Stay Fit with an Under Desk Elliptical: Our Top Picks

If you spend your whole day in your office at a computer, you probably do a lot of sitting. After that, you may head home and relax in front of the television. The truth is that most people who work in offices spend the majority of their time sitting. This, obviously, is not good for our health.

Unlike treadmills, the under-desk bike elliptical doesn't require you to squeeze out dedicated cardio time, so you can stay active even when seated.

However, most people find it difficult to distinguish between under desk elliptical and exercise bikes. They're virtually identical, with just enough variation to appeal to a wide variety of customers. Our comparison below may assist you if you're trying to pick between an under-desk bike vs. elliptical trainer. Let’s find out more!

Top 10 Picks of the Best Under Desk Elliptical

Do you want to stay productive and fit while working from home? If so, then investing in an under desk elliptical or bike is a great way to do just that. An under desk elliptical or bike allows you to keep your heart rate up and burn calories without leaving the comfort of your home. 

In this section, we'll review the top 10 options for stationary bike workouts and ellipticals so you can find the best one for your needs.

1. LifeSpan Fitness C3-GlowUp Under Desk Bike

The LifeSpan Fitness C3-GlowUp Under Desk Bike is a great way to stay productive and fit while working from home or in the office! It has an easy assembly with two rear-mounted transport wheels for convenience, and its small footprint allows for portability, obtaining complete indoor cycling benefits.

LifeSpan Fitness C3-GlowUp Under Desk Bike

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Specifications

Bike dimensions	27"L x 21"W x 36" - 46.5"H x 94 lbs
Console dimensions	12.5"W x 3.25"D x 2"H
Weight capacity	400 lbs
Supports	5'0" - 6'8" users

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy assembly	Slightly pricey
Compact size	No pre-installed workout programs
Portability
Quiet operation
Energy efficiency
Bluetooth connectivity

2. Wagan HealthMate EL2773 Mini Under Desk Bike

The Wagan HealthMate Mini Under Desk Bike is a compact and versatile walking treadmill workout machine that offers big results for users of all ages. The bike is a great addition to any workspace or home gym, and its compact size and multiple functions make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to stay active and productive during the day.

Wagan HealthMate EL2773 Mini Cycle

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Specifications

Dimensions	16" W x 13.5" L x 12.8" H
Digital display	Scan, time, distance, count, steps/min, calories
Tension	Adjustable
Item weight	15 lbs
Warranty	1 year

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Compact and portable	May not provide an intense workout
Multi-functional	Can be noisy
Adjustable resistance
Ideal for small spaces
Simple controls

3. LifeSpan Fitness Unity Under Desk Bicycle

The LifeSpan Fitness Unity Under Desk Bicycle is a great solution for those who want to keep moving while at their desk. With a cordless and easy-to-move design, it's powered by you and provides 11 seating positions for your workout challenges. The 10-year warranty offers peace of mind to consumers.

LifeSpan Fitness Unity Bike Desk

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Specifications

Dimensions	47"L x 31"W x 41"H x 88.2 lbs
Desktop surface	Durable Cherry-Grain Laminate
Desktop materials	3/4" Thick HD Composite Board
Pedals	Oversized; Bi-Directional (Forward/Backward Pedaling)
Weight capacity	300 lbs
Seat adjustment	7" (11 positions) Fits Users Ranging In Heights From 5’0” to 6’6"
Warranty	10 years

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to move	Minimal resistance may not provide a challenging workout
No power cords	Price point may be high for some
Multitasking
Provides health benefits
Simple to use

4. Cubii JR2+ Under Desk Elliptical Exerciser

Stay healthy and productive with the Cubii JR+ Under Desk Elliptical Exerciser, which allows you to work out at home or in the office. Its compact design and digital monitor make it an ideal gift for all ages.

Cubii JR2+ Under Desk Elliptical

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Specifications

Resistance Levels	8 Adjustable Resistance Levels
Lightweight and Portable	Lightweight glass-filled nylon construction and built-in carrying handle
Display	LCD Display
Connectivity	Connect to the Cubii app via Bluetooth

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Allows for low-impact, comfortable exercise while sitting	Pricey
Built-in LCD fitness tracker
Compact and ergonomic design
Suitable for all ages
User-friendly mobile app

5. Cubii Go Under-Desk Elliptical Workout Machine

The Cubii Go under desk elliptical is a great investment for those looking to stay fit while being productive. With its low-impact exercise and built-in LCD, it helps to burn calories and improve mobility. It is approachable for all ages and has a mobile app for tracking progress.

Cubii Go Under-Desk Elliptical

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Specifications

Dimensions	22" x 14.4" x 11"
Weight	20 lbs
Levels of resistance	8 levels

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Low-impact and ultra-smooth	The battery has to be changed frequently
Can be used while sitting at home or office	It might be too large for some desks
Built-in LCD for tracking progress
Comes with a mobile app
Approachable for all ages

6. Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Under Desk Bike

The Stamina InMotion elliptical trainer offers a portable and adjustable cardio workout for sitting or standing. It is quiet, lightweight, and comes with a smart fitness app. It is a great solution for those looking for an easy, portable way to stay fit and productive at work or home.

Stamina 55-1602 Inmotion Under Desk Bike

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Specifications

Dimensions	17"D x 24.5"W x 12"H
Weight	24 lbs
Material	Steel frame
Resistance	Adjustable tension
Targeted Training	Cardiovascular fitness, tone lower body
Includes	Elliptical Trainer, owner's manual

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Compact and lightweight	May not provide an intense workout
Adjustable tension and monitor display
Can be used sitting or standing
Comes with a compatible fitness app
Great for low-attention exercise while gaming

7. Wakeman Under Desk Elliptical Bike

The Wakeman Under Desk Elliptical Bike provides an excellent solution for staying active while working from home. With adjustable resistance, it's perfect for toning and rehabilitating leg muscles.

Wakeman Under Desk Elliptical Bike

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Specifications

Dimensions	14"D x 19.5"W x 9.5"H
Pedal	4"W
Folded Dimensions	14" x 13"W x 6"H
Color	Gray and Black
Item Weight	5.82 lbs

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Compact design	Requires a 1.5v battery
Easy to store
Adjustable resistance
Secure straps and non-slip base
Versatile for both leg and arm workouts

8. DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical

When debating elliptical vs. bike, the DeskCycle will surely make its name on the list. It is a compact and versatile under desk elliptical that can help you stay fit while being productive. It has 8 resistance levels, an ultra-smooth magnetic resistance, and an easy-to-read LCD.

DeskCycle Elliptical Machine

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Specifications

Dimensions	23" x 18" x 10 "
Material	Steel and High-Impact Plastic
Color	Black
Number of Batteries	2 AA batteries required. (included)

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to use and set up	Heavy and not easy to move around
Whisper quiet operation
Extra long and wide pedals

9. LifePro FlexStride Pro Under Desk Elliptical

Staying fit and productive is made easy with the LifePro FlexStride Pro Under Desk Elliptical. With 8 resistance levels, a bonus yoga mat and resistance band, and the ability to track your workouts, this elliptical is perfect for beginners and pros alike for their workout for abs.

LifePro Under Desk Elliptical

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Specifications

Dimensions	18.5"D x 22.7"W x 12.9"H
Weight	14 kilograms
Levels of resistance	8 levels

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Versatile workout option	Limited range of motion
Customizable resistance
Bonus features

10. Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical is a compact and convenient machine for low-impact workouts while sitting. It offers 8 levels of resistance and has a digital monitor to track time and distance.

Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical Peddler Exerciser

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Specifications

Dimensions	19"D x 11"W x 24"H
Product Weight	25 lbs
Levels of resistance	8 levels
Flywheel Weight	3.52 lbs
Digital Monitor	Calories, Distance, Speed, Time, Scan

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Compact and easy to transport	Limited stride length
Provides low maintenance
Offers adjustable resistance levels

The Similarities: Under Desk Bike or Elliptical

Main Purpose

These devices are designed to help you get in shape and burn calories without leaving your ergonomic office chair. Neither machine is superior to the other in this regard. When utilized by the same individual at the same intensity for the same amount of time, both under-desk bike ellipticals can produce the same caloric drop.

Dimensions (Size and Weight)

Both under-desk elliptical and cycles are around the same size and weight. They may be used as gym equipment while fitting under a normal or sit-stand desk. Due to this, they are low and flat. But if you put one next to a standard bicycle, you won't notice much difference in size. That also means you can easily carry either one of them.

Features

Desk-mounted exercise cycles and ellipticals help users burn calories and stay active at work. Still, there are a lot of extras that can elevate the fun factor. Both these pieces of equipment have the option of adding more features.

Price

Under-desk ellipticals and cycles have a wide range of prices based on their quality and features. The price difference is negligible when comparing an elliptical to an under-desk cycle because the two offer equal quality and convenience. You should spend about $200 on a high-quality machine.

The Differences: Under Desk Bike vs. Elliptical

No matter which one you own or decide to buy, you may get a fantastic workout without leaving your place. But here are some small distinctions between the two;

Mode of Exercise

They both work the legs, but in very different ways. Under-desk bikes, like any other type of bicycle with pedals, need you to move your legs in a circular motion. Those who have ridden bicycles before will know what I mean by this.

For the under-desk elliptical, leg motion is counter-clockwise (and other elliptical machines). In other words, it's the physical manifestation of mental pacing.

It's reasonable to assume that fatigue will set in more rapidly when doing under-desk elliptical exercises because of the nature of the exercises themselves.

Loss of Calories

If you're trying to burn off the calories you had last night or at lunch, some under-desk exercise equipment can be helpful.

It stands to reason that the under-desk elliptical machine isn't as effective at burning calories as the full-size versions. However, they are an excellent form of physical activity.

In one hour of vigorous exercise on an exercise bike, you can lose up to 500 calories. Just thirty min of use could help you burn 180 calories, giving you the added motivation you need to reach your fitness objectives faster.

However, a more noticeable influence is seen with ellipticals. Because of its larger foot pedals, an under-desk elliptical machine surpasses stationary bikes.

Bear in mind that a heavier individual will expend more energy during physical activity than a lighter person will. While riding a bike, a larger person can use more energy. Therefore, there is no difference in calorie expenditure between the treadmill vs. bike.

Loss of Weight

More time paddling means a higher metabolism rate; thus, less of it gets stored as fat.

Using an under desk bike or elliptical will solely train your lower body, so any loss of weight or toning you achieve will be concentrated there.

When utilized under a desk, an elliptical trainer provides a more complete workout than a stationary bicycle. To switch up which muscles you're working, a stationary bike can be easily relocated to the top of your desk. This has the potential to aid in weight loss in places that the under-desk elliptical can't.

In conclusion, weight loss is greater on under desk elliptical trainers than on under-desk bicycles. In the regular position, you use more muscles and burn more calories.

Cardio Training

There aren't a ton of under-desk bike elliptical exercise equipment, which is sad because they're great for cardiovascular training. If you give it your all, either one can give you a workout that will get your heart racing.

Because of the increased muscle use, cardiac fitness is improved when using an under-desk elliptical machine. Bikes on the other hand are fantastic, especially if you can bike steadily for extended periods of time, but they can't compare to the elliptical for a truly committed workout.

Finally, if you want to get the most out of your elliptical workouts, you need to give it your all and resist the urge to settle into a low pace.

Different Foot Size

The pedals of the under-desk bike are where your feet go to move the bike. If your feet are wider than typical, you'll want to be sure the pedals of the bike you buy will fit them. But you can fix this problem by resting your foot above the pedals instead of entering it in the hoop.

The under desk elliptical trainer's pedals are adjustable to fit people with varying shoe sizes. It would be best if you stepped back and forth on the pedals. For this reason, they are outfitted with low front and back walls that act as barriers to prevent your feet from wandering.

Secondary Functions

Both these desk exercise equipment advertise the importance of leg workouts. However, the under desk elliptical consistently delivers on that promise.

In contrast to the under desk elliptical, which only allows you to exercise your legs, the under desk bike may be relocated to a table or the very same desk. You'll need to pedal with your hands and "pedal" as you would normally use your legs.

The bike is fantastic for upper body training because of the adjustable pedaling resistance, the pedaling actions challenge the entire upper body, and thus, the machine is more dynamic than the elliptical.

Final Thoughts                        

The health benefits of an under desk bike or elliptical make them worthwhile. Doing something now is important to improve your health and keep yourself in shape even while working. And these gym equipment that fit under your desk are a great way to start your journey.

Whether looking for a low-impact way to stay fit and productive at work or home, an under desk elliptical is the perfect solution. With our top picks, ranging from adjustable resistance settings to bonus features like yoga mats and Bluetooth compatibility, we hope you find one that works best for your lifestyle! Thanks for reading.