If you spend most of the day sitting at a desk desktopit's important to find ways to incorporate some movement. Row research have shown that prolonged sedentary behavior increases the risk of a number of health problems, including heart problems, diabetes and even cancer. Good news: you can easily add movement to your day with an elliptical trainer under the table.
As the name suggests, this compact machine fits perfectly under your desk and has pedals that you can press while you type. They can also complement other physical activities you do throughout the day, says Brian Wright, physical therapist and owner Wright Physical Therapy in Idaho.
To help you with your shopping, I asked fitness experts about what to look for when buying an under desk elliptical and got their recommendations on which one is the best one to buy.
How I chose the best elliptical trainers to put under your desk
I interviewed fitness professionals about what to look for when purchasing a desk-mounted elliptical machine. Here's what they say you should focus on:
- Resistance levels: “A model with adjustable resistance levels allows you to choose how intense your elliptical workout is,” says Wright. When you are actively working, you may need a lower resistance. But if you're taking a break, you might want to increase your resistance.
- Noise level: “If you're using an elliptical under your desk in an office or working from home, you'll want something relatively quiet so it won't distract you or your co-workers,” says Wright.
- Stability: Look for an elliptical that can be placed under your desk and will stay in place when you place it under your desk. If it wobbles during use, it will be uncomfortable and distracting. The heavier model will remain, but it will be difficult to move. You can also look for models with anti-slip rubber treads, Wright says.
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Best Under Desk Elliptical Trainers
To find the best elliptical trainers to fit under your desk, I took expert advice and rounded up top-rated options.
Best Overall
“Cubii is one of the leading brands of under-desk elliptical trainers due to their ergonomic design,” says Wright. This version has a built-in LCD display that shows calories burned, distance traveled, RPM and other metrics. Eight resistance levels help you vary your workouts, and Cubii also has a variety of at-home workout videos led by personal trainers. Facebook page.
Best suited for low tables
“I prefer sleeker styles because they're easier to store,” says Karisa Karmali, personal trainer and company founder. Self-love and fitness. This option has a smaller footprint than most of the other models on this list: the elliptical can fit under a desk in just 24 inches, according to the brand. It also has a quiet flywheel and eight intensity levels, ranging from warm-up to intense intervals.
Best Quiet Option
While it's one of the larger models on our list, the brand says it has eight resistance levels to personalize your workout and an LCD screen to track your health and workout metrics. It has non-slip pedals and the magnetic strap is silent so it won't distract you or others. The under-desk elliptical is also highly rated, with an average rating of 4.4 stars based on more than 13,200 reviews on Amazon.
The most versatile
Unlike other models on this list, you can use this elliptical while sitting or standing. You can also pedal forward and backward, which will help you target different muscles. The LCD screen allows you to track your steps per minute, workout time, and calories burned.
Best portable option
This Ancheer seated elliptical trainer features a remote control to adjust settings instead of a traditional resistance knob, so you won't have to reach under your desk to adjust it. You can also use it while it's unplugged or plugged in, making it more portable than other options on the market. Like the other options on our list, the pedal positions are textured for better grip, and the machine tracks time, speed, calories, and distance.
Best budget option
At under $60, this is the most affordable elliptical on the list that can be placed under your desk. It has 12 speed levels and you can move both forward and backward. You can control the settings manually or using the included remote control. Rubber pads on the bottom keep it in place, the brand says.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and credentials based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are provided independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Brian Wright is a physical therapist and owner Wright Physical Therapy in Idaho.
- Karisa Karira Kar personal trainer and founder Self-love and fitness.
Why trust NBC Select?
I participant at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this article, I interviewed two fitness experts about the benefits of under-desk ellipticals and how to buy one.
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