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Are Under-Desk Ellipticals Effective or A Waste Of Money?

ByMiguel Torres (PT)

Under-desk ellipticals (and bikes, and mini pedals for that matter) sound like the perfect fix for desk life: move more while sitting, no sweat required!

And after years of sitting way too much (and treating plenty of people who do the same), I can tell you that yes, under-desk ellipticals can be effective…

But only if you’re using them for the right reasons.

For example, they’re great for adding some movement while you work, keeping that blood flow going. It might even help manage some knee stiffness in some people.

But they’re not the best gadgets if you’re after a good cardio workout or for serious weight loss. Other types of equipment also provide better health benefits if you can afford them.

Let’s unpack if an under-desk elliptical is good for YOU or not, and what kind of results you can realistically expect!

Here’s when they’re effective

If you sit for hours every day and your body’s starting to feel like a stiff IKEA chair, an under-desk elliptical can be very effective.

For me, a bit of extra movement can be enough to relieve my knee stiffness after long work sessions. Studies back this up too. 

Plus, it gives that great feeling of doing something good for your body while you’re working, gaming, watching TV… talk about a win win. 

Here’s a list of cases when under-desk ellipticals are genuinely worth it:

  • You sit all day and you want bite-sized movement sessions. It can stop your body from going full sloth mode by stimulating blood flow and waking up your muscles.

  • You deal with stiff hips or knees. The light elliptical motion keeps joints lubricated without stressing them. It can be far gentler than jogging or even standing desks for many people.

  • You like multitasking. Meetings, Netflix, writing… you can pedal through them all.

  • You treat it like a fidget tool, not your personal trainer. It’s “keep my blood moving,” not “train for the Tour de France.”

  • You value consistency over intensity, with small bouts that add up through the day.

Plus, you don’t have to change clothes, shower, or psych yourself up. Just… sit there and move a little!

Other underrated perks:

  • Helps prevent that “dead butt” feeling after long sitting blocks (talking from experience).

  • They don’t take up much space 

So if you want to add more movement to your day without lifestyle overhauls, an under desk elliptical might be excellent for you. 

Here are more benefits (and disadvantages) of under-desk bikes and ellipticals if you want to dive a bit deeper into the science.

They’re a waste of money if…

You’re buying it to lose weight or “get fit.” 

Under-desk devices live in the light-intensity world. This means they do burn calories (even folding laundry does), but they’re not designed for sustained, workout-level effort. 

If fat loss is the goal, you’ll get farther with a consistent calorie deficit plus moderate exercise you can actually tolerate. Here’s a guide on how to use these gadgets for weight loss. 

Also, be careful if you have lower back pain.

Back pain tends to respond better to movement variety (standing, walking, change positions) than to any single gadget.

If you already have a standing desk and you can afford/handle the logistics, a treadmill or walking pad might be a much better alternative.

Yes they’re bulkier and more faff to move in/out, but most healthy people will reap more health benefits from those than from under-desk ellipticals or mini pedals.

Finally, be honest about adherence.

Any equipment will be a waste of money if you don’t use it consistently. 

If you know you’ll shove it under the bed after a week, save your money. If seeing it at your feet will nudge you to move, that’s a different story.

What to expect from an under-desk elliptical? 

Think of an under-desk elliptical as a mobility assistant, not a personal trainer.

  • It won’t build big cardio or visible muscle in most healthy people. Walking, lifting weights, etc will.

  • It will make long sitting blocks feel less awful.

  • It can help with work performance when you keep resistance light.

How to actually stick to it (without hating it)

  • Start easy. Aim for an “easy cruise” feel during typing or meetings, dial it up only for passive tasks.

  • Mind your setup. Raise your desk a bit if you can, or scoot back so your knees don’t hit. Here are more tips on how to use it. 

  • Listen to your body. You can feel discomfort if the setup is off or if you’re pushing it, experts say. If your knees or ankles grumble, lower the resistance, do shorter bouts, tweak seat height/desk clearance. 

  • Stack habits. For example, pedal a bit every time you’re answering emails, or every time you’re on a call. Remember that a little bit is always better than zero.

Here are more tips on how to use an under-desk bike/elliptical!

So, Is an Under Desk Elliptical Right for You?

If you’re trying to stay active during your workday without committing to full-on workouts, an under desk elliptical can be a game-changer. 

It won’t replace a gym session, but it will help you move more, and that adds up faster than you think.

Whether you want to go all-in or just test it out, here are a few solid options to get started:

  • Want the best of the best? Cubii JR1. This is the top pick for a reason. It’s smooth, sturdy, quiet, and built for everyday use. If you know you’re ready to commit, this is the one to get.

  • Looking for a solid alternative? Putnen Electric Elliptical. Not as popular as the Cubii, but still a good pick with positive reviews and a comfortable stride.

Adding even a little movement into your routine makes it easier to stay consistent, and that’s where real progress happens!