More people than ever are working from home. That means we sit at our desks all day whether at home or in the office.
It can make for a sedentary lifestyle. One item that can help you break away from desk life is an under desk bike or elliptical machine.
Check out our guide to find out which under desk machine is perfect for you.
Exploring Under Desk Ellipticals
- Less Expensive
One huge advantage of under desk elliptical machines is they are inexpensive compared to under desk bikes and other cardio machines. - Work While You Exercise
Under desk ellipticals are ideal for exercising while you work. You can continue to type and take phone calls while you exercise your lower body. - Small And Compact
You can fit these small ellipticals directly under your desk. They can sit right next to your computer tower without impeding your desk chair. - Great For General Fitness
An elliptical machine is great for getting your heart rate up and building muscular strength in your legs. - Improves Cardiovascular Health
If you exercise daily, you will increase your heart rate and blood flow. This can significantly improve your cardiovascular health and endurance. - Provides Impact-Free Exercise
Since most of us work at a desk all day, our joints can only take so much impact. Ellipticals are impact-free and easier on your joints than jogging. - Strong, Durable, And Safe
Under desk ellipticals are made of high-grade steel and polymer. They will last for years with little maintenance. - Easy To Assemble
Under-desk ellipticals require little to no assembly. They typically come pre-assembled, and you can stow them under your desk without breaking them down. - Variable Resistance Level
You can change the resistance settings on an under-desk elliptical to help you build muscle or break a sweat. Most of these machines come with a variable resistance knob.
Under Desk Bike vs. Elliptical Compared
So many professionals want to work out and increase their muscular strength and endurance. Many of us can’t find the time between work and home life.
The good news is that you can invest in a cardio machine that allows you to exercise while you work. Under desk bikes and ellipticals are your answer to staying fit while you work.
- Workout
The main difference in the workout type for a bike versus an elliptical is how you move your legs. On an under desk bike, you move your legs in a circular motion. On an under-desk elliptical, your legs move back and forth. This difference in movement will affect which muscles are worked out. - Space
An under-desk bike will require your legs to move up and down more than an under-desk elliptical. If you have limited desk height, then you might want to for the under-desk elliptical machine. If you have limited space towards the front of your desk, then an under desk bike might be better for you. - Feet Placement
On a bike, your feet are placed into pedals with foot straps. On an elliptical, your feet are placed on the top of two platforms. An under-desk elliptical has a wider foot platform, which can allow you to change the positioning of your feet. This can help you exercise different leg muscles. - Leg Muscles
Both of these machines workout similar muscle groups but in different ways. Both under-desk ellipticals and bikes work your hamstrings and quadriceps. Ellipticals might work your glutes slightly more than an exercise bike. While an exercise bike works out your calves and quads more. This can change due to machine and foot placement, however. - Stride Movement
An under-desk elliptical machine moves your feet and legs in a back and forth motion. An under desk bike machine moves your legs in a circular motion. Ellipticals feel more like you are shuffling or gliding. An exercise bike makes you feel like you are riding a traditional bicycle. - Smooth And Quiet Operation
Both of these machines are quiet. You can work out at your desk and not disturb others. We found an exercise bike to be slightly quieter, but not by much. As long as the model you buy is stable, you should not have any issues with the noise level. - Resistance
Depending on the model you choose, both under desk bikes and ellipticals can have variable resistance levels. Some of the cheaper models will not come with a built-in resistance knob. If you want to increase the intensity of your workouts, then you should look into a model that comes with variable resistance. - Equipment Cost
Under desk exercise bikes and ellipticals are similar in price. They cost around $200 or less. You can find cheaper models for both types of machines. Keep in mind that some of the lower-end models may not come with some of the features you need. If you want a simple machine, then a less expensive model might work for you.
Getting the Most Out of Your Cardio Equipment
Under Desk Bikes
- You should focus on pedaling downward to activate your quads, hamstrings, and calves.
- Focus on keeping your upper body still while you pedal. If you keep a good posture, your legs will be forced to do more of the work. This will increase your muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness.
- Start slowly and see how it goes. You might need to make some adjustments if your knees hit your desk. We recommend keeping a slow and steady pace while you work.
Under Desk Ellipticals
- Place your feet firmly on the elliptical platform. Make sure you are moving slowly at first to avoid any mishaps. You can pick up speed once you are sure you have plenty of space under your desk.
- Track your progress while you exercise at work. Try to do a few more minutes every day to see if you can beat your previous record. This will help you stay on track and meet your fitness goals.
- Always sit up straight in your chair to target your leg muscles.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can you lose weight with under desk cardio equipment
Under-desk cardio equipment can burn calories just like any other cardio machine. It is estimated that an under-desk cardio machine can burn as many as 100-150 calories per hour. Decreasing your sedentary time will always burn calories.
Does the elliptical burn belly fat?
The elliptical can burn belly fat if you are using it correctly. The more you increase your heart rate, the more fat you will burn. You can monitor your heart rate while you exercise to see if you are entering a fat-burning state.
Do under desk bikes and ellipticals burn many calories?
While these machines may not burn as many calories as stand-up cardio machines, they can still burn between 100 and 150 calories per hour.
Do workplaces allow the use of these machines?
Most workplaces will allow you to use one of these cardio machines. However, we recommend asking your supervisor if it would be okay before you make a purchase.
