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If you’ve had to work from home these past few years, there’s a good chance you’ve felt like you haven’t been moving around as much and getting your daily steps in. On top of that that, many gyms are either still closed, shut down permanently, or people understandably don’t feel comfortable working out in such close proximity to others.
That’s where an under-the-desk fitness device fits in flawlessly. These machines keep your circulation going and can even enhance alertness and focus, all while you’re multi-tasking and not losing any productivity time.
These are also ideal for keeping your legs and body moving instead of staying stationary for hours at a time. A little exercise can go a long way in how you feel physically and mentally all day.
Under-Desk Exercise Equipment Buying Guide
For this guide, we took a look at two main types of under-desk exercisers — seated ellipticals for regular desks, as well as smaller-sized treadmills for people with standing desks. Here’s what you should consider.
Sitting vs. Standing: Choosing your under-desk exercise equipment all depends on your office space and how much room you have under your desk. If you have a standing desk you’re happy with, a small treadmill to walk while you work might be the perfect addition. For those who prefer sitting, one of these small ellipticals can slide right under your desk, letting you pedal with adjustable resistance for as long as you want. If you have a hydraulic desk that changes heights, you might want to try an elliptical machine.
Screen: Most machines have at least a small LCD screen to tell you basic stats, like the distance you’ve traveled and an estimate of how many calories you’ve burned. Since the machine will be under your desk, an attached screen often ends up in a spot where you can’t see it, but some companies have found clever workarounds for this, like a detachable screen that sits on your desk’s surface. A small screen can only tell you so much though, but having Bluetooth connectivity to your phone opens up the opportunity for much more detailed information right in the accompanying app.
Noise:If you’re working out while you work, a noisy machine can be a big distraction. Most of the machines we tested sounded quiet, but some created a revving or whooshing sound that was hard to ignore even with headphones.
Measurements: For an under-desk fitness bike’s height, one that measures about a foot high should give you enough space to comfortably pedal. As for treadmills, having enough width so you won’t be constrained to a perfectly straight line is important.
Extras: Things like grips and a non-slip surface on pedals is a simple addition that can go a long way for comfort and proper posture. A built-in handle can also make it a lot more portable to take with you so you don’t miss a workout, even when on vacation.
