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Since most people these days work at a desk on a computer, the number of people with health problems associated with being sedentary has risen considerably. Sitting for long periods of time can bring about issues that include diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Other ailments that are associated with the sedentary lifestyle include heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and even some cancers.
Others take care of this problem by using healthier working options like sit/stand desks and desk converters that allow them to work standing up. There are some however who cannot work using such tools. This is where alternative options for trying to stay healthy comes in.
How do you try to stay healthy while working on a regular desk? The answer is exercise equipment that can be easily stored and used while you’re seated on your desk. One example of this is the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical machine.
How Effective are Under Desk Ellipticals?
An under desk cycle and elliptical machine like the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical is a good tool to have if you want to live a healthier life. While these don’t really give you the kind of workout that you can expect from going to a gym or engaging in an active sport, these do help you stay moderately healthy. This alone should encourage you to have such a tool under your desk.
One question most individuals ask when they consider getting an under-desk elliptical trainer and cycle machine is, are these effective in keeping the negative effects of a sedentary life at bay? The answer is, yes, as long as you use it regularly and in the right way. Some of the benefits that one can get from having such equipment under their desk include the following:
Weight loss – Some individuals who use under-desk exercise equipment find that they lose weight when they use these regularly. The calorie-burning effect of these machines is dependent on a number of factors that include the current weight of the user, age, and how often these are used.
Toning – Some users utilize under desk ellipticals to help tone parts of their lower body. The trick to doing this is where these are placed under the desk. For example, to tone stomach muscles, an under desk workout machine has to be moved further from the body and the user has to sit in an inclined manner.
Cardio – Another use an elliptical has is to strengthen the heart and to get some cardio in while working. If you cannot squeeze in an hour of walking or exercise in a day to get your daily cardio, this is your next best option.
Learn more about desk bikes in our complete guide and find the best ones in the market.
Which is Better: Elliptical or Bike Under Desk?
Ellipticals and under-desk bikes have many key similarities and differences. Both machines can aid in burning calories and help in increasing one’s movement. When it comes to differences, a bike is pedaled in a circular motion, while an elliptical has a forward and backward motion. A bike requires more desk space, while an elliptical can be used with a low desk height.
As for usability, an elliptical is limited for lower body exercises only. On the other hand, a bike can also be used for an upper-body workout. Both are great ways to add movement to an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. If you require upper body movement and have a high desk height, you may go for an under desk bike. But if you just want to get your feet moving and you’ve got a pretty low desk, you may go for an under desk elliptical.
About the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical Machine
| Manufacturer | FitDesk |
| Model | Under Desk Elliptical |
| Dimensions | 30 x 10 x 20 inches |
| Weight | 31 lbs. |
Finding the time to do a workout in between all your busy office schedule, recreational and relaxation activities almost seem impossible, but thanks to innovation, there are now low-impact fitness machines that allow you to be active even while you’re seated. The FitDesk Elliptical is one of those machines. Perfect for desk use, this elliptical trainer comes with a host of features that can aid you in your daily workouts. It has 8 resistance levels ideal for any user, low height rotations, wheels for portability, and a sturdy frame construction. It has also garnered numerous positive user reviews on Amazon. Take a look.
FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical Features
With so many under desk bikes and exercise equipment to choose from, you may wonder what this particular product has to offer. What does the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical bring to the table, so to speak? Here are some of its notable features:
Perfectly Sized to Fit Most Desks
The FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical can be used under desks that have at least 25 inches clearance. In other words, the FitDesk Elliptical can be used even under desks that are rather low and this is due to its pedal height rotation which is below 8 inches. Thanks to its low rotation height, your knees won’t hit any surface and you won’t have trouble using this anywhere.
Moreover, the FitDesk can be attached to your office chair and even at the bottom of your work desk. Its wheel lock keeps you and your chair in place whenever you use it.
Great Design Features
The FitDesk has a design that offers stability and portability. It has pedals made of heavy-duty nylon, with a length and size that can accommodate any shoe size. Its rear base is integrated with a rolling foot massager, while the front base has small wheels that allows you to roll the FitDesk when holding it with a handle. It also has rubberized feet stabilizers to protect your floor from damage and offer additional stability.
Smooth and Quiet Operation
If you’re worried that an exercise machine under your office table would be too noisy or will bother your co-workers around you, worry not. This machine has a feature that allows it to operate smoothly and quietly. This is because of its construction and the use of a twin belt drive and balanced flywheel that lets you pedal noiselessly. It also makes use of a fluid shuffle motion that larger gym ellipticals use.
Choose from 8 Resistance Levels
This Fitdesk Elliptical has none other than a magnetic resistance system consisting of a small magnetic brake attached to a level. It has 8 resistance levels, ideal for any user whether they’re beginners or advanced. You can adjust your workout to be a bit more relaxed or intense with the use of the hands-free tension adjustment. No need to bend over to adjust the tension and resistance of your elliptical. All you have to do is nudge the foot shifter to adjust the elliptical machine’s resistance level.
With Digital Display
Want to keep track of your workout from day one? Want to set specific daily goals on your under desk machine? The digital display that comes with this desk elliptical shows you your workout stats to keep track of your progress. These include distance pedaled, speed, time pedaled, and more.
Pros and Cons of the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Has 8 resistance levels ✔ Hands-free tension adjustment ✔ Low height rotation ✔ Portable and usable anywhere | ✘ Joints may squeak after a long while |
What People Are Saying About It
If your aim is to burn up about 8,000 calories even while seated, then the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical is something that you might want to have. This elliptical trainer has a variety of resistance settings that can accommodate any user, whether they’re a beginner or experienced one. It has a feature that allows it to move smoothly and quietly, letting anyone do a workout without disturbing others. Furthermore, it has a light product weight, front wheels, and a handle that enables any user to take and use it anywhere, anytime. For its price, this elliptical can be a good buy.
“The Fitdesk Under Desk Elliptical is one of the products that offer an alternative way to keep healthy. If you often find yourself without the time to exercise, or with health issues that prevent you exercising in other ways then this may be the ideal product for you.”
Reviewer
Go Standing
Where to Buy FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical
The bottom line is that if you don’t want to become one of the many who suffer from health issues due to a sedentary lifestyle, you should consider purchasing the FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical. Products like this in the market can be used while watching TV, while working at your table in the office, or while working at home. If our review convinced you to get your own, this is available on Amazon for a good price and many shipping options. It is easy to set up and use. Just place under your desk and start pedaling.
Looking for other desk bikes? Check our reviews page to find one in the market that suits your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Other Good Fitness Bicycles?
If you want something that’s also portable and can be used under the table, you might want to check out the Cubii Jr. which has a slightly higher price tag. Check out our full review of the Cubii Jr. here.
On the other hand, if you want a device that can accommodate an upper body workout, you might want to look at the FitDesk 2.0 Desk Bicycle. Unlike its sibling, this product comes with extra features and a higher price. You can purchase it on Amazon and enjoy shipping deals.
