Do Under Desk Ellipticals Work?
If you spend the majority of your day sitting at a desk, it’s important to find ways to move more. A number of studies have shown that prolonged sedentary behavior increases the risk of several health problems, including heart problems, diabetes and even cancer. The good news: You can easily add movement to your day by taking standing breaks, stretching, or other quick exercises.
But what about an elliptical trainer under the desk? These compact machines fit neatly under a desk and feature foot pedals that you can push while typing. But do they actually work? They can help you get more movement, experts say, although they don’t replace a regular exercise routine.
Do under desk elliptical trainers actually work?
The answer to this question really depends on what you hope an under-desk elliptical trainer will help you accomplish. They’re a great way to incorporate more movement into times when you would normally be sedentary. “They are truly multitasking at their best and allow you to combine your work time with movement time,” says Karisa Karmali, personal trainer and founder of Self-Love and Fitness.
However, if you think they can replace your usual workout routine, think again. Under desk ellipticals only involve moving your legs and are unlikely to increase your heart rate for a consistent period of time. “They really should be viewed as a complement rather than a substitute for a comprehensive fitness program,” says Bryan Wright, physical therapist and owner of Wright Physical Therapy in Idaho. “They can help improve circulation and reduce some of the negative impacts of prolonged sitting, but they won’t provide all the cardiovascular and strength benefits of a more varied workout.”
How I Chose the Best Under Desk Elliptical Trainers
Do you want to incorporate an under-desk elliptical trainer into your workday? I asked Karmali and Wright what to keep in mind when purchasing one. Below is what they suggest focusing on to get the most out of an under-desk elliptical trainer:
- Resistance Levels: A model with adjustable resistance levels lets you choose the intensity of your elliptical session, says Wright. When you’re actively working, you may want a lower resistance. But if you’re taking a break, you may want to increase the resistance to maximize results.
- Noise level: If you use an under-desk elliptical in the office or when working from home, you’ll need a relatively quiet machine so it doesn’t distract yourself or your coworkers, Wright says.
- Stability: Look for an under-desk elliptical trainer that will stay in place when you place it under your desk. If it wobbles while you are using it, it will be uncomfortable and annoying. A heavier model will remain, but will also be difficult to move. You can also look for models with rubber treads that prevent slipping, according to Wright.
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The best elliptical trainers under the desk
To select the best under-desk elliptical trainers, I used expert advice to round up some highly rated options.
Best overall
Cubii is one of the biggest brands of under-desk ellipticals because of its ergonomic design, Wright says. This version has a built-in LCD screen, which displays your calories burned, distance traveled, rotations per minute and other metrics. Eight resistance levels help you vary your workouts, and Cubii also offers various home workout videos led by personal trainers on its Facebook page.
Ideal for low desks
“I prefer sleeker models because they tend to be easier to store,” says Karmali. This option has a smaller footprint than most of the other models on this list: the elliptical can fit under desks as low as 24 inches, depending on the brand. It also features a quiet flywheel and eight intensity levels, from warm-up to intense intervals.
The quietest
Although it’s one of the larger models on our list, it has eight resistance levels to customize your workout and an LCD screen to track your health and workout metrics, according to the brand. It has non-slip pedals and the magnetic belt works quietly, so it won’t distract you or others.
The most versatile
Unlike other models on this list, you can use this elliptical while sitting or standing. You can also pedal forward and backward, which can help you target different muscles. The LCD screen also allows you to monitor your strides per minute, exercise duration and calories burned.
Best portable option
This Ancheer seated elliptical trainer has a remote control to adjust settings instead of the traditional resistance knob, so you don’t have to reach under your desk to adjust it. You can also use it while unplugged or plugged in, making it more portable than other options on the market. Like the other options on our list, the pedal positions are textured to add grip, and the machine tracks time, speed, calories, and distance.
Best budget choice
At less than $60, this is the most affordable under desk elliptical on the list. It has 12 speed levels and you can pedal forward or reverse. You can control the settings manually or using the included remote control. Rubber bands at the bottom keep it in place, according to the brand.
Frequently asked questions
To get the most out of your time using an under-desk elliptical, Wright has some tips: “Use it in short, frequent intervals to maximize benefits without overexerting,” he says. Aim for 30 minutes spread throughout the workday, ideally in 5-10 minute segments. This helps mitigate the health risks of prolonged sitting by promoting regular movement, Wright says.
Consistency is key, Wright says. If you use it once a blue moon, you won’t notice much difference. But if you use it regularly for a few minutes at a time throughout the day, you’ll help combat the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle and likely feel a little more relaxed and less stiff after a long day at the office. Again, it’s important to remember that an under-desk elliptical trainer won’t give you the same results as a dedicated workout that incorporates your entire body.
Meet our fitness experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Bryan Wright is a physical therapist and owner of Wright Physical Therapy in Idaho.
- Karisa Karmali is a personal trainer and founder of Self-Love and Fitness.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a business editor at NBC Select and a reporter who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. I recently talked about vibration plates and red light therapy for hair loss. For this story, I interviewed two fitness experts about the benefits of under-desk elliptical trainers and how to buy one.
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