Do you work long hours sitting at your desk? Have you slowly given into a sedentary lifestyle? Does finding time to work out in your busy schedule is challenging?
If yes, then under desk elliptical is an equipment category you should explore. They can help you get some exercise during the day and also help to burn calories and motivate you to move around. They are also suitable for seniors or users who cannot move around much.
Cubii JR1 Under Desk Elliptical
- Low Impact, Ultra Smooth Elliptical Exercise Machine
- Easy to assemble and use the equipment.
- Built-In Lcd Display Fitness Tracker
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These machines come in different sizes, resistance levels, and weight capacities. They offer different workout options. A simple Amazon search returns over 150+ results.
So how do you find equipment you can accommodate under your desk or use while sitting on the couch? Do not worry; we have compiled a list of under-desk ellipticals to get you started with the process of equipment selection.
5 Best Under-Desk Ellipticals of 2023 For Effective Workouts
These machines offer low-impact workouts. So if you want to get started on your fitness journey or are recovering from an injury, such an elliptical would be a good choice.
While putting together our recommendation, we considered various factors like design, material, pedals, noise, resistance, portability, and workout options. Here are our top picks.
- Cubii JR1 Under Desk Elliptical – Best in Customer Ratings
- Stamina Inmotion Compact Strider E1000 – Best in Versatility
- DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine – Best in User-Friendliness
- Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Elliptical – Best in Budget
- Niceday Under Desk Elliptical – Best for Seniors
1. Cubii JR1 Under Desk Elliptical – Best in Customer Ratings
If you are looking for equipment that is popular among fellow fitness enthusiasts and has positive reviews, consider the Cubii JR1.
It has an Amazon rating of 4.6 out of 5 and has over 15,000 reviews. It offers low-impact workouts that can help improve your strength and mobility.
Here is how the Cubii JR1 under-desk elliptical performs.
Design
The Cubii JR1 is battery-powered. It has a black-colored body with an aqua or purple-colored flywheel. It has a built-in LCD fitness tracker and a monitor. You can view details like distance, revolutions per minute, active time, and calories.
It can support a maximum weight of 300 lbs. It has an ergonomic design that works with most chairs. It has a maximum height of 19 inches, so it can be placed under standard desks or tables, and you can get a full range of motion.
Usability
You will have to assemble the Cubii JR1, but the process is pretty straightforward. You must attach the left and right foot pedals to the main body. You will receive a good quality Phillips screwdriver and the screws in the package.
You will also receive a non-slip workout mat and wheel stoppers for your chair with the package.
The Cubii JR1 offers eight resistance levels which you can control by turning the knob located below the LCD monitor. It is a no-fuss, simple-to-use home gym equipment.
Features
The Cubii JR1 is not the lightest equipment on the list, but it can still be moved with the built-in handle.
It does not make any noise while in operation, so you can use it while working at the office without disturbing anyone.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 23.15 x 17.56 x 10 inches |
| Weight | 27 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 8 resistance levels |
| Workout Options | 300+ workout classes available through the Cubii app |
| Cost | $199 |
| Warranty | 1-year from date of purchaseOnline product registration is mandatory |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6 out of 5 (15,723 ratings) |
Pros
- It has a straightforward assembly
- Assembly tools are included in the package
- It offers eight levels of resistance
- It has a whisper-quiet operation
Cons
- The LCD monitor is pretty basic
- It does not support Bluetooth connectivity
2. Stamina Inmotion Compact Strider E1000 – Best in Versatility
If you are looking for versatile equipment, the Inmotion compact strider E1000 is a good option.
You can use the machine while being seated or standing. You can pedal in a forward motion or reverse. You can adjust the tension to get an effective workout.
Here is how the Stamina Inmotion Compact Strider E1000 performs.
Design
The E1000 has a solid steel frame, adding to the machine’s durability. It is a compact machine weighing about 24 lbs. It can support a maximum user weight of 250 lbs.
The desk pedals are textured. The machine has non-slip end caps that will hold the machine in place while you exercise.
It has a small electronic fitness monitor wherein you can track time, distance, number of strides, and calories burned.
The machine is available in black, green, orange, and silver colors.
Usability
The E1000 requires some assembly to be done. You will get the instructions, screws, and wrenches in the package.
You have to attach the tube with the non-slip end caps on the front of the machine. Then you must attach the baseplate towards the bottom. And lastly, you attach the pedals.
You can adjust the tension by rotating the knob on the top of the machine.
Features
You can access the müüv app, which offers a smart audio coaching experience. It offers personalized workouts according to your goals. You can listen to music or podcasts through media providers like iHeartRadio.
Its strongest feature is that the machine can be used while sitting or standing. It can help tone your calves, thighs, and glutes.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 24.5 x 17 x 11.38 inches |
| Weight | 24 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | Adjustable resistance |
| Workout Options | Free access to müüv, a smart audio coaching app |
| Cost | $129 |
| Warranty | 1-year frame; 90-days parts |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 out of 5 (14,023 ratings) |
Pros
- You can work out while sitting or standing
- It is comparatively budget-friendly
- You access personalized workouts with müüv
- It is easy to assemble
Cons
- It has a basic display
- Users have reported issues with the noise level
3. DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine – Best in User-Friendliness
If you are looking for beginner and user-friendly equipment, consider the Ellipse by DeskCycle. It is an easy-to-assemble machine. It supports a maximum user weight of 350 lbs.
The machine is compact enough to fit under desks as low as 23 inches.
Here is how the DeskCycle Ellipse under-desk elliptical machine performs.
Design
The Ellipse is manufactured using steel and high-impact plastic material. It has a space-saving design that can easily fit under low-rising desks. It is battery-powered, so take the machine anywhere you go.
The USP of the machine is the extra-long pedals. You can adjust the range of movement according to your foot position.
The LCD shows you the time elapsed, calories burned, and revolutions per minute.
Usability
The assembly involves attaching the two-foot pedals to the main body, and you are done. The process may take about 5 to 10 minutes.
The machine offers up to 8 levels of magnetic resistance. This equates to nearly 40 lbs of resistance.
The way you place your feet on the pedals determines the motion. For example, if the heel is placed towards the back of the pedal, it offers an elliptical motion. This will work best for taller users. If you place your heel towards the front of the pedal, it offers a circular motion.
You can also use the DeskCycle app to sync your workout data with your Fitbit account.
Features
It has a cushioned carry handle and hidden pedal locks. But the machine does weigh around 29 lbs, so be careful when moving it around.
If you want to view the statistics while working out, you can remove the display and place it on a table or sofa.
Remove the display and attach it to the stand you will receive with the package. The cable that connects the display and the machine is around 10 feet long. So you do not have to worry about your range of motion being compromised in any way.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 23 x 18 x 10 inches |
| Weight | 28.6 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 8 magnetic resistance levels |
| Workout Options | No programmed workouts available |
| Cost | $249.37 |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty30-day money back guarantee |
| Amazon Rating | 4.7 out of 5 (1,826 ratings) |
Pros
- It has wide foot pedals, offering elliptical and circular rotations
- It supports a maximum user weight of 350 lbs
- The DeskCycle app is compatible with Fitbit
- It has a high customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon
Cons
- It is a pricier option
- It does not offer programmed workouts
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Elliptical – Best in Budget
If you are looking for a budget machine, consider the one by Sunny Health & Fitness. It offers quality features and is priced under $120.
The machine comes with a 1-year structural warranty and 180 days for parts. It is a compact, durable machine that fits well under most standard desks and tables.
Here is how the Sunny Health & Fitness under-desk elliptical performs.
Design
The machine is designed using alloy steel. It is available in white color. It has a belt drive mechanism. It offers different levels of magnetic resistance.
The foot pedals are equipped with glide rails that aid smooth operation. It offers a stride length of up to 7 inches.
It has a digital monitor that shows details like time, speed, calories, and distance.
Usability
The machine does not require any assembly from your end. You can remove it from the packaging and start using it immediately.
The machine offers eight resistance levels. Like the other models on the list, you can control the resistance by turning the knob on the top of the machine.
Features
The machine comes with non-slip foot pedals which can accommodate all sizes. It has a minimum pedal step height of 3.46 inches and a maximum height of 7.4 inches.
It has a carry handle on the top, so you can conveniently move the machine around. It does weigh around 24 lbs, so be careful.
You can move the pedals forward or backward as per your preference.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 24 x 19 x 11 inches |
| Weight | 24.2 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 8 levels of belt drive magnetic resistance |
| Workout Options | No built-in programs available |
| Cost | $116.97 |
| Warranty | 1-year structural frame180-days other parts and components |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 out of 5 (10,297 ratings) |
Pros
- It is a budget-friendly machine
- It offers a 7-inch stride length
- It offers 8-levels of magnetic resistance
- You can pedal forward and backward
Cons
- It does not offer any programmed workouts
- It can start making noise with regular use
5. Niceday Under Desk Elliptical – Best For Seniors
If you are looking for a piece of low-impact equipment for your parents or other elderly family members, consider the one by Niceday.
The machine comes fully assembled. So you do not have to deal with the hassle of assembly. The resistance can be adjusted without bending down, helping seniors with mobility issues.
Here is how the Niceday under-desk elliptical performs.
Design
The machine comes with a steel flywheel that helps keep the noise level low. It has a compact design with a height of 11 inches. So, the machine can be easily placed under office desks or tables.
It has six anti-slip mats on the bottom, ensuring the machine stays in place while you work out. The LCD monitor shows you details like speed, calories, time, and distance.
It comes with a carry handle and built-in wheels so you can move the machine conveniently from one room to another.
Usability
As mentioned above, the machine comes fully assembled, so you can start using it right after unboxing.
The machine offers eight levels of resistance. These levels can be adjusted by pushing the lever up or down using your foot. Thus, no need to bend down.
Further, the elliptical is compatible with apps like Zwift and Kinomap, improving your workout experience.
Features
The machine comes with a detachable LCD monitor. You can place the monitor next to you if you want to view the time, distance, or speed while working out.
The machine supports built-in Bluetooth connectivity. You can track your results better and set personalized goals by connecting your smartphone to the elliptical.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22.83 x 15.75 x 10.82 inches |
| Weight | 27.55 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 8 adjustable resistance levels |
| Workout Options | Compatible with the apps Zwift and Kinomap |
| Cost | $189 |
| Warranty | 3 months of return and exchangeLifetime service |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6 out of 5 (437 ratings) |
Pros
- You can adjust the resistance by foot
- The machine comes fully assembled
- It includes a detachable LCD monitor
- It supports Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- It can be expensive
- The resistance may not be enough for experienced fitness users
How we Picked and Tested the Under Desk Elliptical?
Our search for the best under-desk ellipticals began with thorough online research. We looked at different brands, ellipticals, product manuals, features, user experiences, and ratings.
We shortlisted products and tested them with different age groups.
Key-Decision-Making Factors
Here are some of the consideration factors that helped us with our recommendations.
1. Dimension
As the machine is supposed to be placed under desks or tables, dimension was our top priority. The ellipticals we have picked have compact designs and have a maximum height of around 11.5 inches.
2. Assembly
The ellipticals on the list are fully assembled or require minimal assembly, with the tools included in the package.
3. Usability
The machines are battery-powered, so you can use them anywhere. You can control the resistance mechanism with a simple rotation of knobs.
4. Noise
Most ellipticals on the list make little to no noise while in operation. You can use these machines without worrying about disturbing your colleagues or family members.
5. Warranty
We have chosen ellipticals that offer a warranty of 1 year, 30-days money-back guarantees, or lifetime service.
FAQ’s
If you work sitting at your desk for long hours or have a sedentary lifestyle, an under-desk elliptical is a good way to get some exercise into your routine. It can help target your lower body. It is not an alternative to the full-sized elliptical but can help add movement to your day.
These ellipticals are typically small-sized, lightweight, and portable equipment. They provide low-impact workouts while being easy on the joints. They are good for seniors or users getting physical therapy.
These machines can help you get some movement and burn some calories with consistent use. They could help tone your leg muscles. But if losing weight is a priority, look for other home gym equipment that can provide total body workouts.
Summary
Under-desk ellipticals offer low-impact workouts, help you get some movement during the day, and can be good tools for physical therapy.
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly quality machine, the Cubii JR1 and DeskCycle Ellipse are good options. If budget is a priority, consider the ellipticals by Stamina or Sunny Health & Fitness.
And if you want an elliptical for your senior parents or family members, consider the one from Niceday.
When looking for these ellipticals, consider factors like footprint, features, assembly, usability, workout options, noise level, cost, and warranty.