while compiling the list to ensure that a diverse range of needs for every type of multitasker were met.
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