Stay Active While WFH With an Under Desk Bike

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DESK-JOB BLUES got you down? Whether you're clocking in long hours at the desk or working on your lower-body range of motion, the best under desk bikes are a great option. Jess Malpelli, PT, DPT, a pro from Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, gives them a thumbs up, saying, "Under desk exercise bikes are excellent options to combat the negative effects of a sedentary job." That's a major perk, given prolonged sitting has been associated with health issues including spine problems, compromised heart health, weight gain, and, in some cases, depression.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

The best under desk bikes conveniently fit under your desk, allowing you to pedal away while you work (or stream your favorite show, play video games, or whatever.) While under desk exercise bikes don't replace regular exercise, they offer a an efficient way to stay somewhat active throughout the day. With their low-impact strides, the best under desk bikes are your go-to for upping your daily movement while keeping things easy on your knees, no extreme bending required. The best under desk bikes even feature low noise levels, so users can sneak in some light movement during a business call without anyone knowing.

On the hunt for the top under desk bikes? Here's the lowdown. Look for a rig that offers adjustment options to amp up your under-desk activity like increasing your stride speed or resistance. Some under-desk machines even come equipped with removable resistance bands, providing an opportunity to get your upper body working too.

Now, let’s dive into the contenders that made our list. Remember, these under desk exercise bikes aren't here to replace your hardcore workouts—think of them more as a tool for breaking up a sedentary slump.

Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

This under desk bike is a favorite because it's easy to use, easy to adjust, and works well with nearly every desk/chair combo out there. Simply place your feet on the flat pedals and adjust the straps for a personalized fit. Non-slip rubber caps on the end of each leg keep the machine from moving around while in use, too.

The machine itself is extremely quiet, too. It can provide up to 40 pounds of resistance, so if you’re using it regularly, you can continue progressing and kicking things up a notch when you feel like it.

Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

Rebab your arms or legs with this low-impact mini bike trainer, depending on how you use it. It's small enough to fit under nearly any desk and chair you may use it with, and also small enough to sit atop your desk when you want to get some upper body movement in.

Adjust the resistance level according to your preference, knowing that there are eight options to increase or decrease the load. The LCD screen keeps track of your time, count, calories, and distance. Plus, you can choose from five different color options to suit your decor.

Mini Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

We love this machine for use on slick, non-carpeted floors because it comes with a non-slip mesh mat that fits seamlessly underneath. The machine weighs an ultra light 8.5-pounds, but the mat does a great job at keep things stable and steady in place during use.

And if that’s not enough stability, use the provided strap to affix it to the base of your chair. The LCD screen on top is teeny-tiny, but keeps tabs on all the essentials: time, distance, total count and calories burned.

Under Desk Magnetic Cycle Pedals Mini Exercise Bike

Thanks to the magnetic resistance of this under cycle device, you’ll barely hear anything when you push and pull the pedals through a seven-inch length stride. To keep tabs on your activity, look down to the screen to track your speed, time, distance, and calories burned.

It offers eight different levels of resistance and can be used on the floor for traditional cycling or atop a desk for upper body movement. Our only qualm is that it sits really low to the ground when positioned for lower body use, so reaching the resistance knob may not be accessible for everyone.

Fitness Portable Under Desk Stationary Pedal Machine

If you're in the market for an entry-level under desk exerciser or prefer a budget-friendly option, the Wakeman Fitness Portable Under Desk Stationary Pedal Machine could be an excellent fit. The LCD monitor tracks your time, revolutions per minute, total revolutions, and total calories burned.

Setting up the bike was a breeze, as the unit arrived almost fully assembled. Adjust the pedal resistance to your comfort level, place your feet on the non-slip pedals, strap them in, and get pushing.

Medical Folding Under Desk Bike

We found the bike's lightweight design and foldable legs to be particularly appealing as another great entry-level option, ensuring easy portability. While this machine folds with the simple press of a quick release button, while open, its wide base and heavy-duty frame make it extremely safe and stable for most users.

It’s lower than other options on the market, so it should fit under most if not all desks. It's petite nature makes it great for use on your upper body, too!

Move

Ok, you got us. The Cubii Move is not a traditional under desk bikes. It's actually a manually-powered under desk elliptical. The smooth elliptical motion of this under desk machine helps keep it extremely quiet while you pedal, so you can use it even during conference calls.

It features adjustable resistance, a display to view metrics, easy setup, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. This machine is more expensive than most options on this list, but our testing revealed it's one of the most sturdy feeling, too. It also weighs less than 20 pounds, so it’s easily portable if you need to move it from room to room.

Sit2Go F1

Not only do you get an under desk cycle with this machine, but you get a built-in chair, too—it’s the perfect alternative to a typical office chair. Plus, you won't need to worry about the height of a separate chair being compatible with the height of the under desk bike. This 2-in-1 design makes things easy.

The breathable mesh fabric on the backrest allows for ample airflow, so you never get too hot. The seat is easily adjustable with a one-touch lever, however, we found it lacked suitable lumbar support for most testers. Slip a pillow behind your back, and it's incredibly comfortable.

What to Look for When Shopping for an Under Desk Bike

We understand that finding the best under desk bike for you can be a bit overwhelming with the variety of options available. Let's break it down to make your decision-making process easy and informed.

Style: When it comes to style, under desk bicycles and under desk ellipticals are often grouped together. Consider the comfort factor—ellipticals are often quieter, while bicycles offer a fuller range of motion. To help you decide, think about whether you prefer the motion of biking or using an elliptical. As Dr. Malpelli suggests, "While these fitness tools are similar, the motion of biking versus using an elliptical is not identical."

Size and weight: Portability is key, especially if you plan to take your under desk workout to various locations. Check the weight of the bike to ensure it's easy to move.

It's also a good idea to measure the dimensions and compare them with your desk's height to ensure a proper fit. Keep in mind the clearance for your knees during use.

Resistance: Look for models with adjustable resistance to scale up the intensity of your workouts. This feature is crucial for building strength while pedaling or striding. Ensure your under-desk exerciser allows you to customize your workouts to make them more challenging.

Stability: Under desk bikes are lighter by definition, so stability is a valid concern. Choose a model that's secure and heavy enough to stay put during use, and consider using a non-slip mat underneath for the best experience. "Look to see if the machine comes with a non-slip pad, an anchoring strap, or choose one that weighs more so it stays put," says Dr. Malpelli.

Setup: Nobody wants to spend hours setting up a fitness machine, so check the setup process before purchasing. Some under desk bikes come fully assembled, while some require a little more work to get up and running.

Noise Level: Considering using the machine during work? Opt for a model that isn't too noisy, especially if you'll be taking phone or video calls. A quiet under desk bike ensures you can seamlessly integrate your workout into your work routine without distractions.

Benefits of an Under Desk Bike

Integrating an under desk bike into your workspace can have perks for both your physical health and productivity. According to fitness experts like Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., Men's Health Fitness Director, pedaling while working offers a low-impact alternative to traditional sitting, reducing sedentary time throughout your day. The continuous, gentle motion of pedaling can also be effective in promoting blood circulation in the legs while sitting.

Research from sources like the American Council on Exercise suggests that incorporating physical activity, even in the form of under desk cycling, can even enhance cognitive function and focus. By pedaling discreetly under your desk, you're not just getting a workout—you're potentially boosting your mental clarity and overall well-being. It's a win-win for your body and your mind.

How Does an Under Desk Bike Compare to a Treadmill?

When comparing under desk bikes to under desk treadmills, the key distinction is in your seating arrangement (or lack thereof). Under desk bikes allow you to comfortably sit, offering a lower-impact option.

Under desk treadmills, on the other hand, may burn more calories as they require you to move your whole body, but they come with a trade-off—standing. They are also larger and heavier, making them less maneuverable.

Plus, we've found that the potential noise from walking on a treadmill is typically greater than that of an under desk bike. So, if you prefer a seated, lower-impact experience that's gentler, quieter, and more compact, an under desk bike might be your pedal-perfect choice.

How We Evaluated the Best Under Desk Bikes

For the past year, we consulted with Men's Health fitness editors, as well as key fitness trainers from both MH's Advisory board and MH's Strength in Diversity Initiative. They spent months of hands-on time with under-desk bikes from top fitness brands to evaluate them on durability, quality, and training efficiency. When evaluating each under desk bike, we looked at factors like resistance, adjustability, size, and aesthetic. We also considered cost, as some under desk bikes offer a better overall value than others.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations.

Our writers and editors are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage, which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

Read More About Our Favorite Home Fitness Equipment

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