Sitting for prolonged periods of time is a part of everyday life for most of us, be it at home or at work, but being physically inactive takes a toll on our body and can lead to many health issues. If you lack the time for a proper workout at the gym, you can still put your muscles to work, even while sitting. Under desk elliptical training machines allow you to exercise your lower body muscles and burn calories while you’re sitting at home or at the office. An under desk elliptical, as the name says it, is compact and portable so you can place it under your desk and start working out. It helps to improve cardiovascular endurance, burns calories, and tones lower-body muscles.
We’ve looked at dozens of under desk ellipticals in search of exceptionable products that fit any budget. We took into account their size, Amazon ratings, price, and what the customers had to say about their durability and performance before making our decision. Finally, we identified 5 best-rated under desk ellipticals you can purchase to help you stay active.
In terms of versatility and convenience, we identified Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer as a top choice. This elliptical trainer can be used for sitting and standing alike, it features multiple movement options, and it includes a multi-functional monitor that allows you to check your progress.
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The 5 Top-Rated Under Desk Ellipticals
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Nekteck Foot Massager | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | Arealer Foot Massager | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Buy | TENKER Air Massager | 4.4 |
| Best Shiatsu Foot Massager | RENPHO Shiatsu Foot Massager | 4.4 |
| Best Foot Roller Massager | TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager Roller | 4.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Under Desk Elliptical Overall: Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer promotes leg movement and improves circulation while you’re watching TV, reading a book, or working at the office. It takes up little space so it can be used anywhere. You can control the intensity of your workout by adjusting the tension knob, and the display monitor allows you to track your progress by showing you the number of strides per minute, total strides, exercise time, and how many calories are burned.
The pedals have a textured surface to secure your feet so that you can pedal as hard and fast as you want without worrying about putting too much pressure on your joints. You can pedal forward or reverse to target different muscles according to your preferences.
This elliptical trainer can be used while sitting or standing. According to the reviews, it has a sturdy construction, it’s compact and lightweight, and it’s very quiet, so your workout won’t distract you while you’re doing other things. This under desk elliptical is available in green, orange, and silver. You can get it today for $120.
Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer Key Features:
- Can be used while sitting or standing
- Adjustable tension knob
- Forward or reverse motion
- Textured pedals
- Steel construction
- Portable
Best Under Desk Elliptical with Large LCD Display: DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical
After an under desk elliptical that will do it all? The DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical is more than qualified for the job. Its most notable feature is no doubt its well-designed LCD display. While many under desk ellipticals have an LCD display, they’re often not optimized for usability. Either they’re too small or only offer you the bare minimum information about your workout.
However, the DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical’s LCD display is large and easy-to-read. It also will track six important metrics including the number of revolutions you make, RPM, time, and calories burned. It can count up to 100,000 revolutions in one session, which is more than enough to get a solid under-the-desk workout!
Other eye-catching features include its eight resistance settings and the fact it offers bidirectional pedaling. So not only will you be able to find the perfect resistance for your exercise or physical therapy needs, but you’ll also be able to pedal both forwards and backwards. With so much to offer, we’re not at all surprised the DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical has a high average customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Key Features:
- 8 resistance levels
- Bidirectional pedaling
- Quiet to operate
- Easy-to-read LCD screen
- Simple setup
- Counts up to 100,000 revolutions per session
Best Budget Under Desk Elliptical: PEXMOR Under Desk Elliptical
PEXMOR Under Desk Elliptical is our top budget recommendation for a multitude of reasons. It allows you to exercise while sitting, but it also works great while standing up due to its smart design. It includes a digital monitor that records your time, distance, speed, and calories burned so that you can easily track your progress. It also features textured, anti-slip pedals and adjustable resistance settings so you can adjust the intensity of your workout sessions to suit your fitness goals.
This elliptical trainer is extremely convenient and practical as it features a top handle for easier portability. According to the reviews, it’s expertly made and using it “feels like you’re moving on air”.
PEXMOR Under Desk Elliptical Key Features:
- Suitable for exercising while sitting or standing
- Compact design
- Digital monitor
- Tension dial
- Portable
- LCD display
Best Quiet Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine
When you’re shopping around for an under desk elliptical, quietness may not be the first critical quality that springs to mind. However, the amount of noise emitted by an under desk elliptical can make a huge difference in terms of how convenient it is to use. That’s why if quietness is a non-negotiable, the Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine is a must-buy. It’s designed to be whisper quiet, so you won’t ever need to worry about disturbing anyone else whenever you use it.
After all, the last thing you would want is for your workout to frustrate your coworkers or family members… or even yourself! That isn’t all this device has to offer, however. It boasts a compact, ergonomic design with 8 resistance levels. It also features a built-in LCD display monitor that tracks real-time calories burned, RPM, minutes active, and distance traveled. What’s there not to love?
Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine Key Features:
- Quiet operation
- Compact, ergonomic design
- 8 resistance levels
- LCD display monitor
- Tracks real-time calories burned, RPM, minutes active, and distance
- Portable
Best Bluetooth Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical
Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical is designed with ultra-smooth gearing, which makes it ideal for exercising at home or at the office without worrying about putting too much pressure on your joints. This elliptical trainer is intended to be used while sitting only, and it features a low step pattern that’s easy to use under low desks.
What’s particularly beneficial about this elliptical is that it allows you to sync your progress in terms of distance and calories with iPhone and Android cell phones so that you can set and achieve your workout goals in a more efficient and organized manner. It also allows you to sync your workout sessions with apps like FitBit and Apple HealthKit.
This elliptical trainer features 8 resistance levels that enable you to adjust the intensity of exercising. The customers say that although it’s quite heavy, it’s very easy to put together. This elliptical trainer produces great results without stressing the joints, and it’s almost silent while in use.
Cubii Pro Under Desk Elliptical Key Features:
- Bluetooth tracking
- Ergonomic design
- Low step pattern
- 8 resistance levels
- Quiet operation
- Low-impact exercise
Who Should Buy an Under Desk Elliptical
Anyone who sits for long hours at their office or is unable to go to the gym regularly can benefit immensely from an under desk elliptical trainer. It’s also helpful for anyone who wants to feel active and productive even while sitting at home and watching TV. Elliptical trainers provide low-impact exercise that doesn’t put a lot of pressure on lower body joints, which is ideal for people with injuries or mobility issues as it keeps the legs active and can aid in speeding up the recovery process. An under desk elliptical can be a useful part of your workout routine and it works well for users of all fitness levels. You can customize your workout sessions and choose your own intensity levels according to your personal preferences and goals.
Staying physically active is a challenge for many, but a necessary thing for maintaining a healthy body. However, the issue isn’t only in managing to exercise regularly, but also reducing the time we spend sitting. According to a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2015, spending large amounts of time sitting, even among those who exercise regularly, leads to higher rates of hospitalization, heart disease, cancer, and even early death.
Therefore, it’s not only important to incorporate regular workouts into your routine, but it’s also essential to reduce the time you spend being sedentary. Under desk ellipticals can be extremely beneficial when it comes to staying active while sitting and they are convenient and versatile, so they can be used by anyone.
Important Features to Consider
A good under desk elliptical should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when purchasing an under desk elliptical trainer:
- Performance. The mechanisms, the features, and any additional options of an elliptical trainer will determine the experience you get while using it. It’s important that an under desk elliptical has a smooth pedal motion and that it can be adjusted in both angle and height. You should think about whether you want to use an elliptical only while sitting or you want to use it while standing as well. Under desk ellipticals that allow for stand up workouts in addition to seated workouts have large pedals and a stable base to ensure safety while you’re on your feet. Also, you should consider the tension dials, as they determine the resistance of the workout sessions and make the turning of the pedals easier or more challenging. Many under desk ellipticals have a foot shifter that enables easier adjustment of the intensity of exercise.
- Pedals. It goes without saying that the pedals are an essential part of an elliptical trainer, so you should consider the size and shape of them, as well as their ability to go forward and reverse. It’s important the pedals fit your feet perfectly in order for you to be able to use the machine effectively.
- Sturdiness. Quality of an under desk elliptical is extremely important as you certainly don’t want a product that’s poorly built. Take a look at the materials used in construction of the product. Many under desk elliptical trainers feature a steel construction, which ensures sturdiness and durability.
- Weight. A good under desk elliptical shouldn’t be too heavy as you’re likely to move it around frequently. However, it also shouldn’t be too light as it needs to provide the users with enough stability. Most under desk elliptical trainers usually weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.
- Portability. If you plan on carrying your under desk elliptical with you frequently, you will need a trainer that is compact and portable. Many under desk ellipticals have top handles to enable you to pick it up and carry it easily. Also, many of them can be folded for easier storage.
- Stability. A good under desk elliptical should be stable and safe to use. They often include non-slip mats and wheel-stoppers to prevent your chair from moving while you work out.
- Quietness. It’s very important for an under desk elliptical to provide a quiet operation, especially if you share the office with your colleagues. Many ellipticals come with a lubricant that will help you get rid of squeaky noises in case they appear.
- Connectivity. Some under desk ellipticals have Bluetooth, which enables you to sync your data with your phone or connect with a fitness app to track your progress more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an under desk elliptical and how does it work?
An under desk elliptical is a machine that’s designed to engage the body in physical exercise by pedaling while sitting down. It’s placed under a desk or table, and you can adjust the height and angle of the machine to fit your posture in the most comfortable way for you. This device utilizes magnetic resistance to help you accomplish your fitness goals, allowing for varying degrees of difficulty. It simulates the act of climbing stairs without putting too much pressure on your joints. Using an under desk elliptical provides lower-body exercise, improves circulation and heart function, and can help burn calories as part of a well-rounded fitness program.
How many calories can you burn with a desk elliptical?
The number of calories you can burn depends on several factors, including your weight, fitness level, and your chosen intensity of training. According to the American Council on Exercise, a 160-pound person can burn up to 290 calories cycling at 5.5 mph. Most under desk ellipticals show you the rough number of calories burned while you’re exercising, and you can rely on that reading, although it can be even more accurate if it asks for your weight and age.
Can you lose weight with an under desk elliptical?
It may not be as efficient as going to the gym regularly, but using an under desk elliptical does engage muscles in physical exercise and helps burn calories, so consequently, it can help lose body weight over time – especially combined with a whole, nutrient-dense diet.
Should you do the elliptical every day?
There are no strict rules on how often you should use an elliptical trainer; you can set up your own routine. However, the American College of Sports Medicine states that performing moderate cardiovascular exercise 3 to 5 days per week provides the best results in terms of cardiovascular fitness and weight loss. You can work out more or less than that, depending on your own preferences and workout goals.
Other Under Desk Ellipticals We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other under desk ellipticals. Even though they didn’t make our top 5 best under desk elliptical trainers, they’re the “best of the rest” and and each is still a great option for you. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Under Desk/Stand Up Ellipticals
- Under Desk Elliptical Steppers
- Fully Assembled Under Desk Ellipticals
- Under Desk Exercise Bikes
Under Desk/Stand Up Ellipticals
Elliptical trainer by AOMAS features Bluetooth tracking and it enables you to sync your data with Free FitShow APP available on iOS/Android. It has large, textured pedals, 8 resistance levels, and a digital monitor.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth tracking
- 8 resistance levels
- Non-slip pedals
- Digital monitor
- Removable resistance bands
Cost: $200
Bionic Body Under-Desk Elliptical
Elliptical trainer by Bionic Body has a compact and versatile design that allows you to train while sitting or standing. It also has non-slip pedals and adjustable resistance lever.
Key Features:
- Adjustable resistance
- Non-slip pedals
- Resistance bands
- Digital monitor
Cost: $140
IDEER LIFE Under Desk & Stand Up Exercise Bike
This elliptical can be used while sitting or standing and is designed with multiple resistance levels as well as non-slip, textured pedals.
Key Features:
- Can be used while sitting or standing
- Wide base
- Steel frame
- Multiple resistance levels
- LCD display monitor with 5 functions
- Non-slip pedals
Cost: $100
Serene Life Elliptical Twister Stepper
Elliptical by Serene Life features convenient large-sized foot rest for any feet size and twist, wing-style steps for a complete leg workout.
Key Features:
- Step-on operation
- Twist wing-style steps
- Large-sized foot rest
- Digital LCD monitor
- Battery-operated reinforced steel
Cost: $50
Stamina Inmotion Compact Strider
This elliptical trainer provides lower-body workout in a non-distracting way. It features a fitness monitor that keeps track of distance, adjustable tension, and a compact design.
Key Features:
- Compact design
- Adjustable tension
- Fitness monitor
- Large, non-slip pedals
- Carrying handle
- Steel construction
- Available with or without cords
Under Desk Elliptical Steppers
Ativafit Under Desk Elliptical
This ergonomic under desk elliptical stepper from Ativafit features eight resistance levels and large anti-slip pedals that make using it a complete cinch.
Key Features:
- Anti-slip pedals
- Compact design
- Quiet operation
- Ergonomic
Cost: $140
Best Brand Under Desk Elliptical Exercise Trainer
Best Brand’s sturdy under desk elliptical packs a lot in. It not only features an easy-to-read monitor and non-slip pedals, but also includes three resistance bands
Key Features:
- Sturdy
- Three resistance bands included
- Non-slip pedals
- Fully portable
Cost: $140
This elliptical features comfortable foot pedals made of ABS material with embossment on the surface to prevent slipping. It includes 2 resistance bands for stretching your arms.
Key Features:
- Comfortable foot pedals made of ABS and anti-slip material
- Anti-skid base
- Digital monitor
- 2 resistance bands
Cost: $74
This elliptical machine features twist action, steel construction, and non-slip footplates. It also has a sturdy base and a digital monitor.
Key Features:
- Twist action
- Steel construction
- Non-slip footplates
- Sturdy base
- Digital monitor
Cost: $60
Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stepper
Elliptical trainer by Sunny Health & Fitness has an adjustment knob to switch up the step motion height. It also comes with attached resistance bands for upper-body workouts.
Key Features:
- Twist action
- Adjustment knob to switch up the step motion height
- Removable resistance bands for upper-body workouts
- Steel construction
- Slip-resistant foot plates
- Digital monitor
Fully Assembled Under Desk Ellipticals
Elliptical trainer by ANCHEER provides a full workout and can be used for arms or legs. It has 5 speed levels, a built-in monitor, and non-slip pedals.
Key Features:
- 5 speed levels
- Easy-to-operate remote
- LCD monitor
- Textured pedals
- Forward or reverse motion
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $170
Sunny Health and Fitness Adjustable Twist Stepper
This pink elliptical features twist action that moves you up and down and side to side, which helps tone lower-body muscles. It has an adjustment knob that adjusts the step motion height and large, slip-resistant platforms.
Key Features:
- Twist action
- Adjustment knob for step motion height
- Steel construction
- Non-slip platforms
- LCD monitor
Cost: $55
Sunny Health & Fitness EZ Stride Motorized Auto Assisted Under Desk Elliptical
This elliptical trainer features automatic and manual modes, the former having 3 speeds and the latter having 3 resistance levels. It has an automatic shut-off timer that activates when the elliptical isn’t used for more than 30 minutes.
Key Features:
- Automatic and manual modes
- Auto mode has 3 speeds
- Manual mode has 3 resistance levels
- Automatic shut-off timer
- Forward or reverse pedaling
- Non-slip pedals
- Carrying handle
- Non-slip floor mat included
Cost: $145
Sunny Health & Fitness Fully Assembled Magnetic Under Desk Elliptical
This under-desk elliptical features compact size and 8 resistance levels. It has a carrying handle for easy transportation.
Key Features:
- 8 levels of resistance
- Textured pedals
- 7-inch stride length
- Digital monitor
- Carrying handle
Under Desk Exercise Bikes
FitDesk Under Desk Exercise Bike
Exercise bike by FitDesk has pedal height of 9.75 inches, which means it can be used under desk as low as 26 inches. It also has 8 resistance levels and a foot shifter for hands-free operation.
Key Features:
- Pedal height of 9.75 inches
- 8 resistance levels
- Foot shifter
- Display meter
Cost: $140
MagneTrainer Mini Exercise Bike
This exercise bike features a wide base and sturdy steel frame. It has a wide-range resistance, adjustable Velcro straps, and electronic monitor. It can be used for arms or legs.
Key Features:
- 5-rotation resistance dial
- Steel frame
- Adjustable Velcro straps
- Molded pedals
- LCD display
- 1-year warranty
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cost: $146
This exercise bike by Stamina features sturdy rubber straps that can be used for feet or hands. It has an adjustable tension knob and textured, non-slip pedals.
Key Features:
- Sturdy rubber straps
- Textured pedals
- Adjustable tension knob
- Digital monitor
- Non-slip rubber feet
- Measures 19 x 12.25 x 15.25 inches
Cost: $38
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike
This exercise bike features pedals that can be used for feet or hands. It also has 8 resistance levels and LCD monitor. It supports users up to 220 pounds.
Key Features:
- Safety pedal straps
- 8 resistance levels
- LCD monitor
- Carrying handle
- Supports users up to 220 pounds
Cost: $90
This exercise bike by TODO features steel construction, compact design, and adjustable resistance. Each pedal has a non-slip surface with molded finger grips and adjustable toe loops for added comfort and safety.
Key Features:
- Adjustable resistance
- Steel construction
- Non-slip pedals with molded finger grips and adjustable toe loops
- LCD monitor
- Anti-scratch rubber feet
Cost: $47
Pedal exerciser by Vaunn comes fully assembled and it can be used for arms and legs alike. It features triple-layered chrome construction, a non-slip, ribbed rubber platform, and non-skid feet for stability and safety.
Key Features:
- Triple-layered chrome construction
- Adjustable tension
- Non-slip, ribbed rubber platform
- Non-skid feet
- Adjustable straps
- Fully assembled
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $30
