Last time, we reviewed under desk treadmills and electric standing desks to help keep people from experiencing the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Now, to help you be more active and fit even while working at home or in the office, we are reviewing under desk ellipticals and seated elliptical machines. Having one in your office or home can at least keep the blood in your legs flowing or keep you focused and alert.
Some office jobs require employees to sit for long periods, increasing their chances of having back pains, bad posture, and to an extent, even heart problems in the long run. More so, we are still amid a pandemic with us still confined in our homes longer with our movements are still quite restricted. With boredom comes being glued to the screen or on our mobile devices. But the good news is, we have solutions to help you stay fit and healthy, at least, to augment the time that you cannot get up and do your normal exercise routine.
Another benefit of a seated elliptical goes to people who are into rehab. The repeated movement helps free the nerves from blockage, encourages blood flow, and re-wires the body and the mind to “remember” how was it like to walk or run again. A seated elliptical exerciser is helpful for people recovering from accidents, the elderly, or are undergoing physical therapy.
But of course, even without injuries, you can still find delight in elliptical sitting. An under desk elliptical does not intervene with your usual relaxing routine while also allowing you to make the most out of it. You get to watch your favorite shows, play while exercising, or even have your snack while keeping your feet and legs strong and toned.
Do you want to start reaping the vast benefits of an under desk elliptical? We rounded up 3 of the best ones in the market. Read on.
Best Under Desk Ellipticals for Your Home or Office – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical – (Editor’s Choice) | Comes with a ChairLock to allow you to use different types of chairs with it, even wheeled ones | Check Price |
| DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine | Runs using magnetic resistance | Check Price |
| ORBITREK MX – Motorized Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine | Provides 2-way motorized action (you can pedal forward and backward) | Check Price |
Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical – Editor’s Choice
This under desk elliptical is best for a multitude of purposes. Whether you want to stay consistent with your active lifestyle while working, playing, or just simply relaxing; or, you need help with your rehab and physical therapy, the Cubii JR 2 is a wonderful and reliable companion for you.
You can get a lot of positive Cubii reviews online from satisfied users. No wonder, the Cubii JR has birthed a successor. You can experience some enhanced features but with the same great performance.
This under desk elliptical comes with a digital LCD monitor with adjustable buttons on the equipment itself. It displays different information about each session such as calories burned, time lapsed, strides per minute, and total distance pedaled.
The Cubii elliptical comes with 8 levels of resistance to help you with your goals. Each level introduces challenges to help your feet and legs strengthen, get toned, and even recover from an injury. You experience smooth gliding motions for a low-impact yet beneficial exercise. It also comes with adjustable foot straps for safety and convenience.
When it comes to ergonomics, this Cubii under desk elliptical also hits the right spots. The natural elliptical motion also allows a healthy individual to use it even while seated. It also comes with a ChairLock so it stays in place as you exercise.
This under desk elliptical also comes with a companion app that you can use to record your progress manually. Set goals and monitor your progress, and do them all on your smartphone.
Pros
- Provides a total of 8 resistance levels
- Comes with a ChairLock to allow you to use different types of chairs with it, even wheeled ones
- Provides low-impact and natural elliptical motion so it is safe to use by injured or elderly without compromising results
- Comes with a companion app to record progress manually
- Lightweight and portable; it comes with a handle
Cons
- Companion app could be more helpful if data can be transferred remotely than doing it manually
Conclusion
The Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical is dependable under desk elliptical that can be used by many types of users, even kids, the elderly, and the injured.
DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine
This under desk elliptical allows you to multi-task, but not the kind that will cause you to burn out or focus less. Instead, it keeps you alert even during long bouts of sitting in the office or desk. You can now exercise while you work, do your homework, or just relax in front of the TV or while tinkering with your mobile devices. In turn, you will be more productive and live life with less stress without having to stop doing your job and other important tasks.
The DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine runs using magnetic resistance. This allows for smooth movements that also cause less impact on the user’s legs and feet. You are supported by a premium-grade flywheel and sturdy base and pedals. This under desk elliptical also runs quietly so you can go on with your work or relaxation without distractions.
This compact elliptical machine comes with an LCD monitor that displays important elements about your workout. View calories burned, RPM, distance, etc. The display is also removable so you can put it in a place where you can easily view it and monitor your progress in real-time.
This desk elliptical comes with 8 resistance levels, making it a great companion to elevate your fitness level. Meanwhile, this also helps to gradually introduce a challenge to a person on physical therapy or rehab. Yet, a low-impact exercise can also be helpful for seniors looking to stay active without risking their health. Overall, this under desk elliptical helps people of all ages to stay fit and active even amid their jobs or other important stuff to attend to.
Pros
- Runs using magnetic resistance
- Supported by a premium-grade flywheel and sturdy base and pedals
- Runs quietly
- Comes with a 6-function control panel with an LCD monitor
- Provides 8 resistance levels
Cons
- No remote control
Conclusion
The DeskCycle Ellipse Under Desk Elliptical Machine is compact and portable to be an exercise companion for people poring hours on desk jobs. It is also helpful for people recuperating from injuries, as well for the elderly, even to anyone who just wants to stay healthy and active.
ORBITREK MX – Motorized Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine
This under desk elliptical provides users with a total of 8 options/levels of exercise. Choose between 3 training modes to suit your goals and current level. Meanwhile, you can also progress your fitness level with 5-speed settings. Gradually take your level a notch higher as you see improvements so you can continue introducing the challenge to your body and avoid plateauing.
Mini ellipticals like this are also helpful to people who are undergoing physical therapy. It provides low-impact exercises to help the body, particularly the legs and feet, recuperate from injury. It is also designed to be used even while seated, so even seniors with issues over mobility and balance can still use and benefit from it.
The ORBITREK MX – Motorized Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine is also easy to operate and use. It provides 2-way motorized action and is also compact and portable to allow you to be more flexible with your location during each exercise session. This under desk elliptical comes with a remote control to adjust the settings like on/off, training mode, and speed level.
Meanwhile, you can also access the controls on the under desk elliptical itself if you prefer. The exerciser also comes with a remote control holder for your convenience. This compact elliptical also has a built-in LCD that displays important stats about your workout like distance, calories burned, number of strides, and time-lapsed.
This under desk elliptical provides the right resistance to produce results without causing discomfort and strain to the user. This allows injured and elderly to benefit from it as well.
Pros
- Provides with 8 options/levels of exercise – 3 training modes and 5-speed settings
- Controls can be accessed/adjusted using the remote control or the built-in control panel with an LCD monitor
- Provides 2-way motorized action (you can pedal forward and backward)
- Comes with textured pedals that are also made extra wide to accommodate more types of users
Cons
- A bit heavier to be constantly moved around
Conclusion
The ORBITREK MX – Motorized Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine is convenient to use with its multiple control access (remote or via the built-in control panel with LCD). I also love the 2-way motorized action and the extra-wide pedals.
Final Verdict
Small ellipticals might be smaller versions of the full-featured one, but they can still be beneficial for many people. It also helps you to multi-task at home or in the office, and utilize your “lazy days” better by still staying fit and active.
Looking at the features, the best under desk elliptical on this list is the Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical.
The Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical is flexible with its 8 resistance levels. The ChairLock is also a nice feature that allows you to use it with different chairs, even with wheels. Though I look forward to the companion app being more helpful when it can already connect to the under desk elliptical wirelessly to fetch the data.